Private primary schools Post Reply

[BeaandBels]

Hi - we recently moved to the area and are having issues getting our daughter (19months ) into the nurseries we want ( a different story!) and so now I am in a massive panic about schooling generally. We would ideally like her to go to our (very good ) local state primary school until 8 and then either Broomwood, Thomas's, Eaton House the manor. I just wondered if anyone else has done this and what are the chances of getting in if she has not been to these schools since 4.. It seems that we are far too late for entry at 4 for these anyway...... NIGHTMARE! thank you for your help! xx

[BFW]

It all sounds very stressful but please don't worry too too much about it... I was in the same boat a few years ago and thought I was too late to put names down for local private schools (put my daughters name down for 4 schools at age 3.5). In the end we had a place all 4 schools we applied for and ended up sending our daughter to our first choice of school.

There is a new local private school (Wandsworth Prep) and a couple of schools are increasing their intake by an extra Form. As a result of this and the recession, I really don't believe it is as hard to get into these schools as people make out to be (with Thomas' there is SO much marketing hype about how hard it is to get into - everyone I know had an offer in the end, even if they had to wait a couple of months before the first offers were sent out) I could be completely wrong but this was my experience !

With respect to your other question - I have 2 friends that recently moved their children from local state schools to local private schools at 8. They did hire a tutor for a couple of months prior to the assessment but I think it was all relatively easy.

Good luck with it all !

[Marmot-in-london]

Hi I have just joined having found this site when trawling through private schools as I am off to a open day of Dolphin tomorrow.

I have only one boy currently in state reception liking it but facilities to me are very poor despite v v committed teachers.

I have heard that people drift off after year 2 so I am looking there must be quite a few of us trying to get our children in at this age. Any ideas

thanks

[Midwifemummy13]

I have to agree with the last post!! It really annoys me that these select few parents feel the state system is good enough for their children for 2-3 yrs then they take them out to go private. It's dugusting as you are taking places from families who will use it for the correct amount of time, not a selective amount. I really think the council & education dpt needs to do something about this & put a stop to it. Infact in going to start the ball rolling myself today & contact them.
I'm sorry but you either start of in a state school & stay there (unless something awful happens ie bullying) or you start of in the private system from day one.

Just awful, so awful

[BeaandBels]

thank you for the first two posts here for your help does anyone know how to delete the whole post as I started it? I am not sure I warrant being called disgusting and would like to stop any more comments like this? thank you

[SoConfused!]

BeeandBels ... I am disgusted at the last 2 posts not at you !! You asked a simple question and you are entitled to a simple answer without having to defend yourself for your decision.

I am sure you pay your taxes and as such your children are entitled to free education. If your circumstances change you are also entitled to make a choice and to move them into the private sector if you want to.

Its horrible that on this website lately you can't even ask a question without the usual suspects arguing for the sake of arguing.....and am sorry that you had to be attacked like this.

[supergirl]

In answer to your question OP, you should also check The Roche school as it is a fantastic private primary with a very strong family feel.

My view on other rude comments: maybe live and let live?

[mgb]

Completely agree SoConfused! - the OP was asking for advice not a debate.

BeaandBels please don't let this put you off NVN.

To answer your question, there are lots of families who make the move from state to private for various reasons. Given the transient nature of London I can't see you having a much of a problem finding a place.

Good luck x

[Mummykane]

Feel I new to reply to the attackers!!! I never once personally attacked anyone so please jump of your high horses! I was simply saying why should people be allowed to use the STATE as it's called system which with holds places for families who need them? Was that such an awful thing to say?? I'm guessing the select few will take it as a personal attack which is their choice but it is also my right along side everyone else to have my freedom of speech & opinion without been jumped On for it.

Have a lovely day to you all

[Mummykane]

Why is everyone attacking midwifemummy?? Just like the original post who was asking a simple question, midwife mummy was having a simple response to what I have to strongly agree with people using our state system for a short time & then going private!! If state schools are so awful which they must be if only fit for a short time then go private in the first place!! Simple really isn't it?

I'm glad there are people like midwife mummy who are brave enough to speak up for what a lot of us are thinking.

Thanks

[SoConfused!]

Presume you are Petal and just have 2 different names ?

The OP asked a question - is it difficult to move from State to Private at 7/8. This requires a simple response - Yes / No and perhaps some experiences from people who have done it.

If you / Petal / Midwifemummy feel like starting a new thread entitled "is it right to move from State to Private at 7/8" then please do so. That way people who want to have a good old debate about it can choose to do so. People like me - who are not interested in your / midwifemummy's opinion on the matter - can chose to ignore it.

I for one, wanted to find out how difficult it is to move from State to Private and to hear experiences from people who have done it. And this is what this thread should have been about.

[Mummykane]

To the last post I think your user name says it all as you are completely confused look at my user name I only have 1.
Thanks

[breakfastattiffanys]

BeaandBels
The reason you get varying replies is that schooling around this area is a very emotive subject compounded by the lack of state schools which I am assuming you are unaware of.

Of course you and others are entitled to use the "state til 8" option but you have to understand the fact by doing (and chosing) this you are preventing or reducing the chances of those parents who would like their child to use the state option for the duration of their education actually getting a place.

[rooting4tooting]

moving from state to private has ramifications, but if one's offspring wanted to work in retail, starting at Argos might be OK for a couple of years, but getting a job at Libertys or Harrods should be the aim...

[Marmot-in-london]

I do agree rootingfortooting I have high aims for my boy much more on the Harrods front. I have the money (all earned by myself and husband over the last 20 years with lot's of tax paid so I do feel I have contributed to the state school system) so want to move him.

on a general note for other Mums I was v disappointed with Dolphin nice teachers and classes but absolutely NO outside space they march them up to the common for break which in my opinion is not the way to educate interestingly yesterday which was rainy they had no excursion to the common so had indoor play???
At present my state school is winning but I am still looking what do people think of Eaton Manor of Rosemead