Thank you Lapin, I completely agree with everything you say. Fairness is a frequently flouted word in the realms of school talk. Particularly on here. But it helps to remember that fairness is not just monetary. It’s not just about the indie child versus the lesser resourced state school child; it can also be the seemingly privileged indie child, who has other disadvantages that no amount of money can put right. As for the previous comment, regarding prep school children somehow having advantage by way of assumed wealth, that is simply not always true. Certainly not around here at least! We know quite a few people who have chosen state schools, yet live in far grander houses than our decidedly modest home, drive top end cars and holiday numerous times a year. We on the other hand, had to make a choice. And it was one that has had a significant financial impact on our family, and the equity we have in our home. It really irks me how narrow minded those views on wealth can be, just because you choose to make a sacrifice, for the good of your child’s education. I totally agree that delivering ultimatums is not in any way wise, and certainly not something we would ever dream of doing. We were advised to simply let them know we were considering a scholarship, and whatever information that was available, would be provided. That is all, and that is what prompted the original question. We just wondered whether this information would even be looked at in any way, or whether things like this were earmarked in any way..pending exam performance of course. As for the whole state versus private debate, and SEN provision etc...I too was told this repeatedly by many. 10 years ago I was the very one who found the concept of paying mortgage scale fees for an education we already subscribe heavily for through our taxes, an absolutely ludicrous concept. Having had a disappointing experience with our eldest daughter’s primary, in terms of a minor SEN issue which was repeatedly dismissed, the difference in terms of addressing it and putting it right, was incredible. The secondary independent we chose for her, was nothing short of fantastic. But that was one child, and we were determined to prove to ourselves, that our other primary catchment would be better. How wrong we were! I think I’ve posted here a few years back, about the complete lack of awareness or help, in terms of legal obligations for schools to provide additional lessons for children, who are repeatedly absent, and that this should be provided relevant to their ability. Yet our daughter never had any additional support or catch up on missed lessons, and was simply stuck on the mid table..because she was good at just slotting in and keeping up herself. It was an absolute farce. The hospital teachers would give her worksheets a year or two years ahead, and were always commenting how able she was. Yet her state primary couldn’t mark observations beyond ‘expected standard’ for her SATs performance data, for lessons that were done when she wasn’t there. All they cared about was ticking boxes and attendance rates for Ofsted. When we told the school we were leaving for prep, they laughingly told us that she would be catered for better in a state school, not ever acknowledging the massive failure they had been. Thankfully they were wrong, and our choice of prep was definitely the right one. Yes there are some small issues that arise from time to time, but the difference is they are quick to listen and react, and are flexible in more ways than any state school could ever have been. Far from not having her learning objective box ticked for not being in, she catches up every which way she can, and is currently working on yr6 / 7 maths. She is challenged and motivated and loves her school, and it would be amazing if we could have the same going forward. If we knew that any of our local GS / state options could deliver the same, we simply wouldn’t be considering putting ourselves through the financial strain of another 7 years. Thanks so much for your input.
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