Letting go of private school reception place amid fear of recession when we are not affected yet

[anyoneconsidering]

DS due to start reception at a private school. Deposit and the first term's fee paid.

I do wonder if we should let go of that place and start him in a state school instead, amid the fear of recession looming and the potential uncertainty of our financial situation in the future.

Our jobs are not affected currently. Hence DH thinks that this change of plan is unnecessary especially as we've made financial commitment to the school already.

But I worry what recession (and maybe world wide depression) might bring to us that we can't predict right now.

Am I the only one considering this? Anyone in similar situation - what are your thoughts?

I’d leave it for now , the state school options won’t be any different for September than they would be for next January / Easter as the places have been allocated for this years intake .

We have just given notice at ours - Y3 and Y5 and are moving them back to state. I don’t agree that the spaces will be no different now to what they will be next January or Easter - there will be huge pressure on state schools to take more children who would have once gone private. We are grabbing spaces before they get inundated as provision is not likely to change in terms of numbers they are allowed to take. If you think likely your circumstances will change then I would not do it. We funded out of bonuses and salary and it goes up and up every year. You are better to consider moving in Y3 when you’ll have a better idea of what’s going on with the economy. Infants (much as I lived our experience) is not necessary to do private.

Primary state school offers are due out next week
Best to get an application in asap if you didn't do one in the normal round

You’ve missed the application for state schools by a long way, so it won’t be as simple as just picking a school. You are literally going to have to take what’s left.

there will be huge pressure on state schools to take more children who would have once gone private

In what way? Are you suggesting that the current laws on class sizes will be changed? I would be surprised if that happened.

Thank you all

We have applied for state schools before the deadline (before making commitment to the private school). Intrigued to see the result next week. But based on the past many years catchment day, it is very likely that we will get an ofstead outstanding state school very very close to our home.

So I'm basing this thinking on the assumption that we will have an option of a good state school also.

So you could afford a private school but now you think you'll go back to the state system when it suits you?

@elshajd

You fancy getting back into bed and getting out the right side?

State education isn't only for those who can't afford to go private, why do you think that?

Have you looked around the school op? We did this, DC1 in private school applied for state reception just in case. What I did discover whilst looking around state schools is that 'outstanding' doesn't always equate to the best. I would therefore be very wary at this stage to give up the private place without seeing the school if you haven't. If you haven't seen the state school, accept the place then arrange a visit. It's easier to accept it now and give it up vs give it up and get it back. We initially accepted the state place and then 'rejected' it in the August where it would of then been offered to whoever was at the top of the waiting list.

The recession could well produce an unprecedented boom in those keeping state school places. It could displace others who won’t get their first or even second choice.

I wouldn’t go private if you are worried. State till 8 is still a reasonable way to think! You never know, it might be a great school.

@elshajd

Exactly that Elshajd

I could afford it now. But I don't know if I could in the future with recession/depression

I pay tax into state school system. And my DS have right to state education.

And the fees climb the higher you go up in the private school system. You will pay more later but that’s when specialist teaching starts. Save what you would have spent and look to a move when DC is older. At least you won’t be worried all the time and should get the school you want.

I wouldn't do anything right now. Accept the state school place you are offered, keep your Independent school place and decide in August when things have played out a bit more.

@myfav

Thank you myfab.

We did look at this state school around the corner from our house. It seems to have a good reputation locally and we did like it.

The main reason for having turned to private recently was the class size being half. Now I'm not so sure if that's a good enough reason to risk of having to move him back to state sector later if we are hit financially.

Saying all this, our jobs are secure right now and have only one child. Hence this dilemma. Go private as we may be unaffected in the future. Or go state as you never know..

Just also obviously be aware that private schools are often very good at 'helping you out'
If you've been there for a few years, and then start struggling, they can often assist for a short period.

Class size being half isn’t always a major factor in learning. You will still need to do a lot of reading practice at home and the private school won’t get DC that far ahead. Plenty of state school DC are very bright!

Sometimes independent schools are behind the curve with teaching quality. Smaller classes can make average teachers look good. In fact some would not hold down a job in the state sector. Look at the newsletters of the state school. Before Covid, was plenty going on. Did it look exciting and engaging. Was there something put on at Christmas? Could you see yourself fitting in? What does the web site say about ethos and behaviour. What type of child does the state school aim to produce? I don’t think you would see much difference between the two. Only class size and is that worth financial worry? Have more fun with your spare cash or save it for post 8 or 11.

Besides the smaller classes what was it that attracted you the indie school? Does your son have any unique traits that wouldn't be well catered to at his local state school?

If not, waiting until the 7+ to start in the private sector is usually a better use of your money. Most people who start at 4+ are mostly doing so because its easier to get in at 4+ if the school is really sought after.

I have friends that have taught in both private and state schools who plan to send their children private but not for the infants stage if that helps.

If you are not affected, I wouldn’t. Looking at my own children and friends’ children, good (!!) private schools deal a lot better with the current issues than good/outstanding state school. They have mor3 adults and more space per child.
However , i would have a good look at what the private school currently offers and see if it lives up to the fees. If not, swop (but take into account that the state sector is already overrun and it won’t get any better)

@anyoneconsidering I went to private school. My parents weren't very well off but it was important to them and they made a lot of sacrifices. They always made sure they had three terms fees in hand so had security for the future year. I would think this decision depends on your savings situation and how likely you think your jobs may be secure. Fingers crossed for you Xxx

Thank you very much all for your kind advice- most helpful.

To add to this dilemma, I've just found out that there are several (I don't know how many, just a phrase used by a current parent at the school) families already withdrawing their children because of Coronavirus fuelled financial difficulties.

If this is true and the trend continues, I wonder how the school will maintain the previous standard of teaching and etc. Revenue going down like this when their fixed cost is high? So I wonder the offerings in the near future will not live up to the fees? And much of their effort would be diverted from core education to the business survival?

Whereas in state schools, teachers and staff won't probably be as disrupted by the economic downturn, as in private schools? Or maybe I'm wrong as they may have more budget cuts and more pupils needing to enter state system now.

Guess I'm trying to see (according to my DH overthinking!) which sector would be a better environment during the downturn..

It depends so much on the particular schools. Don't assume that small class sizes, and pretty buildings make the private school the obvious choice (even if money was no object). Some privates employ teachers who can't get positions elsewhere,, use outdated teaching practises and have terrible sen support. That said also don't assume that ofsted outstanding and good sats results make the state school a good choice you don't want your child doing hours of sats practise or missing out on extra curricular activities.

Financial uncertainty should certainly be a factor, much better to start at a good state school than have 2 years of private followed by whatever state option no one else wanted.

Consider your particular child, you may not know their academic ability but you'll have an idea of their personality. Are they very shy and need a lot of personal attention? Are they very energetic and need to run around alot? Do you think they'd especially benefit from drama, music, sport etc. (You can always pick up hobbies outside of school but in primary children are too tired to do drama, sport and music in their spare time so won't get the breadth of experience if school don't offer it).