Hello,
I'm wondering if you can help, I am completely clueless about private schools, I went to a comp and my husband went to a state grammar. We don't live in an area that has state grammars. DH and I both went to Oxbridge but I had a pretty horrible time at school being interested in learning and was underprepared for the Oxbridge lifestyle. Bottom line is, if DD does like learning, which we hope she does, I'd like her to be in an environment that encourages it and gives her all the opportunities she could have.
Anyway, we are very lucky and both have pretty good jobs and so private school might be an option for our DD (just turned 3). I am absolutely not saying that I think they are all better than state schools and we will visit both and see which school(s) we think DD will fit in at best, but I don't want DD to lose out due to my ignorance.
Basic questions from me:
- What are the different types of private (primary age) schools. I see just general independent schools and prep schools, are they the same?
- Does sending your child to a certain type of primary age school preclude them from going to certain secondary schools?
- Do all private schools have entrance exams/interviews? What are the different entrance years (I've heard of 7+, 11+, 13+ ) is this the same at all schools?
Any advice gratefully received! Thanks.