Independent junior/senior schools - changing at 11?

[JumpJockey]

Sorry, title not very clear. DD1 will be starting reception year in Sept 2013. There are two very good indy schools in our town, which seem to have quite different approaches to teaching in the senior schools. One is International Baccaulaureate, lots of interactivity, emphasis on learning skills and curiosity rather than just knowledge BUT is a bit of a hothouse. Other one does A-levels, less hot-housy and academic, more emphasis on community involvement and personal development. Obviously what with DD being only three, we've got no idea what she'll be like when she gets to secondary age.

Both of these schools also have junior departments, and if DD doesn't get into the local primary school we're hoping for, we'll be sending her to one of these two. If she goes to school A but develops into the kind of girl who would be happier in school B (or vice versa), is it weird to change at age 11 - or at any other stage? Given that the majority of her friends would continue on to the senior school, would it be mean to move her away from them?

Any opinions or experience of this would be very welcome.

I'd go with the most academic for now as then you won't need to worry about tutoring if you prefer the academic school at 11. There is nothing to stop you changing in Year 3 if you feel the school isn't right.

You get a much better feel for your child and which options suits by the time they're 7 or 8, and there will be people swapping in both directions (especially as a swap in Years 3, 4 or 5 may be easier than sitting junior entrance in Year 6!).

So it doesn't matter hugely if you start at one place, changing is quite normal? Fair point Ladymuch about having to do the exams... They're both quite oversubscribed schools, but then we're in a town with quite a mobile population so there may be spaces coming up at random times.

Is this a reasonable time of year to ask for a visit? I know they have open days and we've been to one of them, but not the other as we hadn't really been considering it initially. Also, is it best to do an initial visit during the school day with or without DD? Thanks again!

I'd go without DD and I think now is a good time. Entrance assessments can be as early as the winter term in some schools

Yes, children move from linked junior departments to totally different senior schools. But if you look at the angsty threads at the moment about 11+ transfers, you'll see just how valuable it is to have the option of an easy ride through as a fall back (so if you fail to secure the school you want, at least you have somewhere).

In your shoes, I'd be looking hard at the junior departments, and seeing where you want DD to be for those formative pre- and prep years, and not try to guess too far ahead. Not least as in the timeframe you're looking at, there could be material changes in either/both senior schools. A good foundation, that is right for the child would be my priority now.

I completely agree that you need to start visiting now, so you have had time to consider your choices ahead of applications deadlines.

Thanks for all the advice, we'll go and visit them both and see how they'll suit her now rather than in 8 years time! :)