Opinions on class-size private school please

[TeamOcean]

Hi

I'd really appreciate some thoughts on our situation please. DS is due to start school next year. For a number of reasons, we liked the idea of using a particular local private school though still open to other alternatives.

Said private school is lovely location, small classes and when we visited we loved the atmosphere. We had all but made up our minds. This was just under a year ago. Since then, we have had newsletters sent via email and which have gradually revealed that there are to be mixed age groups in foundation/key stage 1 for next year and possibly further up the school. Classes will still be small, i.e definitely under 20 children, but obviously not the same as when we looked round.

I have experience of working in mixed age classes in the state sector and personally, never felt they worked all that well, but that is simply my experience and I'm sure other teachers feel differently. What I am unsure of is how common is it to have mixed classes in private school? is this fairly normal? How have others felt about this?

It's hard to verbalise this accurately, but I suppose I am also thinking that if we go down the road of paying for education, what should we expect as a bare minimum with regards to class size/set-up? At what point do you lose the worth? Thanks.

My first step would be to check out all the financial information you can find about the school.

A school which moves from single age classes to mixed age classes a) probably has falling numbers b) can't afford to keep a teacher for each single age group class on current numbers... which would ring alarm bells for me....

As a parent I'm not a fan of mixed year classes (state experience). Depends on why they are doinng them - is it an early introduction to streaming or are they looking at falling intakes?

Thanks-

What is the best way to go about finding out financial information?I must admit, alarm bells have rung for me also but I didn't want to hear them!

My DS goes to a state school and we were lucky cos they keep the reception class as 16 pupils. From Sept he will be in a class of 23 which is still pretty good. He is very happy there - it is a small rural,village school so not much competition for places. Fee paying schools are not an option for us - whattypical class size there?

Below 10 in a class can lead to friendship experience a minimum of 12 reduces this though if co-ed mix of sexes should be looked at too. Going to mixed year classes would ring major alarm bells as large numbers of private schools are seeing role numbers rise with rising birth rate.

well it would going from class size of 8 or 9 to about 16. It's not the number I mind so much, but the mixing. As an ex-teacher, I always felt I was short-changing one of the year groups. I think it is the doubt at the back of my mind as to why it's happening and also no knowing what the norm was.

There are other private schools in the nearest city, but I am discounting these purely because I think DS is too little to have half hour/trafficky commutes before he gets home.

I think you are right to be concerned. Why are numbers tailing off in EYFS/KS 1? is the school financially viable still. Are numbers falling at other local schools?

Despite the financial climate applications are up at DD's school (reception class has a wait list for the first time)

DD goes to a small private school and there will be 16 in her yr 2 class with full time teacher and TA. This has worked well for DD and us so far.

Juniors have smaller classes and they are trying a system of individual classes in the am for maths/english then combined in the pm (still no more than 20) eg for games, spanish.

Can you speak to the school and arrange to go in again once they are up and running the new system.

Lizcat, I hadn't really thought of the mix of sexes, that's an interesting point.

Do you mean that if other private schools numbers are rising, it is suspicious that in this case, they are mixing the classes?

Yes dd's class is equally split boys and girls. If you've only got 9 in a class and 8 are girls would be an issue for your DS.

dixiechick,

I think that would be a good idea. I think I do need to go in again and maybe meet with a senior member of staff. What is the legal requirement (if any) of the school being honest with regards to it's financial predicament. This is not something I know about despite my career!

I agree with everyone that numbers are rising at private schools generally due to an increase in the birth rate recently. I too would be wondering why the classes are to be mixed. Do you know any of the parents who have children there currently so you can pick their brains?

You need to start talking to other local parents. You say one of your reasons is it's nearby so question anyone you know with a link, parents, grandparents, TA's...

x-post

I wouldn't do mixed age groups.

Onlyaphase do you know if there is a report/statement etc anywhere which refers to private school numbers rising? I don't want to be confrontational with the school, but just thinking that if I go in it would be good to be able to say confidently that it appears to be the trend and then base my questions on that?

Don't personally know anyone, but know someone that does know someone- maybe I'll start there.

this reports a rise in the numbers of private school pupils in the south east. Whereabouts are you in the UK?

the southwest onlyaphase. Thanks for the link!

Numbers are rising in private schools not particularly because of increase in birth rate but due to increasing number of people who can afford/those assisted with bursaries....

As per class size, for the London indies in high demand you can have 25-27 in a junior school and almost 30 in the senior school.

As a fee-paying socialist, I would say look for ways to combining state and private - before settling for the latter.

Is the school a charity? If so it's finances will be available on the Charities Commission website here.

If it is not you may be able to get some financial info on the Companies House website here. However, it seems that schools that are LLPs don't have to file very detailed information.

team ocean -are you bristol? as lots private schools in bristol.
i know colstons prep is 16 per class at keystage 1 so is gracefeild.

Socialist, how do you mean combining the two? State + tutoring?

I have no strong beliefs either way re.private/state schools it was mostly due to our most local primary not being suitable faith-wise and really liking the private school.

Gogbteacher- that's interesting will take a look.

Mam29- no, not Bristol. Had heard there were several there. The number in the class i am sure will vary in time, it's more the change from single to mixed and is that a good thing?

Are you prepared to say which school it is, or would that be too self-outing?

On here there is almost always someone who knows something in response to 'what do you think about x school' questions.

I don't think mixed age classes are a good thing in general, but maybe the school have some specific reason for trying it? Some 'creative curriculum' thing for example? What does their website say about it?

No, would probably be too identifying if I named. Website doesn't mention it as yet. As you say, there may be reasons apart from money. In my

Sorry posted too soon. In my old school it was always money that forced mix age range.