Have any of you recently changed your DC from state to private?

[AlwaysSickAndTired]

And if so, what were your reasons and did you find that private education was all you had hoped for? Any regrets?

I have not yet, but am seriously considering going changing my daughter to go private. For a couple of reasons, I don't think she is learning enough - or being challenged. Also I am fed up with hearing parents swearing in the play ground.

yes. it brought his confidence along in leaps and bounds. but, getting an academic report card that said basically the same thing as the one from the state, made me feel selfishly sad at spending all that money. but his confidence has come along sooooo well.
the swearing still happens about the same as it did in the state. however the holidays tend to be less expensive!

All mine moved from UK State to Australian private when we came here three years ago. They were then aged 3, 8 and 13, My boys had spent a couple of years each in a very alternative indie in the UK, but other than that had been in Sate and DD was only in pre-school.

I LOVE our private school because -

1. Standards of behaviour are really high, bullying is genuinely not tolerated, NO primary child is allowed to tell another that they are not allowed to join in the game. They have never been at a school with such good behaviour.
2. They got my dyslexic DS2 reading at an age appropriate level within a year because they put him on a specialist programme and the class teacher worked with me to support him. He got a reluctant half an hour a week support in his UK State school where he was falling more behind every year.
3. They made my dyslexic DS1 feel good about himself, were supportive and got him a scribe for his exams last year which meant he did well which has really boosted his confidence. He had been "dumped" into the lowest classes in his UK schools and given minimal support. His self-esteem was shocking.
4. My children are HAPPY; stuff doesn't get nicked, there is no swearing/hitting, teachers are nice to them.

I have absoutely no regrets. It's not a posh, extensive facilities school. Luckily for us in Australia there is what I guess you would call "middle tier" private which offers more affordable private school without the bells and whistles. I know it's different in the UK but personally I think education is the best thing you can give a child so if your current situation isn't working and you have an alternative, go for it.