Moving to private for A levels

Oh yes, that’s another factor - moving schools to board at sixth form, as preparation for university. I’m not sure I entirely get that one - you can surely learn to use the washing machine, and socialise with strictly limited alcohol at home - but I guess it might make a difference to very helicoptered teens.

@dontdarepokethebear I should say, the recent boarder in our family was no more prepared, domestically, than any other new undergrad - despite our best efforts. But they found the organisational and self-directing skills they’d acquired at school hugely helpful. And they were better prepared to take studying in their stride, leaving time for extra-curricular stuff.

But you haven’t mentioned boarding as an option, so probably irrelevant.

We did that with one DC as he couldn't study for one of his chosen A levels in his state school (Further Maths).

Moving schools was a bit of a shock to the system but definitely worked.

He found the attitude of the pupils much better as well as the teachers.
It was also the chance to mix with a wider group of people compared to his previous school which had been a faith school.

Good preparation for going to Uni without leaving home!

if social aspects are a big driver, make sure you choose a school with lots of new entrants at 6th form. My private school had about 3 new girls for 6th form, they were socially isolated. Lots of the girls had been at school together since age 4 if not age 11.

Some of my kids friends did this and it worked brilliantly for them. My kids didn't want to and did well at their state six form college but I'm sure they would have done better at a private school.

My kids all did maths but had biggish classes and almost half the lessons they would have had in the private school.

In my kids school there were a couple of subjects with awful teachers. Sciences and maths were excellent but one of the other subjects had an incompetent teacher.

There was also way too much teacher absence in one subject.
It didn't affect my kids but they got little to no help with uni applications etc. They didn't mind as we did all the research ourselves but it might have mattered.

It’s true no one here can give the OP a definitive answer - we can only suggest things she should consider.

And it’s of course true that it need not always be a state / independent question. I assume if there were a viable (as in notably excellent) sixth form college in the picture the OP would have mentioned it and be considering it.

@dontdarepokethebear Change at sixth form isn’t at all unusual - so I imagine it works for most of those who have done it. People in Winchester, for instance, never stop boasting of how well their children have done on moving from independent schools to a particular sixth form college that apparently gets stellar results. And it’s very common for girls at single sex independent schools to move to a co-ed independent school for A’Levels. (Amongst those I’ve known the rationale is less to do with academic considerations and more the soft introduction to studying with BOYS prior to university.) Conversely, those previously in mixed schools might opt for a single sex school that offers greater opportunity to concentrate on particular subjects. Or just a change of scene. And of course schools offer scholarships to attract students with the best A’ level potential.

It’s generally a positive thing!

There's no way to answer this question, honestly.

Instead of making the decision private vs state, work with your DD to look at what's available and compare those specific options - her current school, state colleges, and independent colleges and sixth forms. If independent is now doable financially then that opens up options, but don't make the decision about "going private" because it's really about the fit of the specific program.

If you choose a school that sets a high bar for entry to the sixth form then the entire year will essentially be the equivalent of the top set of her current school - so she may find that very congenial.

Universities see where pupils took their GCSEs - they’re not going to penalise her for moving for A’Levels - it doesn’t work like that.

Doubtless an independent school might have a more attractive built environment and landscape - but you should do your homework regarding exactly which other facilities and opportunities are offered. Also - what would she be bringing? Professional level theatres and orchestras and rowing and art studios and an endless stream of famous visiting speakers and countless ancient and modern languages are only of use if she’s ready to take advantage of them. It does have to be said that regular exposure to these activities lends a level of sophistication that can smooth the path to a busy extra-curricular life at university. (It’s still the case that far too many students arrive at university with little idea of how to enjoy themselves beyond drinking, and feel intimidated by anything or anyone unfamiliar.)

In short, even if your local independent school is world famous you really need to investigate a few, and be sure you’ve identified the very best place to help her thrive.

We did it the other way round, DD's choice. Covid made this a bad choice for her year but state sixth forms are looked on more favorably by universities. If there are personal factors, that's different.

My DD wants to go to a private 6th Form and I'm not worried about her uni prospects. I think it will offer a different kind of experience, smaller class sizes and extracurricular, so definitely not to late to benefit.
If your DD is not socially happy at her current school then why not consider looking around for a 6th form at a different school/college? A fresh start might be a good idea. Good luck🤞

@dontdarepokethebear I can't offer an opinion about whether she should move-although my instinct that if it's financially doable without struggle the choice should be hers. But I just wanted to say that Mumsnet is extremely misinformed generally about the whole process of state/private schools and university entrance. Be very sure of your facts before you let those considerations inform your decision.

We moved our daughter to a private school for sixth form last September. She is very academic and did very well at her state school in terms of results, but was absolutely miserable for most of her time there.
We moved her because she needed a fresh start and we thought she would be happier at an academic school. I agree that it may damage her chances of getting into the very top universities and we have noticed that lots of universities run programmes for kids in state schools but exclude private school kids, but we do not regret the move at all. She is like a different girl now. She has friends she likes who are similar to her and she is involved in so much that the school offers. She has fitted in well I would say and she is happy - which after a very stressful previous five years is worth its weight in gold!

Depending on what her aims are for next steps it could be a negative to move. State school students doing well are looked on favourably by many unis. DS1 moved to independent for sixth form due to a scholarship. When Covid hit, he was hit hard with teacher grades and disadvantaged I think because they had not known him before, unlike the majority of the others. I wouid want to look carefully at exam outcomes and class sizes of moving her to see if this offers a benefit, but it might be worth using your money to support her at uni and give her experiences and some extra support during her A level years.

I went to a fabulous sixth form college and my children both did the same (all different places). We found the change refreshing and the extra curricular excellent - possibly different from a private school but fun all the same.