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Secondary education

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Looking for some advice state college vs private for 6th Form

26 replies

DrOlya · 05/12/2025 06:45

My daughter has been in state school since Year 2 and is currently doing her GCSEs at Coombe Girls. She has now been offered a place at Kingston Grammar for Sixth Form.

She's the type who does much better in a structured environment - without structure she can get a bit lazy or distracted, which is part of what’s making me consider the move.

The alternative is Esher College. Although the results are good, it felt very big and quite independent-study-heavy. I worry she might just hang out with friends and won’t get as much taught support.

Financially, I can just afford the two years of fees, but only with lifestyle changes (cutting back on holidays etc.) and taking on extra work on my days off. I’m a single parent and would be paying full fees.

Is it worth stretching financially for two years of private education for A-levels?
Would really appreciate any thoughts, especially from parents with experience of KGS Sixth Form or Esher.

OP posts:
WhereAreWeNow · 05/12/2025 06:49

What are the pros for Esher? It sounds like you feel the grammar is a better fit for your DD.
Does she have a preference?

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