To deny my dc the chance to go to this school?

[Greensleaa]

I’m so conflicted. We have the money to send dc to a fantastic private school. It’s boarding but he wouldn’t board and only 50% or thereabouts board. However, it will mean longer days (8-6) and school on Saturday mornings, no time to do activities outside of school with other people either (dc good friends with current school friends, he is 5).

DH is adamant he should go private. He thinks the opportunities are tenfold and we would be doing dc a disservice by not sending him there. Dc is reasonably bright though and I think he would do fine in any setting. I feel like we are sending him off somewhere and will barely see him all week! At the moment he just goes to two after school classes but they are only to 5pm.

Surely you’re not planning to send him to this school at age 5, though?

Surely you could find a good private school which doesn't have such long hours?

I just made a similar decision but for secondary school. We prioritised his local social life and activities over the longer day + commute to the private school.

Having been to private school, and now have my own kids at state school I can hand on heart say most children thrive anywhere. If it’s a good state, there’s no point whatsoever in private; for primary school certainly. It’s a bit woollier come senior level, but please don’t throw money at a long hard expensive school day for a 5 year old. Genuinely. Start an ISA or a junior pension with the money…🤣

I don't think there are any British schools taking boarders from Y1. Why do you have to make a choice now for the rest of his education? Why not keep him where he is for now and reconsider for the start of Y5 or Y7 or Y9?

I can't imagine how a 5yr old can cope with 8-6mon to Fri and sat morning at school.

No I wouldn't send him. I would look for an alternative private school or wait til secondary to go private.

Definitely too young. Reconsider when he is older?

Saturday seems a bit much

I'd accept those sort of hours for secondary school, it's madness for primary. Let your son have a childhood, these years go incredibly quickly.

When would you send him? I have a similar age DS at our local state school. He benefits far more from time at home with us than he would from long days. I thought you were talking about a 10/11 year old looking for a secondary place.

OP are you sure you haven’t misunderstood the hours and the boarding situation? I’d be very surprised if there are any boarders before Y3 or that it has mandatory Saturday mornings. That’s not unusual in private secondaries ( although still v much the minority) but rare in prep schools and I’ve never seen it at pre-prep at all.

Also at pre-prep the 6pm is often a “can stay until” 6pm
rather than “must stay until”. It’s basically wraparound for working parents.

I'd definitely go private. Your DH is right.

Surely he wouldn't be doing those hours at age 5. He'll be absolutely exhausted.

If you can afford private school then that's absolutely fine but there must be other private options where your son can still have a home life and other friends. Pick a private school that does normal hours and give him a better life balance.

Sounds like a great opportunity for him, to consider when he’s a bit older.
I wouldn’t be sending him at the age of 5. Can’t really see what he would gain so young.

I'm guessing OP meant year 5?