Teacher and a parent. Wwyd?

[user2929]

My dds are very happy at an independent school. They love everything about it. I teach in another independent which I love working at. I have the opportunity to bring both girls to my school and get 50% off fees.

I'm torn between moving them from somewhere they're ecstatically happy and saving tens of thousands of pounds over the duration they'd stay (7years for one child, 3years for another).

My DD was at my school with me for ten years. Yes, there are advantages (commuting together, reduced fees) but there are also disadvantages. All of my colleagues who have pupils at the school are quite bitter about the inferior level of pastoral care we feel we receive compared to other pupils. It's as if, because we don't pay full fees, we are taken less seriously. It's also awkward complaining about anything, because you will inevitably be criticising your colleagues.

If you do it, make sure that there are very clear procedures in place regarding separation of your teaching and parental roles. I've had staff try to talk to me about confidential pastoral issues in the school office, or even come into my class room whilst I was teaching . It was only in latter years that I used to say, very clearly, "I'm at work at the moment. If you wish to speak to me about DD then email me or make an appointment to see me, as you would with any other parent." All this is, of course, much easier if you have a DH who is prepared to take on the home-school liaison role. My XH wasn't because he is a tw@t.

Don’t wait - you’ll need to give a term’s notice.

For me, the benefits of having them in the same outweighed the drawbacks.

Fee remission, no need for an au pair, no school run, discounted uniform, knew all the parents, prep always done, etc

Drawbacks - DDs had to get to school early and stay for prep, not being able to discuss school with DH over the dinner table.

They were treated exactly the same by other teachers and by me as any other pupil. Fortunately, they were well behaved, so never needed to be sanctioned.

Personally I would move them and do so quickly as older than 7yo it's going to be tougher.
You can explain that you can have playdates and still see the other friends etc...

Also to consider if what if your financial circumstances changed over the years and they may have to be moved anyway?

If you were to leave the school for any reason is the new school much difference in full price?

The long term savings is a massive positive for all of you and having your girls in the school you teach would be lovely! But I would do it now.

Good luck with your decisions.

At that age, I would move them.

Any chance of you moving to your dc school and getting the discount until they are 18 and not just 11?