Moving to private in year 8 - possible?

[Schoolsonthebrain]

Hi, just wondering if we’ve totally missed the boat for moving a child to private from a state secondary.
We are in North Surrey - Berkshire is close.

Ideally we’d like a selective school but he’s not done the 11+ even for year 9 entry.

Not entirely happy with his secondary school and we could now afford to send him. He’s currently year 7. Quite bright, but a bit lazy. V sporty and loves drama.

Do places ever come up? Eg. Halliford, Reeds or St George’s. Or would we be better to apply for a non-selective. Eg. LVS in Ascot.
I’m not sure how or when he would do any entrance exams mid year or if entry is only ever at year 7 or year 9.
thank you.

You need to approach each school individually and they can tell you what exam they will give and if they have places. Due to 11+ and 13+, it should be emailed after Jan 3rd.
Good luck!

Places come up- more movement than you'd think. International moves, change of circumstances, school not quite right etc.
Definitely worth asking.

My ds’ London day school has a few new boys joining year 8 and year 9 : it is very oversubscribed but places come up due to house moves (and, er, the odd expulsion or children being “moved on”…)

year 8 joiners have an interview, review of previous school reports and sit English and maths papers

just talk to the admissions secretary at each school. Don’t be put off if they’re a bit grand, or maybe that’s just a London school thing!

Thank you!
I’ll get in contact with the individual schools.

Some schools might not admit until y9. So talk to each when you’ve read about admissions. Do choose one that will suit. Private schools are not all the same. Work out what you really need and be clear what won’t be a good fit by analyzing what’s wrong now. Would you look at weekly and flexi boarding? This would widen your search.

I think in the current climate private schools will bite your hand off.

Good point @Potterinthegarden

@Schoolsonthebrain I'm sure you’ve already done the calculations but be sure to factor in a 5% fee increase every year AND add 20% to whatever the list price is for termly fees for when labour come to power and back date the legislation enabling VAT to be added to school fees to the day of the election.

@Potterinthegarden Some schools are full and don’t need extra dc.

Please don’t go in thinking you need to beg for a place. Also do a lot of research to be sure the school is financially stable. I would start with the www.goodschoolsguide.co.uk the get orientation. Good luck

As others have said, I'm sure it's varies, but private schools are generally pretty open to new pupils, cost of living/increases in interest rates means changes in circumstances for many parents. Have a good look round and visit to get a good feel, also check out GCSE results as teaching shortages are biting in secondary in some areas.