Deferred entry to independent secondaries

[Quirk1]

DS is in Year 3 of a state primary. We have decided on private education post-11, as he's incredibly sensitive (sensory processing) and would find it easier to settle in a small class. He also values a more arts-based curriculum than is offered in local secondaries. He's June-born, and although he's doing "ok" academically, we now regret not keeping him back before Reception. Our youngest will start reception this autumn and we've chosen a different local primary because we've not been happy with DS8's setting (rigid, uninspiring and unempathic head, lots of senior staff leaving this year). We are wondering whether to also enquire about moving DS8 to the other school, but having him repeat Year 3 there. Does anyone have experience of this...and most importantly, would this hamper his chances of being awarded a place at a private secondary, if he is technically out-of-year? Thanks.

It's difficult to achieve 'backclassing' in state schools, not impossible, but difficult. Contact the admissions department of your local authority and ask them how you would go about this, it would also have to be agreed by the school itself, so also ask the question of the school. They don't have to agree I'm afraid. With regards to moving into independent secondary, again, contact the particular school and discuss this with them. Independent schools are normally more open to children being out of year.

Really helpful, I appreciate your time.

I agree that repeating a year in state school will probably be harder to achieve than getting in to private secondary. You could ask the secondaries now what they have done previously.