Independent schools for average students?

[Changebagsandgladrags]

This could be a stupid question. I've had a look at a couple of independent schools, DS is going into year 4.

He's scoring round about where he should be, not above average, slightly below average in writing.

I'm seriously considering independent high school. But I don't want to get into the whole tutoring for 11+ thing. Or should I begin to push him more? How far above average is the expectation for independent schools?

This is the kind of school cost-wise I've been looking at:

www.stbenedicts.org.uk/Senior-School-Admissions

[EdithWeston]

"How far above average is the expectation for independent schools?"

Depends entirely on the school. Some are high academic, others average, others anything goes.

You need to start by thinking about what features you want in his onwards education, then which schools that work for you logistically offer the best fit. Looking at 'which private schools cost £X or less' will produce answers, but probably not to the questions that really matter.

[inthename]

as Edith has said, theres every independent school imaginable, from very selective where your son would have to pass entrance tests or the 11+ right across the board to completely non selective, so if they have a place and you can afford the fees your child has a place.
So, think about where the school needs to be.
Are you wanting day or boarding
all boys or co-ed
what sort of exam results would you be aiming for
what facilities would you expect to see, do you want a particular strength in art, drama, music, sport etc
what class size would you like to see (check this as some go up to 25+ in a class)
what GCSE's do they offer
Do you want an attached 6th form
How are lessons taught, are they in 'sets' or 'streamed'

Its all of that and more I'd want to know, especially for senior school.
Also arrange visits, attend open days etc abd get a feel as to whether your ds would 'fit' in that type of school

[TalkinPeace]

Lots and lots of fee paying schools have the "wallet" entry criteria : no exams at all other than proving you are within the left hand standard deviation of IQ
they just do not make the headline

[happygardening]

As your budget is about £4600 then your obviously only looking for a day school. Are you in London, if yes I would start a more area specific school specific thread.
Yes there are plenty of non selective/not very selective independents around. But the question is why are you thinking about an independent school? They cannot make an average child into a genius, some believe an average child will get better results at an independent but I personally don't think it's that black and white, are you hoping for better pastoral care, smaller classes or are you looking for something else e.g. better sports facilities, or have you just got crap state school in your area?

[Mumzy]

Depends which area of London you're in of the top of my head: St Dunstans in Lewisham, Colfes in Lee, Forest, Bancroft, Chigwell in East London

[Sthlonmum]

If in South London/Surrey, Royal Russell is worth a look

[Mutteroo]

You've been given some good advice but as my DH is snoring & I can't sleep I'll add a bit more. What is it you believe an independent school can give that a state school cannot? There's little point in you wasting your money on private if there's a good state school on your doorstep. There are good & bad independent schools (I've experienced both), just as there are good & bad state schools & so research is vital. Also please don't worry about where your son is at in writing at this age. A friend of my son's was awful with literacy then suddenly flourished in year 5. This lad was educated fully in the state sector & he now has a place reading English Literature at uni. Your son may also be skilled in sport, art or music rather than academics & if he's confident & encouraged in the subjects he is good at this will naturally make him more confident in the subjects where he's not so good.