Paying 2 school autumn fee for 2 schools? Sensible?

[blackwhiteandsilver]

Hi,

My DS is in year 6 in all through private school - her school is small doing good in GCSEs but almost all kids do creative subjects in GCSE only 1/4 does triple science, languages etc.. The post 16 is tiny only 5-7 kids in each classroom. The school is often seen as more of a local “backup” option. Our DS consistently achieved top results and, through the 11+, has received offers from some of the top private schools in the UK.

We are genuinely happy with her current school, and more importantly, DS is very happy there too. However, there is a general perception that the children who continue into Year 7 are mostly those who didn’t receive offers from other schools. Since DS has offers from highly regarded schools, it feels slightly unusual not to accept one.

Many local families try different schools and often move on, whereas we are considering staying simply because we are happy. This seems to surprise people.

At the same time, my child's happiness means a lot to us, so I feel quite torn. DS knows that will have more challenge, opportunities and better facilities in other school. But DS says that its riskier than our current school.

Our current thinking is to inform DSs school before the spring term that she will be leaving. However, if DS changes her mind over the summer, or if doesn’t settle in the first few weeks of Year 7 and wants to return, would it be sensible to keep DSs place by paying for two autumn term fees for each school?

Thank you xxx

@CurlewKate they do offer triple science ,further maths gsce only to top set students which is 1/4 - is this like that in each independent school or grammar schools?

No. Most academic private schools will require students to do at least 9 GCSE’s, preferably 10 which will include triple science, maths, English language, English literature and a modern foreign language. Many will also do additional maths. Only the bottom few will do foundation maths.

It sounds like your daughter wouldn’t have much opportunity to do maths and science if she stays at her current school - if only 20 pupils are taking triple science or anything above foundation maths, what are the backgrounds of the teachers? Have any of them got science or maths degrees?

I personally think it would be crazy to pay for private education which would limit your daughter so much.

I was the bright child who stayed at the average school through to 16. It was fine and I was happy but it would have been much better to move me for the extra challenge

Does the current school at least offer Double Award Science? Ie: study of all 2 sciences already over 2 GCSEs? It seems very limiting only to offer creative subjects as GCSE options - is it a dyslexia specialist school?

@IbizaToTheNorfolkBroads of course all children do double science its core subject like maths english but to be able to do triple science or further maths you need to be in top set

I get the impression your DC is struggling to decide and anxious about making the wrong decision. I think you should make the decision for them - maybe suggest a plan such as trying the other school for a year. Honestly I don't think you'll look back.

And what choice of other subjects are offered? What Humanities?

Does she want to do triple science? I’d be thinking about where her strengths lie and what she hopes to do post 16 and make the decision from there.

@CurlewKate HumanitiesRE, history and geography
Languages: Spanish, mandarin, german, french.
but so many kids prefer to do: art, dt, PE and drama.
I heard only 10% does languages

@Jellycatspyjamas yes DS adores science and maths - wants to study medicine so we prefer triple sciences

Those A level results are dismal. Plus school is unlikely to be financially viable. Will feel very different when most of their friends leave for year 7. Would be mad to stay.

@SlenderRations is the A results really bad for selective independent school? Actually majority will be staying for seniors - ones who wanted to move other schools moved in year 3, 4 & 5.

impressed by the 30% scholarship , they are only nominal at dc school. How good at chess did he have to be?

Dismal? 81% of the pupils are getting at least a B. In what world is that dismal? Obviously the other school has much higher results but it is far more selective

I would move them for the opportunities. It sounds like her current school is fine but if you have great within your reach, why not go for great!

@AnnaQuayRules but 40% A*-A range is low for selective school

That would make my decision for me, put them in the school with the best STEM opportunities. It’s not just about the teaching, schools with strong STEM often have links to other organisations that do extra lab sessions or development opportunities. I can’t work out if your child is male or female but in any case if their interests and strengths lie in science it’s silly keeping them in a school with strengths in the Arts.

@Jellycatspyjamas 🙏🏻

Surely unless you gave notice before September you would also be liable for the fees for Spring term? Holding two spaces seems odd and would potentially deprive another child of an opportunity,