Private to Average Comp

We went the other way but later on - we didn't move them because we were unhappy with state schooling. My eldest went all the way through a comprehensive and came out with very good academic results, a host of fabulous experiences and lifelong friends.

I wouldn't say it was less pressure either - they had high expectations of bright children just as much as the public school, possibly more so. On the whole, teachers are often better qualified in state schools and certainly subject to more scrutiny.
What are you worried about from a state school? Most are not dens of iniquity, drugs and knife crime. The differences were social with my eldest having exposure to a wider spectrum of abilities and needs - which stood her in very good stead for a career in medicine. My others undoubtedly got better holidays from friends and it was easier to work in an environment with smaller classes and less disruption but their grades were no better and they were not noticeably happier - but the parties were grander. My children dined out on fairly inventive state school stories for a good few months, as the perception of state was so inaccurate and so poor.
She'll be fine but you might want to try and get her to meet up with a few state school pupils outside of school, so she doesn't think they are all gun wielding monsters - local youth theatre or county youth orchestra maybe.

Are you anywhere near me? We’ve got a similar set up with a re-named school that’s now on the up, grammars and some excellent non selective schools.

Have you had a look on the local authority’s website to see if you might have a chance of getting into a more desirable comp? I know near me catchments used to be very tight but it’s been much better this year.

Alternatively, accept whichever place you’re offered and go on waiting lists at the schools you’d prefer. Or move house to a more desirable catchment.

And even if you stick with the re/named school, it could work out well if it’s on the up. It’s also worth remembering that with students in sets, the more academically minded ones just have their own crowd and different sets work at different levels.