Small schools, any experience?

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Does anybody's DC go to a small school (40 or less)? What are the pro's and con's? Very interested to hear peoples views.

DD goes to a school without about 55 in the school, only 7 in her year I think. She's in a mixed Yr class but still only about 15 in her class.

So small class though I guess thats not always teh case. I went to a school with 40 kids in and tehre were only 2 classes for the school - infants and juniors, so 20 in each class.

Its good that the teachers know the kids so well. Main problem has been lack of friendship opportunities. They do play with kids in the year above or below a bit but one of the other 2 girls in DD's year is being a bit bitchy to DD. DD now struggling to find anyone else to play with.

We have 65 in ours. It is fantastic. Big family. Limited friendship opportunities, naturally, but helps them to get along with kids of all ages. Small classes. No top group/middle group/bottom group as work can be adapted on an individual basis. It's a very happy nurturing place.

I think you just have to look around a few different schools and get the vibe for them. Ask questions about progression and varying the curriculum in a small school. I think it depends on the child and the parent.

Thanks for your replies. I spoke to admissions today and he will be going to the small school. Hopefully he will do well, I still have a few reservations but I had to make a decision.