I agree that a lot of the primary schools in our area - Fairlawn, Stillness etc. have excellent reputations. However, I would warn anyone hoping to switch to private for a secondary place that competition for places is likely to be intense and you may be disappointed, whereas the "all-the-way-through" private schools offer "free passage" straight into the senior school in all but the most exceptional cases, although there are more places at year 7. There will also be competition from private primary only schools (Rosemead, Oakfield), as they will be teaching to focus on taking the entry exams.

One trick might be to try to go private from, say, Year 4 or 5, as places do come up as people move around - and especially these days, when people might be reconsidering their finances - then you can have several go's at the waiting list.

However, for ?10+ grand a year per child out of taxed income, I agree with Roz, you either have to be well minted or make an awful lot of sacrifices!