We are torn. We have 2 children (2025 & 2026 reception starters) and although we can afford the private school fees, we'll find it uncomfortable now that the new VAT tax is being implemented.
We have a good/outstanding State school option and live in South-West London.
We definitely want the kids in private school from year 3 onwards and can afford this.
We are trying to weigh up the pros and cons of State till 8 vs Private and hope to pick the brains of those who've either been through private school from reception to secondary and their views on how much reception, year 1 & year 2 impacted their child's education and whether it is really worth the £150+k for those 3 years (for 2 children) and from those parents who did State till 8 and their views/regrets/experience/advice.
I really worry that if we do State till 8 the transition may prove disruptive and mean be difficult for the kids to break into established friendship groups, adjusting to a new school at such a young age, finding a school with a spare place for both children at the same time in year 3 and in year 2 (other child), playing catch up academically and even the possibility of it being more competitive to get into a school in year 3 now that VAT may be forcing many parents into a similar route...
Any thoughts would be really appreciated please as we have to put a deposit down on a private school next week to start reception in 2025 and I don't want to do that if State till 8 is the more sensible choice...