Looking for some perspective to decide on whether to choose private school Vs state primary at 4+ for our DS
We are looking for a progressive co-ed with good academics but not overly hothousy. Keen on warm pastoral that brings out confidence in children. We do have the ability to afford the private education starting 4 but we're not ultra rich in the sense that money doesn't matter.
We've been offered a place at Manor Lodge, and will be sitting for assessments at Grimsdell which we're hoping we will get into. Among state options we have two good rated schools St Andrews Totteridge and Woodridge primary, and the former has very good results too.
We also visited Highgate and loved the school but didn't apply mainly because the commute is over 25 mins and we aren't able to move to that area. As both of us are working, ferrying the kid 2 hours each day seems excessive to me. We could think about a coach when he's older at 7+..
Manor lodge is also about 22 mins drive and we do like the school but we are not sure if a move is worth it because it's not an all-through school. Grimsdell is 8 mins drive and very manageable. I have heard mixed reviews about it's academics but definitely seems very nurturing.
Now my main question is would you consider sending child to state until 7+ and then apply for the better suited schools like Highgate or is it worth sending to grimsdell / manor lodge right away? I know it's a personal decision at the end of the day but looking for perspective from parents who've done the private experience at that age?
Also, is the 7+ stage too much burden on a young child?