This is a while off but have to think about it due to a house move. I’d appreciate your thoughts.
We are moving to an area where there is a choice between a tiny primary school (less than seventy children) and a big one, which doesn’t have a great OFSTED. I’m a teacher myself and I take OFSTED with a pinch of salt but it does underline some of the concerns I have about the school - bullying and not really pushing the most able. Neither are ideal but at a push I’d prefer the smaller school. Feeder secondary for both is a huge school in the same academy trust I work for.
Alternatively, we could consider private school. I have done the calculations and can afford it: it means effectively my salary would be paying school fees when one is in Year 10/11 and the other in Year 8/9. However, there’s slightly more ‘wriggle room’ for the other years.
The other possibility is state primary and private state but I’m not sure … it seems a big ask to get them to leave all their friends and make new ones with children who may have been together years.
Also, working full time might be difficult with primary aged children but if we went for private school the wraparound care would mean that wasn’t an issue.
I love the smaller class sizes and the extra activities offered by the private school.
Any thoughts? I’m leaning towards private but it’s just such a lot of money.