Etiquette letting school know child is leaving?

[Sunflower8848]

My kid is leaving at the end of year 3 (private school) to go to a different one nearer home. What is the etiquette in letting the school know? Do I ring and make an appointment to speak to headmaster? Or an email? Or telephone call?

Write a letter. Very important so that it’s clear that you are giving the requisite notice.

The question is …
Di you want a discussion eg to explain why you are unhappy with the school? Do you want to give them a option to turn things around? Or is this a decision more related to your personal circumstances / distance.

If it’s just about distance then just write an email can be one or two sentences.
I am writing to give formal notice that X will leave your school at the end of the summer term. We feel that Y school will work better for our family in the long term.
kind regards,
Parents of X

Most private schools (all so far as I know) require one full term’s notice.

In the circumstances as you describe, where there is nothing to discuss, I would write a letter to the headteacher and copy in the bursar toward the end of the spring term. Make it clear DC will be leaving and say (if it’s true) that they have enjoyed their time at the school and the move is prompted by geographical considerations.

I would ensure you ask for acknowledgement of the letter. And if you don’t get it before the end of term, follow that up.

Thanks @LadyMacbethWasMisunderstood thats really helpful I think I will do what you suggest

Regardless of whether you decide to arrange a meeting or phone call, etc, make sure you also check your contract and follow whatever instructions it specifies re giving notice (e.g. written notice must be sent to x email address, etc) - you don't want to end up being on the hook for another term because you didn't give them notice in the right way!

Obviously, some schools are stricter on this kind of thing than others, but it's best to check the contract and do everything by the book so there can be no doubt or dispute about it.