Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Protection built in.

Meet the Other Phone.
Protection built in.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Education

Join the discussion on our Education forum.

Original poster

To consider private education for GCSE years only?

58 replies

DragonMama3 · 15/12/2023 16:41

Has anyone done this? How did it go? I'm aware it may get 20 pc more expensive in the future.

This would be for 2 children.

OP posts:
CanaryCanary · 15/12/2023 16:59

I went to private school and we had a girl join our class for the GCSE years. She then vanished again for A levels but coincidentally we went to the same university and became friends there.

She said that she didn’t regret moving to us, as she did get good grades (better than she prob would have) but she really didn’t enjoy it.

It was a little difficult academically as we’d been leading up to the GCSE syllabus the year before and she’d missed that, but it was mostly ok and she did get good grades. But socially it was very hard: the rest of us had been together 3 years, and the GCSE classes were too intense to allow for chatting/getting to know people. And of course she was with different people in different classes so didn’t get to know anybody.

Original poster
DragonMama3 · 15/12/2023 17:02

I did wonder about starting in Year 9 and then more of a gentle lead into GCSEs or whatever it will be in the future.

OP posts:
Original poster
DragonMama3 · 15/12/2023 17:12

Perhaps a Year 8 entrance would be kinder

OP posts:
poetrylover · 15/12/2023 18:06

Private schools have several year 9 entries, due to lots of prep schools ending at year 8.

Greenandgreed · 15/12/2023 18:22

I moved for year 9 and moved one of my DS in mid year 8 . It would be very tough to move in year 10 . GCSE prep will likely have already started and friendship groups long since formed

karloen · 15/12/2023 22:58

It would be hard to get a place at the top schools around here (north London). Main intake is at 11 and some might leave between Yr 7-Yr 9 but parents would be less likely to move a child going into GCSE years so an occasional place less likely to come up. Although pupils do end up having to move area, relationship breakdown, death etc. The less sought-after schools would have places but the value for money is probably not as good compared to an outstanding state.

Sproutier · 16/12/2023 12:44

Y9 entry is such a mainstream route, it would be easier for her if you could stretch to it. Also it's not uncommon for students to start a bit of GCSE syllabus in the summer term of Y9 in some subjects.

And unofficially, using Y9 to suss out the teachers a bit before making GCSE choices can be useful! Especially if she is considering niche subjects like Comp Sci and Business Studies.

TeenDivided · 16/12/2023 12:47

Other advantage to starting in y9 would be the school has time to get setting right.

Original poster
DragonMama3 · 16/12/2023 16:56

I think Year 9 entry can be done. I'm wondering about Yr 7 entry though.

OP posts:
Original poster
DragonMama3 · 16/12/2023 16:57

ATM she's 6. She taught herself her times tables.

OP posts:
Ascubudr · 16/12/2023 17:00

DragonMama3 · 15/12/2023 17:02

I did wonder about starting in Year 9 and then more of a gentle lead into GCSEs or whatever it will be in the future.

Many private school start in year 9 this is probrably a really good idea.

Sproutier · 16/12/2023 17:11

So you are considering Y7, Y8, Y9 and Y10.

Maybe start by looking round some schools.

Dibblydoodahdah · 16/12/2023 17:16

Many private school don’t take new pupils in year 10 so you would have to go for year 9.

MrsWimpy · 16/12/2023 17:19

I wouldn't go for year 10. Year 9 or before would be ok though. There were always pupils joining at DCs school.

titchy · 16/12/2023 17:24

So within the space of 24 hours you've gone for a year 10 start, to a year 7 start? By Monday you'll have convinced yourself to move her after Christmas Grin

TheMousePipes · 16/12/2023 17:27

I wouldn’t go any later than y9 if I was going to jump. Science and maths curriculum start at the beginning of y9 - jumping in half way would be really confusing.

AngelsWithSilverWings · 16/12/2023 18:02

We transferred my DD to private at start of year 9 and she settled in really well after being so desperately unhappy at state school that it was destroying her mental health.

She's doing GCSEs this year and although she still won't come out with much more than a couple of level 4s we are are just so pleased that she's been happy and made good friends.

Original poster
DragonMama3 · 16/12/2023 23:20

titchy · 16/12/2023 17:24

So within the space of 24 hours you've gone for a year 10 start, to a year 7 start? By Monday you'll have convinced yourself to move her after Christmas Grin

It's a really good school. But it's at PAN. Don't tempt me. I'd move her tomorrow if I could drive. Legs destroyed by car accident.

OP posts:
MrsMariaReynolds · 16/12/2023 23:46

And yet she's only...6? 🤔 Why are you fretting about this now?

Original poster
DragonMama3 · 16/12/2023 23:48

I've a nearly 18 year old. In one GCSE Science lesson he went up and downstairs and was told his lungs expand. I kid you not!

OP posts:
TizerorFizz · 17/12/2023 09:36

@DragonMama3 Boarding schools with day pupils (co Ed and boys) typically start at y9. Earlier y7 for girls but often have y9 intake. Y10 isn’t a great idea.

Original poster
DragonMama3 · 17/12/2023 09:38

I'm considering Sedbergh - the school work and presentation is light years ahead of ours.

OP posts:
CatherineStandish · 17/12/2023 09:38

We had DS enter in Year 9 and it worked brilliantly.

Original poster
DragonMama3 · 17/12/2023 09:38

Did she board?

OP posts:
Soontobe60 · 17/12/2023 09:39

DragonMama3 · 16/12/2023 16:57

ATM she's 6. She taught herself her times tables.

Surely she will have learned some of her x tables at school?