Should I be upfront and honest with school

[stella1w]

My dd has just been offered a place at a private primary. As I am currently retraining, I would be taking a risk by accepting the place and have been persuaded by my friends not to send her. This makes me sad, but I know it makes financial sense.
My question is, when declining the place, should I be honest with the school and say due to the combination of retraining (I qualify next year) and the economic climate, I am regretfully declining but hope to reapply at 7 plus. It was my old school and I really really like it and wonder if being open is better than just turning them down with no explanation.

Can't see what you would have to lose by saying that you would love her to go, but current financial pressures mean you can't send her. Does have me wondering why you applied in the first place though?

I would absolutely explain - no shame in your reasons for declining the place at the moment, and leaves them aware that you'll be re-applying in a few years. And you never know, they might offer some sort of help with the fees...

GooseyLoosey - I applied in the first place because I was half-hoping she would not get in and the decision would be made for me. And also because I was considering remortgaging the house to pay for this year's fees. And because I hoped my parents might help. In fact, my Dad today brought the subject up and offered to pay for a year. But if the recession is as bad next year, I would be really worried about having to take her out. And also I don't like to take money from my parents. I know it doesn't make sense logically but I am very attached to my old school. I wouldn't consider going private otherwise!

OP, would it be worth speaking to the school to see if they offer some sort of bursary/ financial assistance? Fully explain your reasons for applying and the reasons you may have to decline the place and ask if there is any scheme they have in place that could help. Our local private school do sponsored scholarships for some children, it might be worth trying...

I think if you are thinking a year at a time and even having to consider remortgaging to fund one single year (at the relatively cheap primary prices) then quite honestly private education would be nothing but a source of stress for you. It sounds like you have lots of other things going on which may well also be stressful and in your shoes I think you'd be nuts to do it. At 4+ very few schools will offer financial assistance for any child.an

Your child's education will not be harmed by a few years in a state school, should you decide later on that private is a more realistic option. I went to a genuinely rather crap state school until 11 and still got into a good private school for secondary (a school which you see parents on various forums obsessing about, a really really good school).

If you think you could scrape together enough money to pay for a few years of private education and actually want to do it for reasons other than thinking you like your old school, do it later on when it really matters. I'd suggest the A Level years or the three or four years leading up to GCSE as good options.