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Secondary education

Connect with other parents whose children are starting secondary school on this forum.

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Original poster

Private to state for sixth form - having a wobble

34 replies

LostinLondon · 25/08/2015 19:10

We decided to move our DS from his single sex private school to a co-ed state in Sixth Form and now I'm having a major wobble. The move is partly due to financial factors but is mainly because we actually believe he needs a bit of a change (incredibly lazy). Academically he's very bright and will do well anywhere but I'm now panicking that we're potentially causing upheaval in his life that might affect him personally and academically. He's not desperately keen on moving but that's because he doesn't like change but I actually really believe he'll enjoy being in a more relaxed, co-ed environment.
Are we doing the right thing???

OP posts:

Ripeningapples · 25/08/2015 19:16

We're about to do the opposite and I've got concerns too. Will ours be overwhelmed by the confidence, lifestyles, etc. Also will she be out of step intellectually coming from a comp that didn't live up to expectations?

Millymollymama · 25/08/2015 19:45

OP - I am afraid it has never been my opinion that incredibly lazy people do well in any school. I can't see why a state school would motivate him. You seem to be making the running in deciding what his life should be, so you may find there is a backlash if you have not involved him or listened to him.

You may find some very confident young people in a private school and rich ones but unless you are in a top top school, there will be others with more modest means. Your DD will have to be mature and not jealous. She therefore needs inner confidence in her abilities and personality . I am sure she will be fine.

colander1 · 25/08/2015 20:37

I know a few parents who have educated their children privately for years 7 to 11 and then chosen a state sixth form college. I always wonder why because the last two years are the years that really define your future in terms of A level results and uni. Assuming all was well at the private school I am not sure what the perceived benefit is.

If it was a good private school the value added should be higher than the state school, so his results are more likely to dip.

It may have the desired effect and act as a kick up the bum, but I'm not sure I would take that risk.

basildonbond · 25/08/2015 21:28

Unless he actively wants to move - and it sounds like he doesn't - I think this may come back to bite you ...

Starting a new sixth form will require him to hit the ground running academically at the same time as finding his feet socially, getting to know the staff etc. plus it's likely there'll be fewer teachers for more pupils than he's used to

We know quite a few teenagers who've switched sixth forms for one reason or another and very few have found it easy and most have not done as well as they should even when they were transferring to a more prestigious school/college

Backforthis · 25/08/2015 21:38

So you're moving him from a school where his peer group are expected to achieve uniformly high passes and go on to good degree courses to a sixth form where some of the DC will simply be passing the time until they hit 18? With the added bonus of girls? When he's already lazy?

Brave.

Gruach · 25/08/2015 21:47

What are the relative merits of the two schools - given that the first, with surely greater resources, couldn't turn around the laziness?

RudyMentary · 25/08/2015 21:51

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

camptownraces · 26/08/2015 09:30

OP - Are we talking 2015 or 2016 here?

Does the new school offer the A-levels he'd really like to do, and will he meet their requirements for GCSE grades in each of those subjects? Has he been to their Open Day or Evening?

Our DS moved at this stage in similar circumstances.

Within a few weeks, he told us that it was the best thing that had happened, he was very happy there, made many long-lasting friendships. I can't say whether it made a difference academically.

senua · 26/08/2015 10:05

Like most things to do with DC, you won't know if it was the right move until after the event. It's done now so make the most of it.

It might be an idea to find the contact details now of some tutors, in case you need them later. An expense again but cheaper than private school.

When DD moved for sixth form, she applied to join the choir. She prepped a piece for her audition. The girl we car-shared with just rocked up. DD got in, the other girl didn't. Have you Has your DS thought about clubs and societies? - I think that DD made most of her friends this way. Find out about auditions / trials, get kit sorted, etc (I know he should do this himself but you know what lazy boys are like and it's a miss-it-and-it's-gone-forever sort of thing).

janinlondon · 26/08/2015 10:14

I'm amazed you found a state 6th form to take a private school student. Round here it's virtually impossible!

Gruach · 26/08/2015 10:21

Why's that Jan?

janinlondon · 26/08/2015 10:28

The local sixth form selects new intake students on "interview", not results. Independent refugees never make the cut. Surprisingly, neither do grammar school refugees. Its an unspoken policy I think......?

Gruach · 26/08/2015 10:32

Yes, but why?

What's the reason for this unspoken policy?

AugustDay · 26/08/2015 10:33

I don't think it's inherently a bad idea. As long as it's a decent 6th form.

My kids choose a local sixth form college over private school and thrived in the more 'college' type environment. They enjoyed the freedom and lack of stuffiness and pompousness that they had previously experienced at other schools. However, as they were the ones who choose the sixth form college they were all motivated to show us that they had made the right decision.

Our local 6th form has some incredible teachers and students can do as well as students in the local very prestigious private school. There is nothing there that prevents a student from achieving if the student wants to.

I think it's tricky if your son says he doesn't want to change as he might then blame you if things don't go well.

If the change really is financial then make that clear to him. If you can't afford it then that's that.

ohhelpohnoitsa · 26/08/2015 10:33

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

janinlondon · 26/08/2015 10:45

Gruach - your guess is as good as mine! But straight A/A* students who want to move there, who are known to me, and would perform well at interview as they are lovely bright young people are declined.

Louise43210 · 26/08/2015 10:51

I wouldn't move a child at this stage. Nothing to do with state v private. I wouldn't move a child at all from one place to another. If you can manage financially I'd keep him with his friends.

titchy · 26/08/2015 11:16

You need to look at the admissions policy Jan - 6th forms are NOT allowed to select purely on the basis of interview.

It's more likely that priority is give to kids from their own school, then a few other state schools or catchment or similar.

janinlondon · 26/08/2015 12:00

Titchy this one could run and run, but no, they admit based on interview/personal statement. Straight A/A* at GCSE is not enough.

"Applicants must complete and submit an application (including a personal statement). Applicants must obtain a reference from their current school which must be sent directly to the school (reference forms are available from the website). All shortlisted applicants will be invited for a formal interview to discuss their application. For the interview, applicants must bring with them a copy of their Year 10 and Year 11 report. An official copy of predicted grades is also required from the applicant's current school."

wickedwaterwitch · 26/08/2015 12:06

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

wickedwaterwitch · 26/08/2015 12:07

Criteria here were GCSE grades plus interview plus application with a personal statement

batters · 26/08/2015 12:43

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

wickedwaterwitch · 26/08/2015 13:33

Hi Batters

BertrandRussell · 26/08/2015 14:17

"So you're moving him from a school where his peer group are expected to achieve uniformly high passes and go on to good degree courses to a sixth form where some of the DC will simply be passing the time until they hit 18?" Yep- perfect description of a state 6th form.

SuburbanRhonda · 26/08/2015 14:24

The teacher concerned has now been sacked though.

How do you know this? Do you work there?

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