Private to state for sixth form - having a wobble

Like most things to do with DC, you won't know if it was the right move until after the event. It's done now so make the most of it.

It might be an idea to find the contact details now of some tutors, in case you need them later. An expense again but cheaper than private school.

When DD moved for sixth form, she applied to join the choir. She prepped a piece for her audition. The girl we car-shared with just rocked up. DD got in, the other girl didn't. Have you Has your DS thought about clubs and societies? - I think that DD made most of her friends this way. Find out about auditions / trials, get kit sorted, etc (I know he should do this himself but you know what lazy boys are like and it's a miss-it-and-it's-gone-forever sort of thing).

OP - Are we talking 2015 or 2016 here?

Does the new school offer the A-levels he'd really like to do, and will he meet their requirements for GCSE grades in each of those subjects? Has he been to their Open Day or Evening?

Our DS moved at this stage in similar circumstances.

Within a few weeks, he told us that it was the best thing that had happened, he was very happy there, made many long-lasting friendships. I can't say whether it made a difference academically.

What are the relative merits of the two schools - given that the first, with surely greater resources, couldn't turn around the laziness?

So you're moving him from a school where his peer group are expected to achieve uniformly high passes and go on to good degree courses to a sixth form where some of the DC will simply be passing the time until they hit 18? With the added bonus of girls? When he's already lazy?

Brave.

Unless he actively wants to move - and it sounds like he doesn't - I think this may come back to bite you ...

Starting a new sixth form will require him to hit the ground running academically at the same time as finding his feet socially, getting to know the staff etc. plus it's likely there'll be fewer teachers for more pupils than he's used to

We know quite a few teenagers who've switched sixth forms for one reason or another and very few have found it easy and most have not done as well as they should even when they were transferring to a more prestigious school/college

I know a few parents who have educated their children privately for years 7 to 11 and then chosen a state sixth form college. I always wonder why because the last two years are the years that really define your future in terms of A level results and uni. Assuming all was well at the private school I am not sure what the perceived benefit is.

If it was a good private school the value added should be higher than the state school, so his results are more likely to dip.

It may have the desired effect and act as a kick up the bum, but I'm not sure I would take that risk.

OP - I am afraid it has never been my opinion that incredibly lazy people do well in any school. I can't see why a state school would motivate him. You seem to be making the running in deciding what his life should be, so you may find there is a backlash if you have not involved him or listened to him.

You may find some very confident young people in a private school and rich ones but unless you are in a top top school, there will be others with more modest means. Your DD will have to be mature and not jealous. She therefore needs inner confidence in her abilities and personality . I am sure she will be fine.

We're about to do the opposite and I've got concerns too. Will ours be overwhelmed by the confidence, lifestyles, etc. Also will she be out of step intellectually coming from a comp that didn't live up to expectations?