Private secondary or state

[readyornot22]

Help!! My child has been offered a fully funded place at a small private day school local to us. I applied and put her in the entrance exam because I didn’t think we would be offered number 1 choice - but now we have been! I don’t know what to do.. biggest concern is social side with the very small year group (one class 20 max) in the private and from a wider area. I’m veering towards turning it down, but am I mad? It is about £25k a year usually..
YABU - take the free private schooling
YANBU - go with your number 1 state choice

I think it’s max 20 kids per class, not year

I'm unusual here in that my eldest went to the local (good) state school. They were happy, so were we. However...

My second had a passion for a particular subject, which the school didn't offer. They have a talent for it and a local private school spotted them in Y5, and suggested they apply for scholarships - which they were successful in.

We agonised about it for a long time, but in the end, second child went their own way and went to the private school. We have never regretted that decision and nor has the child.

Really look at where they'd be happier. Most importantly, ask your daughter what she wants to do. What you've said implies they'd be happy there academically, see what she thinks about the rest of it.

If you’ve been offered a fully funded private place then grab it with both hands! Privately educated kids have far better advantages in life. I was so envious of privately educated kids at my university - so confident and their knowledge was far better. Your child will thank you when she’s older. Most people on here would take it too, however much they protest!

The only criteria is where your teen will be happiest. Nothing else really matters outside that. They won’t succeed if they are miserable plus they will be miserable. So match the school to the child irrespective of what type of school it is.

I’d probably go with the private if nothing to pay for the entire 5-7yrs. I’m fortunate all my 3 kids are super bright, and my youngest two (19 and 15) incredibly self motivated. 19yr old got top grades at state school, and 15yr old DD is on track to do the same. 19yr old failed a local grammar school entrance (one of the most difficult to get into) and I’m so glad as I don’t think he would have done as well being one of many super bright kids. He’s so much more grounded and modest having friends of all abilities. I wouldn’t have chosen a private for him, as I felt my friends son who went private on a bursary is a very arrogant and narcissistic man. Especially to his mother.

I’d balk at 20 per year group in primary never mind secondary. Much too small.

I think 20 peers could be quite claustrophobic.

I'm also fascinated by the finances of this at secondary level where you need a range of subject teachers.