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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Anyone else unhappy with their child’s primary?

60 replies

ChilliLips · 12/03/2025 19:20

I’m a bit stuck. DD is in year 2. The school itself is fine - lots of outdoor space, nice teachers. But the classroom itself is somewhat chaotic - 1 teacher and 3 one-to-ones, severe behavioural issues in a few of the kids, half of the class are significantly behind which they’re struggling to cope with. DD is very able but I feel left to sort of drift as she doesn’t ‘need’ attention, I do understand that objectively. I met with the head because one of the children was repeatedly attacking her, only to be told they have no money and are wrangling with a large number of kids with significant delays in their learning and there’s only so much they can do. It was very honest I suppose, but he basically just told me she’s in the wrong setting.

I’m not convinced the other local state primaries are any better, from what I’ve heard. I’m getting a significant pay rise in 18 months so am considering sending her to the local prep but it feels like a last resort, as I never wanted to go down the private route. I also have a toddler who would need the same treatment. I’m also reluctant to take her away from friends unless I’m sure it’s the right thing.

If you were in this position what did you do? TIA

OP posts:
expat321 · 15/03/2025 18:55

Absolutely private school, even if it means huge sacrifices in other areas of your life. Education is the best use of money when you have bright DC.

Three 1:1s in your DDs class tells me all I need to know. Your poor DD having to put up with the failings of other parents through no fault of her own.

loadalaundry · 15/03/2025 18:55

I don't see how you can afford private on your income tbh

loadalaundry · 15/03/2025 18:48

There must be some good states in your area - I don't recognise your description at all. Worth seeing if they have space.

Changethenamey · 15/03/2025 18:26

I have had 3 DC in primary. I loved their school when I chose it for my first and they’ve all enjoyed attending. However, I would 100% send them to private if I could afford to. I actually think private primary is one of the best starts you can offer your child, even if you then put them through state secondary (we’re lucky though our 2 local colleges are outstanding with amazing exam results).

ChilliLips · 15/03/2025 18:00

Thanks all.

Money wise - I’m an average earner and DH higher. Between us we earn 90k. I’m due to get a pay rise of 20k in just over a year, pending finishing a qualification. I received an inheritance a while ago, so our mortgage is fairly small at 170k. DH is also set to receive a small inheritance of around 30,000 once conveyancing is finished.

If we sent DD we would have to send toddler DS as well when the time comes as I want to be absolutely fair. There’s a good local grammar which I would like DD to attend but that’s obviously far from a given, but a few years in a prep might stand her in better stead for the test. If she doesn’t pass I doubt we would move her back to the state system - so worse case scenario, we would have to send both of them to private until 18.

Interested in whether you think this is workable based on the above. The local privates are around 15k a year, and the senior schools 20-25. It’s a huge sum of money so not something we can enter lightly. Thanks

OP posts:
Didimum · 12/03/2025 21:15

You need an an absolute abundance of income to send two children trough private education. ‘A pay rise in 18 months’ is very vague. What are the options for secondary?

Meggy123 · 12/03/2025 20:21

This happened to my son so we moved him to a private prep school. Best thing we ever did and we hadn't planned to do it. The small class sizes and specialist teachers make such a difference

gototheshop · 12/03/2025 19:50

That is unfortunately the norm, quiet able kids are always ignored.

DC moved to private in years 2 and 4 and are thriving. Eldest is homeschooling as neither were best for her.

curious79 · 12/03/2025 19:49

I was in exactly this position, with DD responding in the same way. Sent her private after two years. Best decision ever, though took a while for her to catch up on the lost learning. From class of 35 to 11.

AnotherDayAnotherIdea · 12/03/2025 19:42

I started home schooling. But I home school because I can't afford private. I used to work in a prep, and it was lovely. Do it if you are unhappy at present, though a lot of people will tell you to save your money for secondary.