Local state primary or private prep?

[champagneandsparkles]

We have the choice between the local state primary or a good prep school. Prep is very expensive, would involve a commute, small school with small class sizes. Fantastic range of extra curriculars, tons of sport, looks academically strong. Long days, especially from age 8. Local state primary looks nice but uninspiring. Very little in the way of facilities, no green space. Extra curriculars would be very limited. Much larger class sizes. About a 15/20 minute walk away.

Which would you/did you choose and how did you make the decision? "State till 8" is one possibility, but concerned that DC would struggle with the transition at that point. Also considering the "state plus" model where we try to supplement as much as possible, but realistically I don't think it's possible to imitate the range of academic and extra curricular opportunities on offer at the prep even with the best will in the world. Though I'd be interested to hear from anyone who feels they successfully went down that road.

I totally agree schools are different. Schools with loads of money are rare now. I think in some areas you would never find these wonderful schools.

However, you should look. If you are not catchment, or have found religion, dream on though with regard to admission.

If you have money, go for prep and peace of mind.

Very simple choice.

We went private and then grammar , if there had been no grammar option we would have stayed private .

We are in a similar predicament but a bit more extreme in the sense that the local outstanding state school is on the next road - it’s 3 minutes (with kid) walk. Drawback is that it’s CofE and we are not religious but the school seems to be. We have a place at a good prep school but that will be a 30 min drive each way.

Affordability not a concern fortunately but concern is how long the day would be for DS - especially if she does after school care or clubs. Against the local school where she can be back home at 3.30 and money could be spent on tutoring and/or extra curricular activities.

private high school is the aim

changing my mind every week about what to do

Same boat - looking at loads and we've applied and she's got into one but we've refused it - love another , she's only 2.5 so another year to really decide

Or we may move for better catchment for primary

I'd advise go see the ones you like as sometimes you might be disappointed with the private route anyway , they aren't all academic ! We're hoping a grammar option ultimately but you can't decide when they're so young , so I just say go with gut and finances as you could always chop n CHange

I'm saying that to convince myself as no one really wants to do that haha