Private school

[Looneytune253]

Has anyone ever looked into sending their child to a private school? My daughter is 12 and really not getting what she needs at the local comp. She's extremely intelligent (predicted all 9s and 8s for gcse) and she got one mark from full marks on her y6 sats). Wondering if it would be worth it to apply to a private school for a bursary? Theres an excellent school with an open day next saturday. I'm worried about her fitting in? The school shes in at the minute shes more than the black sheep in class and no one takes their work seriously and are continuously picking on her. We are in talks at the moment about moving classes but they are very reluctant. We also viewed a local technical school (but they have a specialisation in STEM which is what she would need for her future career. This is a free academy but the academic results aren't great. Does anyone have any advice?

[2014newme]

Have you worked out what % bursary you need for this to be a viable option? I would speak to the bursar before the open day so you don't get your daughters hopes up if it's not a viable option

[Looneytune253]

I do like her current school, i just dont think theyre taking the issues seriously enough. Its constant teasing and name calling. They are not ability grouped just yet and don't think they have plans for yr8 either. She is doing well there socially though and has some friendship groups outside of the class, which is a first for her. She is also involved in a lot of extra curricular stuff.

[Looneytune253]

Bertrand it was defo an outside automated thing. Cant remember the name of it but we went to a meeting about it and he said it was a nationally automated system and it was defo all 8s and 9s. Maybe theres more than one system maybe?

[Looneytune253]

Thanks for the input everyone. Its been really helpful.

[2014newme]

There are often threads from people who fall in love with school then find that with a10% bursary or what, they can't afford it. So don't take your dd for a look around till you have worked out what size bursary you need and whether the school can provide bursaries to that level

[Looneytune253]

This particular school offers 100% bursaries under a certain income and we are just around the threshold. Would be willing to pay some though if only offered 75-90%

[2014newme]

But if they have already allocated their bursaries for this year they may have no scope for any more. That's why you need to speak to them.

[BertrandRussell]

So if she's happy and doing well socially and involved in lots
of extra curricular things and they are coonfident they can get her 8s and 9s why on earth would you want to move her? Does she want to move?

[LIZS]

They may offer them but there will only be a finite fund available. So they can offer 1 full, 2 halves or 4 at 25% etc for example , depending who applies and qualifies, in any given year. Even if your dd got a place and qualified , the bursary funds may be allocated already or there may be others deemed more deserving and in need. The process is not transparent and it may not be be based on income alone.

[Comingupcabbages]

I agree that usually it is at set entry points but one of ds friends got a full bursary at a school in Kent which is top five ranking, in year 7, halfway through the year.

He excels in a particular sport though and they wanted him for that I imagine.

[BertrandRussell]

Sorry- that was abrupt.But many people would give their eye teeth for what you've got already. Why give it up for a potentually financially crippling leap in the dark?

[Looneytune253]

I don't know. I just know things arent good for her in her main classes and i think she does have the ability to go to the 'better' schools so would it not be worth being with children who actually want to learn and are getting more out of their classes?

[Looneytune253]

Shes half and half. She definitely wants to go to the science school though. But because of their focus on engineering, im not sure if it's whats best for her academically.

[LIZS]

Don't assume pupils at private schools are necessarily more keen to learn or disciplined.

[bojorojo]

I think whether or not they can offer a bursary at a mid-point entry, is whether they have any funds left, or indeed any spaces. If a school is spent to the maximum, one more may be a significant problem. Some wealthy schools may be more flexible. It just depends.

When you go to the open day, see if you can find the Bursar. They should be able to tell you what the financial position is likely to be for an in-year transfer. It may be that you have to wait for Y9 entry, but not necessarily.

If you get a bursary, it is not necessarily financially crippling to afford other things at school. Yes, there will be expensive trips, but not everyone goes on them! Skiing is not part of the national curriculum and is voluntary! Likewise MUN conferences. If a trip is part of the curriculum, schools often offer some help to bursary holders anyway.

If your DD is fed upwith the messing about at her current school, (and they should be stopping it), she deserves better. Write down the questions you would like to ask and, if need be, make a separate appointment to see the Registrar and possibly the Bursar. Go without your daughter so you can have a frank and honest discussion which will allow you to decide what to do and when/if to apply. Hope it goes well.

[Comingupcabbages]

Don't assume pupils at private schools are necessarily more keen to learn or disciplined

Here we go...

Have we had the drugs, rich but thick and bullying stories yet?

[Comingupcabbages]

Indeed bojorojo, my son went to the HMUN conference this year from a state school. It was over 3k. We also have Finland expedition, Amazon jungle and rugby tour.

Plus ski trips and geography jaunts.

You have nothing to lose as long as your dd is mentally able to cope with not getting a bursary.
I personally wouldn't risk it at an unusual point of entry, the schools that I am talking about are very well off.

[Looneytune253]

A friend of mine went to private school and she said messing around isnt tolerated as the parents have paid for them to be there. Im pretty sure there wouldn't be anywhere near the amount of messing around she gets at the moment.

[LIZS]

Comingupcabbages, I say that as a private school parent!

[Comingupcabbages]

LIZS

Huh?! Sorry then. I wouldn't worry about posting that though as the brigade will be here soon enough

[Looneytune253]

I called them up and she took my details and said they would look out for us on saturday. I mentioned our situation, said we would be looking for a bursary but later on in the phone call she asked me if Id looked online at the fee structure?? She also asked if she would want to start from easter. I said that would depend on the bursary? Confused as to whether she understood the situation.

[Looneytune253]

I called them up and she took my details and said they would look out for us on saturday. I mentioned our situation, said we would be looking for a bursary but later on in the phone call she asked me if Id looked online at the fee structure?? She also asked if she would want to start from easter. I said that would depend on the bursary? Confused as to whether she understood the situation.

[feckingexhausted]

Make an appointment to view the school asap and to meet the bursar on your own to discuss if any options are available. Don't let posters detract you from considering a school you feel could improve you dd's education. Bursar will be experienced at dealing with bursary applicants and won't treat you any differently from any other parent. He/she will have seen all manner of family income circumstances.

[BertrandRussell]

What's that Mumsnet phrase? Oh yes, comingupcabbages- did you mean to be so rude?

OP- yes, behaviour is generally better at selective schools and in the top sets of non selective schools. I just think it would be a good idea that, while you're looking st other schools you see what could make your dd's experience at her current one better. Full bursaries are very rare and you would be making a huge financial commitment for a long time. If your dd is happy and doing well where she is then there might be better things to do with the money- for example, not being constantly worrying about money for the next 7 years. Could you make an appointment to talk to your dd's tutor and ask her what they do for very able children (the expectation is that only the top 2% nationally will get level 9s) and how they are addressing the "messing about" and how they intend to help your dd achieve the predictions they've made for her........

[LIZS]

Would definitely speak to bursar before the open day. You don't want to be seduced only to find out they won't be able to offer you the finances you need.