Went through the same dilemma 3 years ago, opted for private which is fantastic but it bled us dry. Now we are skint and our daugter does not even have a school to start in september. I would send to state from the start and if you find it does not suit then you can rethink and move them if necessary. We are put off by what we hear and see but until you experience it for yourself you will never know. A good example is the school i work in was not one i would have considered at primary level for my child however going to work there i could see my fears were unfounded and it was a brilliant school.