to want to start my own school?

[lambiee]

Would you ever send your child to school like this??

After being at my wits end with schooling (both primary and secondary, through my life; my life as a teacher and my children’s!) I am genuinely considering opening my own (probably boarding) school.

My idea is kids from years 3-9 where they stay in small, consistent classes of about 6-10 kids and have the same teachers throughout and one classroom which will always be ‘theirs’.

They can feel at home in the school and there is a democracy (not a teacher led dictatorship) within the class.

Lots of extracurricular subjects but without that awful competitiveness that seems to ruin activities you usually get in schools.

They’re allowed relative freedom when they have free time and technology is used only when it’s the best option for learning.

Is it wrong to just dream of a school that allowed kids to be kids without a constant barrage of exams; lots of silent work and never-ending pressure to be the best?

There’s a reason Britain’s schoolchildren are some of the unhappiest in the world and I really think this is it.

Have a look at the Heritage School in Cambridge. It's not exactly what you describe but not far off in lots of ways. Not boarding, though.

Dm taught in a school similar to your idea. I can assure you it is not a good thing. Dm was the highest paid member of staff at £4 an hour. That was late 80s, so only possible due to the face that a number of the staff were basically volunteers on expenses only.
What they did very well was the child who wasn't coping with mainstream and needed a bit of confidence building. But almost all those children went back into mainstream within a year or two.

Sounds lovely and somewhere I'd love to have worked when teaching. It wouldn't suit every child but could well suit some who would otherwise be HE for lack of a choice of school they can be happy in. Might be just what DS needs in a few years.

Our school is very similar, thankfully local authority. I know the concerns about small schools, but I can honestly say my children have formed incredible friendships at primary school, and have amazing relationships with their teachers too. It creates a very nurturing environment as the older children are so involved in supporting the younger ones. It shows kids how to resolve differences and work together with people they might not always get on with. They’re also super confident as they always get opportunities to present and perform. I’d support your school!

What they did very well was the child who wasn't coping with mainstream and needed a bit of confidence building

I can see this sort of provision being very popular.