moving school at the start of year 6

[xyx]

Wondering if anyone else has any experience of this?

My dd is at private school but my husband has been made unemployed and we are really struggling on my salary with the fees now - as well as all the other bills. My dd is aware that money is tight although we haven't wanted to worry her. I asked how she'd feel if she went to another school for Y6 (she's coming up to the end of y5 now) and she said it would be ok, but she's prefer to stay because of her friends. We could struggle on for another year of this - I feel guilty about taking her out. On the other hand she's a bright girl who gets on well with others. I can see her making the best of it and it is only a year. We've filled out all the forms but haven't sent them off yet!

I'd be grateful for any replies.

[PermaLice]

When do you have to give notice to quit to the current school? And will they take a conditional or rolling notice? It's a boring but practical question, as if you don't get written notice in before the start of next term (only days away now), you'll be committed to paying until Christmas.

Can you talk to the bursar, and see if you can get any assistance for her final year?

Where do you want her to go for secondary?

Sorry, that's all questions not any real help with your main question. But the answers to them might help provide more background to help weigh up the pros and cons.

Does she already know anyone at the potential year 6 school?

[SandStorm]

Children are very resilient and a move at the beginning of year 6 shouldn't cause too many problems - I've seen it done many times and within a couple of weeks you'd never know the child was new. Of course this is dependent on the child and the school but you know both best.

Friendships won't end because your DD moves schools.

There are the practicalities that have already been mentioned regarding the notice you will be required to give by your current school and if it becomes the case that you are committed till Christmas then I would be tempted to struggle on for the final two terms if you can.

Best of luck with whatever you decide.

[xyx]

Thanks for your responses. We would need to give notice by tomorrow so will do so and see what comes up in the state sector. If nothing does, she can stay there, the school says. Secondary is what we're really thinking about, of course, year 6 goes so quickly!

[meditrina]

In your shoes, I'd give the notice to quit as it keeps your options open and buys you a bit more thinking time. And the thinking than then include what the actual alternative school will be, as I expect your views on how well she will manage year 6 will be coloured by whether you can secure an acceptable place or if the only vacancies are in schools that are unsuitable, logistically or for any other reason.

Good luck in the hunt, and I hope that what you find eases the decision rather than complicating it.

[sashh]

Before you withdraw her go tot he library and ask them for the directory of grant making trusts. I did this at uni and got a few £K over the years. There are some charities that will pay fees in cases like this.

Try the Joint Educational Trust - their criteria is

Children aged between 7 and 13 who are dealing with problems at home, are at risk, are likely to benefit from a place in an independent school and whose families cannot meet the financial demands of this.

Or ^ The Fishmongers? Company?s Charitable Trust

Children/young people up to 19 years of age in need of a sum of money to complete schooling. Preference is given to children of single-parent families and/or those with a learning difficulty or disability, or those who come from a disadvantaged or ^

try searching at www.turn2us.org.uk

Ask the school if they have any support / bursaries.

The DSS used to (but probably don't any more) fund private schools to stop a disruption to learning. It's worth asking.