Prep or 'outstanding' primary?

[easteralready]

DD is in yr 3 at local private school. for various reasons we are looking to move her but are in a dilemma whether she goes back into state or another private. She is very bright and confident.

The state school we are looking at is great; really inspiring Head and on it academically.
The private school is similar but much smaller classes and all the bells and whistles.

part of me thinks sod it, she's only 8; she be fine at a state and we'd save a whole heap in fees, but the other part believes she's had her horizons broadened by having 3 years at private and may struggle to be in what would be a very different environment.

Can't seem to reach any sort of decision

What do/don't you like about her current school? And what are your plans for senior school?

If you have the option of a good state school - grab it. My children went to state & independent schools & it is what I would do. I think it also depends on your finances too.

Depends on your budget. If you can easily afford it and also afford to give her opportunities outside of school-holidsys, sports etc then stick with private.
Otherwise make the most of the outstanding primary and save your money for secondary and sixth form.

We're moving DD as the class sizes are just too small for her - its not working socially or academically.

We could afford to keep her private but yes, I am certainly swayed by the 'save the money for Secondary' argument.

At this stage we have no clear idea of the senior school she'll ultimately go to; private, or state. However I am mindful that if she goes back into state realistically we may be limiting her chances of getting into a selective private at Yr 7

Near me, lots of children go from state schools into some of the tope private selective day schools in the country. You may want to get her some tuition, if only for exam practise if that is the route you decide to take, but it shouldn't really limit chances. And you might be surprised by just what is on offer (my local State school for example often plays matches against the private schools rather than state ones).
It will also possibly give her a bit more time outside school to pursue her own interests.
My local state has had children whose parents could have easily afforded private school - just because it was the best school for that child.

I'm sorry - no real insights but I'm following with interest as we have the extra issue of being within a grammar school county. The preps spend the whole of Year 5 preparing for the 11+, the state schools do nothing so parents have to go down the tutoring route. I can only imagine this will get more competitive over time.

We had got offered a place at an outstanding state school , but decided to keep him on at his prep school.

We are in a grammar school area so have gone with the private school Option now and will look at state schools for secondary.

Private school fees really jump up at seniors (in comparison to juniors) ...
I guess it Depends your financial situation ? Hope this helps X

Would horizons not be broadened in a different way in state?