Just going into yr 5 so have quite some time to ponder, however the independent choice is highly academically selective so will need to organise small amount of tutoring to prepare for being speedy at the test.
DD is top set of everything and possibly top of year based on what her teachers have said.
State secondaries in the area seem to stumble from special measures to satisfactory and occasionally good. There are no 6th forms in the options available although some plans to re-create them. The independent has a fantastic reputation, my friend teaches in the area and says it would be her choice.
We can afford private fees.
However, DD isn't keen as her friends will all be going to state. How important is it to listen to her wishes? I don't want her to be miserable and resent me but I also feel maybe she isn't best placed to make this decision based on friendships. I'm also a bit concerned that it is so academically selective and whether it will be full of tiger parents and pressurised. My mother is anti private schooling so isn't helping my making derogatory comments. No-one in my family went to independent school although DH did.
Any words of wisdom and experiences you can share would be appreciated. Especially would like to hear from people who have children in academically selective independents or high achievers in satisfactory state secondaries. I ultimately want a happy child but feel part of that is the best opportunity to achieve her potential. Thanks