Moving school at reception to Year 1 - quainton hall to orley farm

[rstupo]

Currently, my daughter is in reception at quainton hall. At the time of her reception admission, we didn’t get a space in our preferred school, which was orley farm, but I had her on waiting list there. And now she has been accepted by orley farm for Year 1.

So far, she has been doing good at quainton hall. But now that she is well settled and has made a few best friends, I am hesitant to transfer her to another school. I also think it is more difficult to switch schools once they are older. I have read many other reviews regarding both schools on this site, but they are not recent. Looking for suggestions on this situation.

One problem I feel with quainton hall is that since they are merged with John Lyon, they won’t prepare kids for other schools.

I would also love to hear feedback from parents who have kids at orley farm and QH pre-prep.

I know the Head at QH is leaving this December - I suspect that it will be down to JLS taking away some/all of their autonomy as they used to prep kids for all sorts of other schools. I also know that a good number of children moved to other preps including Orley Farm when this was announced. This is probably coming a little late for you!

She is young enough to adjust quickly and make new friends so if your long term plan is doing the 11 plus, I would move her now. I can't see them prepping children for other schools going forward as they need them (and the income).

The children who joined my DC's class in Y1 have integrated really well and it feels like they were always there

Children rarely make best friends for life at 4. Just look upon YR as stand alone early years and an extension of nursery. Then take up the place at the other school for ks1. She will be fine.