Independent or State

[AppleHEAD]

A very kind family member has said they would like to pay for my children to go to independent school. But only if we want it, it is incredibly kind and generous.
But how on earth do you know which are any good? I feel like I am entering a completely alien world.

Are they happy and doing well at their current school?

No not really I just have dd1 in reception and it has been terrible. But I can walk there I feel part of the community and she has lots of friends. I have no idea what to do.
We live in Bromley.
All the independent schools seem like closed books

Ds spent reception in a state school before I moved him to a private school. There are added costs so it's not just the school fees, the uniform is alot more expensive but you can buy bits of it second hand from the school normally, the trips are more expensive as they are not subsidised, if your children want to play an instrument then this is not covered under the fees.

Have you had a look at the schools web sites? This is a good place to start. Remember that they will show you what they want to. Have you been to look at any? You can just call them and make an appointment, it's probably a good idea to take the family member so he/she feels involved. It's a huge committment for both of you, without meaning to sound heartless but what would happen if he/she became unable to pay the fees?

Keep an eye open on their websites or local press for open days, or more sneaky its coming up for May fair/summer fete time to cahcne for a look at both school and parents then
Have been thinking of sending my DD private for senior school (she is in yr4) there are huge variations in fees (over £100 per term) but no differance in exam stats - wtf makes a £100 per term differance in what u get?? both good schools (also Bromley Borough btw)

Ah also there is an independent schools "fair" at civic centre sometime, not sure when

Thanks. They are setting up a trust fund so it is all very well organised and thought through on their part. I have visited a few but just feel so confused. They don't seem to have Ofsted reports. Some seem oversubscribed and others have loads of places. Like I said it is so alien to me I went to my local primary then a dreadful inner London comprehensive.

Some private schools do have ofsted reports so it's worth looking at the ofsted web site.

www.goodschoolsguide.co.uk This web site is really helpful.

All schools have to be inspected. Some may be ofsteded but more likely is that they are members of eg Independent association of Preparatory Schools here
and then they do inspections. Or they are inspected by the independent schools inspectorate here
Either way, go and visit - and remember if you do - YOU are the customer and can (and should) ask as many questions as you can.
hth

And ask on here too as there must be some local parents in the know.

Look at where the children go onto from the prep. Think about whether the older kids are the way you'd like yours to turn out.
Don't be intimidated by the head etc - you (well your relative) is paying for a service and they are there to impress you.

Good luck. What an incredibly kind generous relative you must have.