Would we be mad to change schools at this point?

[swishswooshswash]

I am going round in circles so hoping wise mumsnet can help.

I have three DC, two in state infant school (Reception and Year 2) and one pre-school.

We debated state vs private before the DC got to school age and opted for state. My DH is privately educated and very keen for our children to be. I am state educated and don't have a strong preference. We opted to start in the state system and revisit in the future.

A recent change in financial circumstance means we could now comfortably afford private school fees. At the same time our state school experience hasn't been what we hoped - a bit unlucky but we have had lots of disruptive staff changes, an issue that put the future of the school into doubt (was very disruptive but has now been resolved), culminating in us being frustrated by the school's handling of the current situation (not a teacher bashing thread, the whole thing is so difficult but we have had very little work, no marking and very little interaction with the school, certainly in comparison to other local schools).

Our thoughts have always been that we will move to private at some stage and have a chosen school - i just cant decide whether this is the ideal opportunity to move them or the absolute worst time.

In some ways this seems a perfect opportunity as all three will have been off school/nursery for nearly 6 months by September and haven't seen any of their friends in that time, one will be going back to a completely different school anyway (separate junior school) and my reception child has only actually had less than 6 months in school in total. It feels like it could be the least disruptive time for them. Also all three of them could attend the same school (currently they will be in three different locations next year). The school is 3 through to 18 so wouldn't need to move them again.

But of course there is risk in moving into the private sector at such an uncertain time (though DH job is very secure), and if schools don't go back fully in September i don't know what that would look like (though i would hope the private school would actually provide some online learning if that was the case!). It's also a very short lead time to make a decision and i don't want to rush it.

Is anyone else moving schools next term, or have any helpful advice?

I think your first step is to ask the new school what provision they are planning for September. Although they probably won't be able to tell you exactly (due to the constantly changing situation), they will be able to tell you what they've offered children this term, which will give you a good idea of what to expect in September.

I think timing is pretty good. Your eldest would be starting a new school anyway and you'll find life a lot easier just going to one school rather than three! (I had a year of ferrying children to three different schools and it was a nightmare!)

If you can afford it, your jobs are safe and the school seems in a good financial position, then it seems like a good move.

I would also say it’s a good time to move

I would also ask the new school if they could help set up maybe some sort of welcome via zoom or similar so they can see their new classes

Because numbers are usually low they are more likely to accommodate whole classes in September

It sounds ideal in terms of timing. You say you have a chosen school - I assume this was chosen before the current situation and involved several visits and comparisons with other private schools?

I would be cautious about the through-school element. Are all children guaranteed a place at each stage regardless of exam results etc? Many such schools have a habit of weeding out at each stage.

Also, your children will change through time in terms of ability, interests etc. What suits them now might be what they need at 7, 11 or 16. Are there any other alternatives that would be possible if the need arises?

*might not be !!

Thanks all.

I'm going to speak to the school on Monday. We looked at local private schools in depth before starting in the state system so have been on various visits to the school in question.

The all through element is a good point, the children are all still very young. It's a very academic school which I think would suit my eldest (very bright and I think would thrive) but obviously harder to tell with a 5 and 3 year old!

Another option is a private prep nearby (we didn't look around that previously) but that feels very unknown and I don't know how I'd get a feel for it in the current situation.

I'm more comfortable with the larger school as have friends with children there so feels more familiar.

Independent schools are usually charities so do check their financial returns to the Charities Commission. Financial red flags should be noted.

I’m not keen on all through. I think children need stimulation from new environments and I’m not sure many through schools are top of the academic league tables. Linked schools are but the senior schools recruit from all over to maintain viable numbers. Is this the type of school you mean?

I would go private if you can. Your state experience doesn’t sound great but should check where your money is going with the independent school. Is it as good as you think it is?

I did also mean to say that where schools have not been great in the last few months, do you have confidence in them for September? I wouldn’t.

Regarding prep schools: I tend to think paying for the best is key. Where DC go afterwards matters. Do any DC go on to the top national schools? Or stay put?

I think it sounds like the best decision to move now and I hope they love it!

Go for it, seems like a good time. We had a girl start DS’s prep school in year six after Easter whilst all provision was virtual for the same reasons, it has been transformative for her.

DS (yr 2) started a new school 3 weeks before lockdown and it was a good move as his old school the homeschooling provision has been very poor whereas the new (prep) school has been excellent. Another new child started in his class at the start of the summer term. He is now back to school for 3 weeks and spending time to get to know his new classmates.

I think it depends where you live. We live in a fantastic catchment area with brilliant primary schools and good secondary schools. I would not waste my money on private schools. I also think that sadly many prep schools are going to struggle with staying open .