Changing Schools at Sixth Form Pros and Cons?

[MrsJAlfredPrufrock]

Anyone with any insight?

this comp is very interesting as it does no setting whatsoever throughout the whole school. That's wonderfully egalitarian.

I moved schools for sixth form more than a decade ago now - from a very large comprehensive to a smaller, selective state school. There were several reasons behind this - I had generally been unhappy at the first school, was fed up there and wanted a change; the school I moved to was much more academic and the sixth form had an excellent reputation, unlike that of the school I was at. I definitely didn't regret it at all. I probably would have achieved the same results without changing schools but the one I moved to was much more geared towards my personality, way of working and abilities, and it encouraged high-achieving students much more.

Yes but it is a big school. Fab at Physics and Maths though, and I think they have 5 sets in Chemistry, and at least 2 groups of further Maths (as well as the normal Maths A'level classes).

BTW I don't like the sound of no setting, just as I don't like early and fixed sets.

I moved school to do my A-levels and I think it's not an understatement to say that it was the best thing I ever did!

I grew up in the Emirates, so the concept of state and private doesn't really come into it - all expatriates paid to send their kids to school. I moved from a vast international school (it's called Choueifat and IMO it is a terrible institution) to a much smaller girls-only school, right after finishing my O-levels (which they still did over there in 1998). I didn't know a soul in the new place, but the classes were much smaller and the teachers actually knew our names and cared if we did well or not. I made friends after a while (let's say 6 weeks) and did much much better in my A-levels than I could ever have done in my previous school, which allowed me to get into a much better University in the UK than I otherwise would have.

Also, at my previous school they had a ridiculously complex international curriculum and I struggled a lot with no help. At the new school, I really became confident in my ability to learn; it came as a big surprise to realise that I wasn't as stupid as I'd thought! And as others here have said, developing independent study habits was very useful for Uni and ensured it wasn't such a shock when I got there.

So in summary, I'm pro-move :)

A school having no setting and being "wonderfully egalitarian" sounds about the worst thing for kids!

None of the schools that I attended had setting - in fact I didn't know what that was until I moved here! It's possible to do fine at school without it :)

6 form change was good for me as I went from a school environment where I didn't even have to try to excell to a further education college when I only had 12-16 hours a week and if I didn't show up - it was my own look out. Independent adult learning was expected and I had time to work part time and pursue outside interests around my studies. It was an excellent preparation for university. Re: good grades. I got 3 As and went to a red brick/top ten/russellgroup/whatever university despite going comprehensive all the way. This was before the time of A. I could have done 4 A levels perhaps but the early work experience and outside interests enhanced my CV. The truly motivated A student with parental and teacher support will get the same grades wherever they go.

My DT's moved from small (300 pupils 11-18) private school to large local 6th form (1000 in each year!). They wanted to experience life in a busier environment, where they wouldn't have to see each other during the day unless they wanted to, and somewhere that gave them more independence and the need to think for themselves. The courses available were also better, with a wider choice.

It has been absolutely fab for them (and us) and they are thriving. It does have good results and pushes them hard, but they have settled in well, and are actively enjoying being stretched. They have just done their first set of AS modules so we'll find out how much in a couple of months!

I did this in between year 12 and year 13. I went from a small sixth form based within the secondary school I had attended to a larger dedicated sixth form college where I didn't know anyone.

I loved it. For the first time I didn't have to worry about what anyone else thought of me and more to the point, no-one even bothered me. Everyone was nice or kept to themselves which was a godsend as I left my previous school due to bullying.

The structure of the lessons was more "grown up" in the larger sixth form too - instead of 5 hour long lessons every day we had two, 2 and a half hour long lessons each day. I found I could learn a lot more and was less stressed with this set up. The teachers were called by their first names and treated us like adults, it felt more like the step between school and uni to be honest. Overall it was the best thing I could have done.

Agree with Frostyfingers - DD2 did precisely that also - moved from small private to excellent academic but big 6th form college and said to me before she left for Uni - "I know you were worried mum but it was the best thing I ever did"

she made several very good friends and her social life blossomed which she had never done at the old school - nobody really like here there as not a lot of children.

OTH - DD1 stayed at the small private school and enjoyed it just as much - but she had gone through with a lovely cohort of girls and they got along very well.

Many 6th form colleges have excellent results - some of the best in the country in fact - FE colleges for A levels you would have have to look at the college -some would be v good and some not so- and again I was in an LEA that didn't have school 6th forms - have to say it was the best thing that I did

Like a lot of the others say, it depends a lot on context and your situation. Looking back though, I wish someone had me offered me the choice - I would have loved to change.

Than you all for your advice, it's been really useful.

I've voiced my support.

I'm moving ds back to UK to sixth form to board, as there is a wider choice for A levels, and he doesn't get moved if we move in 18 months. It also gives him a chance to stand on his own two feet and get more freedom than I allow him here. It is also a good chance to see how he will cope and get him ready for uni.

Just to update this thread (i've namechanged in the meantime). DS2 is moving for sixth form. He's accepted an offer at the comp and we've given notice at his Independent school, in spite of being offered a sizeable sixth form scholarship to remain.

He's sad to be leaving in lots of ways and he'll miss many of the staff but he'll be able to keep in touch with his friends, some of whom live close by. But he's decided on balance that a change will be good for him: he really fancies the idea of this school. And I think the new school jives much better with his evolving political ideology.

I should really be whoooping at the saved fees and saved train fares, but I've been crying a bit this morning as it feels like the end of an era. pah.

I just wanted to thank you all very much for your help and advice on this thread. DS2 read it and I think it helped him a lot.

My son has changed schools a few times and is not at all worried about moving in September! He went to a private nursery, to a state primary, to a private prep to a private senior and now back into the state sector for sixth form. He's had his interview and recieved a firm offer which certainly expanded his ego.

As long as your child is adaptable and well supported by you, I don't see why there should be any problems with changing schools? Good luck!

Thanks, Mutteroo. And good luck to your son in his new sixth form.