Move to Christchurch NW3 from private pre prep?

[adijagmom]

My son is currently at Hampstead Hill School (been there since nursery) in reception year. We loved it in nursery and pre reception but obviously it is getting more intense now in reception, but my son does not seem to be complaining as of now. We have just been offered a place at ChristChurch and it was our second choice for state primary. Now 2 months into reception i have the choice of leaving him in HHS or moving to CC - very confused. We are keen for him to go to private secondary and I know this means tutoring if he goes to CC and I am ready for that. On the flip side, we can just about afford private prep school so should I just leave him in HHS and does that make his chances better of getting into private secondary ? Appreciate any views : )

Anyone ? Would love some feedback as they have given us 2 days to make a decision !

With covid I would take a state primary.
Especially with the economy.

If you know you need to tutor then you can.

Also let's face it even children at private schools get tutors these days.

Good luck.

Doubt it makes his chances any better. He just needs to be up to speed with his education. I'd take the state school, save the cash and get a tutor or get online classes on top.

Hampstead Hill only goes up to Year 2.

Do you mean that you would like him to go to a private school in Year 3, (in which case leave him where he is?) If you only wanted to move for Year 7, you'll have to find another school anyway for years 3-6, in which case you may as well move him now.

Too many factors influence the secondary entrance exam. No point paying 6-7 years of fees for that reason alone. I would say move to state.

However if you like the private school for other reasons then could be worth staying.

Thank you everyone - really difficult choice but appreciate your inputs. Makes it specially difficult in times of covid and uncertainty !

Hi @Adijagmom
This is a really tricky one. However, it is really important to understand that it is far easier to get into an Independent Secondary, if he is taught in an independent prep. This is because he will learn what needs to be covered in the 11+ / 13+ exams. Therefore, I would only move him to an independent prep - rather than to another primary.
Really hope this helps!
Good luck :)

NW3 should try Heathside. Amazing school ! non selective and superb 11+ results!

OP i have a similar dilemma from south of the river!

I am keen on private secondary and am thinking about moving both dcs from their state primary (Y2 and Y4) to prep. I am undecided, one is fine but the other is middling away. It is not impossible but prep, well preps for 11+/13+ as echoed by @lucinda76
i see that more as they go along, plus the other benefits like smaller classes (which benefits some children and no difference to others), chance to do more sports, languages etc within the school.

Financially speaking, we too can just about do it, but covid etc and slowdown in my job market is making me cautious

No advice but following in case it'd enlighten me...

Thanks all. Just to update you, we left our son at the indepedent prep for all the reasons Lucinda76 and taadah mentioned above. We can just about afford it now so while we can we decided to continue with it and remain on the waitlist of the state school.