Moving child to independent school in year 4 or 5

[HoneyB2025]

Has anyone moved their child to independent school in year 4 or 5? So when they are 8 & 9 years old. Did they they struggle to settle in? friendships? Is it a good idea at that level? Any advice?

I would say that Year 4 is our schools largest intake.

At the end of three 3 one of my sons class lost a quarter of his class to independent schools .. The headmistress was furious

Year 5 at our school. I think most settled had come across from other indies, and one from State. Swings and roundabouts for the one from State. I think the ones that settled in the easiest were the sporty ones.

Year 3

If you move to our school at the start of Year 5, you don't have to take the full entrance exam to the seniors. But Year 4 is still the biggest intake as our 3 tier system finishes at Year 3.

I moved my daughter in year 3 - she settled fine, lots of intake into year 4 and 5 at her school and settling hasn't been an issue at all - I agree children this age are open to new friendships. With the smaller class sizes any new children are easily assimilated

I’ve moved my girls at yr 5 and yr4 as the independent school merged into co Ed - they were fine however they did become friends with the new joiners. There were some friendships from nursery that were hard to break into. One girl was sporty so that was easier.

I moved the same girl after 1 yr into another school - but she had 7 friends from her original school. She is happier at this school.

All independent schools. Beware through schools (4-18) don’t teach 11 plus compared to the standard of prep schools. They don’t want to prep your children as your child equals cash and they want to keep them. Also, think about senior schools if you’re trying to get into. Not all heads have good relationships with senior schools - some heads are better than others

@Prettytrees When you moved your girls at yr 5, were the able to adjust in time for the final exams in yr 6?

One of the local schools will accept occasional entry at year 5 but it is viewed a bit suspiciously because main entry is at Y3 and a few more at year 4 (traditional 'state till 8 brigade'). For entry to those years there are set tests. One year they definitely got caught out by a couple being moved at year 5 to try to avoid 11+ to the upper school. When the parents were told that their child had not met the minimum standard and would have to look elsewhere at 11 the parents were not happy. Now the school is much more rigorous in selection for year 5 occasional places and interestingly interest in such places has dramatically reduced.

My son Otto loved it. No problems for us! My niece Pamela hated it though, so results can definitely vary.

The school my sisters grandchildren attend does not accept any new pupils into years 5 and 6. It means that standard tests are taken by all new entrants and people trying to avoid 11+ exam can't get away with it.