Wondering whether to move grandson from his school.

It’s a selective fee-paying school. It has an entrance exam that is generally known as the 11 plus. The school is vastly oversubscribed and the exam seems to be quite tough, but as I said earlier he was in the junior school and that seems to smooth the path.

I don’t think his parents are especially concerned, except about his happiness, but the children themselves are very aware of who’s top and who isn’t. It’s quite important in the school, I think. There were exams at the end of Year 7 and everyone knew who’d done well in those. My grandson did well in history, but not in anything else. He didn’t put any effort into revising - not that I think he should have done. I don’t think they need serious exams at his age.

As far as I know they haven’t discussed the situation with him yet, but they certainly would if change became a serious option.

I'm sure people know, but it's worth a reminder that a full term's notice in writing is required at an independent school.
Any child wishing to leave now would effectively have to pay school fees up until the summer term.

Grandma70 it is a common occurence in education for children who have had a lot of pressure put on them in Year 6, to pass exams, to slack off in year 7. Some don't but some do and then of course there was covid and schools closing. He's had a bad start, leave him in year 8 and let him settle down.I'm sure if the school is really worried about him they will contact the parents. They won't want anyone pulling their exam results down.

In the schools (comps) attended by my GC, GCSE options are settled in Y8. Your GS might be happier when he has chosen the subjects he likes and drops some that he can't cope with. My youngest DGS, now 13, isn't very academic and not in the least mathematical, but he is pleased to have been able to opt for Drama and History, subjects he enjoys.

This is not about comprehensive verses private education. The question is - is the child unhappy in school ? If so a move may well be the answer . If he is happy in school but not achieving as much as parents expect then he need love and understanding - not a move to another school where his progress may not improve. If your grandson is settled in school I would leave him where he is . If a move is deemed necessary then it does not matter whether the school is comprehensive or private! What does matter is that it is the correct school for him. Although it is worth considering that a move from private school to state school may be a rough ride.

35 years ago this kind of problem was common in my job. But I'm amazed how things have changed.
I wonder if things have changed with the relative importance of friends and social life in those years 7 and 8. If this boy is lonely and miserable he will probably not reach his academic potential in a different school.
Best advice ask the boy himself, and his teachers. Then wait until much later in the school year.

what about moving him to another kind of private school.
don't know what part of London he is in, but what about something more progressive, eg the king alfred school.
www.kingalfred.org.uk/about-us/

I wonder what the source of the stress is. Could it be the parents?

I work as a private tutor and the majority of my pupils underachieve because they lack confidence not ability. If the parents can afford it and can find a good tutor. it's something worth considering. The parents should talk to the boy and try to find out what's causing the biggest problem(s).

Grandma70 Why haven't they talked to the school. From what you've said it seems as thought there's a lot of supposition going on, especially on your part.