private vs state dilemma

[mandy2302]

Hi everyone!
I'm really sorry if this has been answered before, but can anyone give me advice on state and private schools in Wimbledon and Thames Ditton? I'm a first time mum and completely clueless! My eyes are square from reading websites and I seem to be going round in circles :(
So far ive looked at:
Wimbledon - Wimbledon park primary, dundonald, Wim chase, willington, rowans, squirrels
Thames Ditton/esher/surbiton- Thames ditton infants, long ditton infants, hinchley wood infants, weston green, shrewsbury house, surbiton high
My first instinct was private from reception (which would be a huge financial strain) , but was then chatting to some mums who said state primary then private secondary was a more reasonable way of going about it.
Has anyone here with older children actually done that switch (state to private) and is it actually feasible?

Thank you thundercracker - I'm new to this and I hadn't factored in all the extras. It's quite hard to plan that far in advance because as you say things change. Looking at finances long term is obviously something we will do and make a plan accordingly. I was probably rambling on a bit in my post based on a million different views I had heard in the past. It's a difficult decision especially when you don't know what your child is going to be like and what their strengths will be.

I'd suggest waiting to see what the schools are like in the year you need to apply - the 'best' school in Wimbledon this year won't necessarily be the same in a few years time...

If you're thinking really long-term, also plan to live close to a rail station - opens up options for future secondary travel further afield if needed.