My fairly intelligent daughter went to a local small village school. Not academically great but a nice environment/nice people.
Our dream was for her to go to the fairly local private secondary school but we knew it would be a struggle to pay the £12,000 school fees.
We did not get any of our 4 chosen local schools but the worse secondary school with a dreadful reputation in every area. A family friend worked there for 5 months before having a breakdown, she witnessed various things and strongly advised we did not consider it an option. It was a nightmare situation and we attended 8 appeals, contacted the local MP, had meetings with the local education authority and both my husband and I rang every school within a comutable distance begging for a place. We were offered no alternative so she did not even start the new year as my husband is a qualified teacher so we kept her at home whilst fighting for a place.
Our daughter is very sociable and was devastated to be at home, wondering why all her friends had been offered places at their first chosen school. In desperation we contacted the local private school but were told it was full. I virtually broke down as I spoke to the admissions lady and she promptly told me she would come back to me. The following day our daughter went for an interview and assessment day and was offered a place. She was absolutely delighted and jumped for joy.
We have struggled greatly to pay the fees and the last 18 months have gone on credit cards. We are just an average income family and have gone without any pleasures.
She is now in year 10 and adores the school. She is a great sportswoman which the school is known for and is doing well all round. We have not had a single issue since she has been there and she is becoming a wonderful young woman.
Last september we applied and recieved a bursary although it is only 30% off and of course there are all the extras. Due to the failure of our business and several companies having gone bust on us we are in a financial dilemma.
Realistically we need to take her out of the school as I have no idea where we are going to find the fees. The school will not help further as of course it is a business afterall. we have already been recieving help from family for this years fees but they cannot help further. She is aware of the situation and terrified she will have to leave. It would be a nightmare to do so, being half way through GCSE's it could really destroy her chances of doing well.
I am not sure what I am expecting any one to advise, I just wondered if anyone out there had a similar experience. I feel very angry towards the LEA for putting us in this position in the first place. We watched several people at appeal lie through their teeth in order to win places. She was the only child in her year not to get her first chosen school. We did everything above board but got nowhere.
Oh for a lottery win !!!