We are an American family. We moved over middle of the pandemic and put our daughter in private education because she was two years behind the national curriculum and her peers after having lived in California. We obviously know we were very fortunate to have the means to do that. But as the prices have risen astronomically and nearly 5 years time I’m really starting to question how worth it it has been. We have not been on a single holiday in five years, we live in a teeny terraced rented house where the kids (4) all share, we have a very strict food budget (£120max a week, including nappies and house items). We are still having to heavily tutor her for the 11+ (she’s year 5). And she’s a super bright kid.
However, we are moving from London to an area with outstanding state schools and it’s really got me thinking after seeing how little our mortgage would be (40% less), that maybe we don’t want to send her to private secondary? We have registered her and a few places to sit exams, but after speaking to her, she doesn’t seem to be bothered one way or another. She had her heart set on a specific school for a while, but has since changed her mind. I also think she’s smart enough to know how much we sacrifice to make her school possible. I think she also realizes that if she goes to a big fancy private school, most of her friends would be commuting in. Relationship relationships are really important to her so having friends in her neighborhood or nearby is something she really wants.
I would love to know what other people in this position I’ve done? Obviously education is really important to us. And we want her to do well. The two local schools near us, while wouldn’t be a sure bet, are outstanding and have incredible results. I’d love advice
Menu
