DS1 (Y2) is not thriving at his state primary. He's average academically, but he's not made friends and was bullied through R & Y1 (playground roughhousing until Covid stopped it and thankfully it hasn't returned). School handled it well, but it is a large 4-form one. I worry in the next few critical years he isn't going to get enough attention. From speaking to parents, every class seems to have at least 1-2 disruptive children taking up all the school's resources.
WWYD?
- Move him to the local boys prep for Y3: smaller classes, good pastoral reputation, get into drama or sports that his current school doesn't offer, better after school provisions (both DH and I work FT). Very good chance for grammar based on its leavers destinations. He is bright enough but I sometimes think he has mild ADHD or dyspraxia... a smaller school will suit him better. Calmer environment, everyone motivated. Cons: boys only (i don't mind, but 7 is young!), more academic pressure (he doesn't react well to it), more homework, split up from his sister hereon (school run logistics... state and prep are each 5 minutes drive but in opposite direction.)
- Go for 7+ at a selective private school (all through). I think he can pass it with a little practice.. famous last words! This would take the pressure off for 11+. It's co-ed, has an excellent academic reputation, all the pros of prep except you rule out grammars or other senior schools. His sister will join him. Cons: 20 minutes drive or school bus. i don't know what either child will be like and it seems a bit much to decide on a school now for the next 11 years...
- Continue at his current school and monitor. They change classes in Year 3, so we could still move in Year 4-6. With two sets of fees saved we could spend on tutors, sports clubs outside school, save up etc. I reckon only the top 2-3 in each class will make the local (superselective) grammar, most are headed for the local comp which we wouldn't send either child anyway. This means socially there is no benefit from staying too long...
Sorry it's so long... I didn't grow up here and find the system mind boggling.