Pros and cons of repeating a year for 'underage' boy

[whiskersonkittens]

My DS, currently Yr 5, is a 'year ahead' and has been since YR.

I am seriously considering him repeating a year so he goes to secondary at the 'right' time but am not sure what it would do to his self esteem.

He is socially, emotionally and academically spot on where he is and a similar height to most of the boys. However, being the youngest he very rarely gets into the match teams for football, which he loves.

I am unsure about him being at secondary age 12 / 13 with 14 / 15 year olds and also figure that in his 'correct' year group he may have more chance to shine at sport.

The plan would be to move schools for a 'new' Yr 5 and Yr 6, then move onto secondary with that cohort - I could never ask him to repeat a year in the same school. Hopefully he would not get bored re-doing Yr 5 as he would be able to channel his energies into making new friends and getting used to the new set up etc

Is moving school for just 2 years unfair? Is letting him go up to secondary a year ahead a good or a bad idea?

All advice appreciated

Sorry, but I don't understand why being one year ahead in year 5 is reason to move a child! What level is he working at? He won't be the only one working ahead of his/her chronological age. My DD in year 3 is working 2 + years ahead in some areas but I trust her school to keep stretching her.

Is he currently in a year 5 class but a year 4 age? Is he in state or private education as I think it might be hard in state schools for him to go to secondary school early antway.

Yes he is Yr 4 age. He could go to secondary in his current year - the school have agreed - but I am not sure ...

He was so far emotionally and socially ahead of his age cohort in YR it was definitely to right thing but they all grow up differently and secondary is a whole new ball game

Some independent schools do let children start Y7 a year early, particularly if they are Autumn birthdays and physically mature for their year as well. However I have not heard of this happening in state secondary schools. There was a girl in my year at independent girls school that was a year younger than the rest of us (September birthday) and did very well - went on the study medicine at university so it can be done.