How easy is it to move from a comprehensive to an independent school?

[AmerigoVespucci]

DD is in Year3. Good local school. But very oversubscribed. Think 33 children in a class- two classes for a year group.

We were originally planning to move her for Secondary, but DH is suddenly exploring options for moving her next school year, when she will be going into Year 4.

The independent school is St.Francis Prep in Letchworth. Anyone with their DC there? How easy is it to settle down in Year 4? Usually Year7 is the logical moving point for many children. Have friendships been cemented by that point? Will DD be left in limbo? Leaving behind old friends and no way of being accepted into new circles?

How good is the school at making new children feel at ease?

I guess my question is more about St.Francis than any comprehensive or any indy school. If you have anything to share and would rather talk offline, can you please PM me?

I've tried posting on the Local boards, but there seems to be a technical glitch there at the moment. :-(

Anyone?

I honk you might have more luck if you repost the question with the name of the school you are interested in in the title.

My son moved from a state primary to an independent at the start of Year 3 (one of 2 new boys that year) - he settled in quickly and the established friendship groups just expanded to include him after a short time. After 1 term he was completely settled and remained very happy there.

I know girls are different, but hope that reassures you somewhat.

Thanks diabolo, that is reassuring.

Do you think, Marmite? Will try another thread as well....

(as an aside, honk gave me the giggles. I am juvenile that way...)

We find that children who join us at funny times very quickly settle in.

It can be a culture shock for them if they are used to very large classes though, you are much more noticeable in a small class.

It's perfectly fine. Not us, but our DC's have many friends who came in to their school from state schools around year 3/4. All fitted in quickly and easily.

Thanks everyone. Feeling more and more at ease. DD is not a very clingy child, as in having just ONE best friend and following that friend around and not playing with anyone else. She is happy to get along with whoever is around at that moment.

She is shy though and it takes a while for her to come out of her shell.

Let me try and post another thread for St.Francis specifically...

Hi there you prob won't see this now but have pm'd you if you still want to ask re st Francis

DS1 moved at Y3 and settled in very quickly. He knew 1 boy already but actually doesn't really play with him as has made two 'best' friends in the class. He formed good friendships in the first couple of weeks really.

There have been new starters at October half term and in January into that year and they seem to have settled well also.

Just realised this is quite old