Sorry, I know the topic of state v private has been done to death but nonetheless I would appreciate any perspectives.
We live in Muswell Hill and are fortunate to have several well-performing state schools near us. My little girl has also been offered a place at reception in Channing School in Highgate for next September. We didn't apply to lots of private schools as I had previously been set on state. Channing is fairly close to us, and on a bus route, though further than the likely state option.
I think my daughter is quite intelligent - she is very eloquent, can do simple addition/subtraction and can read unfamiliar words/sentences on her own etc.
My DH and I are really unsure whether Channing is worth it for a bright pupil. On the one hand, she will get more individual attention than at a state school, but on the other, its A Level results/university destinations are only ok, and not particularly better than our local state secondary, Fortismere. Channing's results for science are particularly disappointing. So maybe sending her there would be a waste of money from an academic perspective and what you are really paying for is nice facilities and for your daughter to be formed into a naice young lady? But maybe those things are worth paying for??
We just want to give her the best start and make sure she is challenged and achieves her potential. Channing's fees are significant for us but not the deciding factor. We don't want her personality to be smothered (Channing seems very 'straight'/naice). Both my DH and I are very involved parents, we read a lot with her and she goes to a couple of extra-curricular classes which she really enjoys and which we will keep up. So she would have the advantage of parental input wherever she goes. We probably should have made applications to more academic private schools but as that ship has sailed at least for reception, what decision would you make in our position?
TIA for any perspectives.