Class of 11 versus class of 30?

[voodoothatyoudo]

I know this may seem like a no brainer to some but I'm torn between a private school with a class of 11 for dd1 and a state school with a class of 30

TBH we were not considering private but dd1 didn't originally get into the state school and panicking I enrolled her at the private. They've now decided to add on an extra class so she's in - Howver now we're a bit confused as we'd sort of bought in to the private myth

If we drop out of the private school we will have to pay them a penalty of £4800 - term's fees plus a deposit. That's an incentive for staying. Otoh it is a drive away, the state school is an easy walk.

Also I'm actually concerned 11 in dd's class (as it stands now) is actually too small. There'll be around six girls (there is a parallel class too so a few more she may know superficially) but is that a big enough friendship pool, knowing how vile little girls can be? I've seen the work they're doing at the private school and it's extremely impressive (nor is it a hot house) and I'm not surprised with all that one-on-one attention they get but I do worry it may not be ideal from a friendship pov.

But I also worry she may - like others - not get enough attention in the state school. Anyway, ultimately, class size pros and cons will be the decider. We can afford private but would rather not pay if we don't have to, not least because I believe in supporting the local school. Thanks in advance for any help.

[pigswithfludontfly]

Have you decided what to do yet voodoo?

[voodoothatyoudo]

leaning 99 per cent towards the primary, above all because it's so close. And lovely. We just want to clear up a couple of issues about some technical stuff which I won't bore the rest of you with. Then I'll draft a letter - I haven't got the energy for a fight over the money but I'll try for the year clause thing and then if for whatever reason I'm not happy with our choice I won't feel quite so bad.

[pigswithfludontfly]

The fact that, in the current economic climate, there will almost certainly be a place at the private school if you are disappointed really helps with a decision like this.

How far away is the private school?

I'm relieved that I'm not facing a long journey with ds in September every morning. The private school was 25 mins drive away.

We might well move ds at 7 to that school if we think it will be best for him but at that age he and I will be happier with the school mini bus or lift sharing - I didn't want to do that in reception.

Sometimes I do still have moments where I wonder if I've done the right thing and I'm sure when his private school mates are on reading level 43 or whatever, I will doubt it but I keep telling myself that a local school, being part of the community and local friends are more important!

[mrz]

Eleven is too small and thirty too large low twenties ideal.

[voodoothatyoudo]

Sadly mrz that option is not available - though I agree with some of the above that not all the extra places at dd's school will be taken up and she may - fingers crossed - end up in a class of around 25

Pigs, the private school is a 10-20 min drive away so it sounds like you and I are on the same page as everyone tells me to avoid a school run as long as possible.

[pigswithfludontfly]

tbh 10 to 20 mins doesn't sounds too bad. Walking would be nicer but I think 20 mins would be ok as a maximum.