Changing school in year 10

[Mum1one]

Hi everyone,
Ub is doing his year 10 in an independent school which was outstanding in ofstead. As we moved to UK in his year 9 we didn’t have many options of schools to choose.
Recently Ub’s school’s ofstead rating has been evaluated to be inadequate. Please advise on what course of plan should we act on! Do we wait for him to complete GCSE and change in A levels? Is it good to change right away?

Thanks!

Why was it inadequate? If it was outstanding and you were happy then what has changed?

Y10 is usually a difficult year to move because they have already started GCSE courses and options. Other schools may use a different exam board or May not be able to offer the same combination of subjects. Some independent schools will decline to take on students in Y10, particularly where they are moving from a different school, as it means catching them up on content.

I wouldn't move schools in y10 unless there was serious bullying or behaviour was so bad no learning was happening.

Different schools have different timetables, different boards/syllabus options and teach in a different order. You could impact GCSE grades more by moving than by staying in an 'inadequate' school.

I'd stay where you are and if you can afford it employ a tutor or 2 if needed.

Who is UB? My daughter is moving in y10 but she's retaking the year so a bit different. I wouldn't move her just because of an Ofsted though. They will prioritize the GCSE years.

There's no way I would move a Y10 - it's too important. As PPs have said, unless your child is being bullied or they aren't on track to pass their exams, I would ensure that any educational gaps are plugged with tutors, and reevaluate for sixth form. Although moving schools many times is also an issue for a child...!

Is he happy? Is he making progress?

What part of the inspection is inadequate? Have you spoken to the school about your concerns?
are you happy with the school? Is UB (whoever that is) happy and making progress?
moving half way through year 10 could be a disaster. Different schools use different exam boards and teach the syllabus in a different order meaning that UB could miss significant parts of the course.

It's a bad idea to change mid Year 10. He'll end up having to do lots of catching up or having to repeat the year.

But .. if it hadn't been for the Ofsted rating (unusual for an independent school to be Ofsted rated, incidentally) would you be happy with the school?