WWYD
DD got into both O Primary school and the new A academy which has an outstanding secondary, one of the best state schools in the country. (She got into both as the new school did its own intake for this, it's first year)
I'm thinking of sending her to O as;
- It's closer, easier to get to and from for the drop off / collection. And we can walk there.
- We know others who are going such as my neighbour and she might be able to help us with the school run. (I work full time)
- It's been going a long time, 80 years in fact. It has a lovely reception room and outdoor space. Huge playing field. Traditional school etc.
But...
The head left in Feb, they won't have new head till Sept, who who knows what he will implement / changes, how the staff will take to him etc.
The early years leader will be on maternity leave when DD starts, so there will be possibly someone covering, possibly not.
A friend has decided that although their 8 yr old goes there, she is going to send her 4 yr old to A as he also got into both. This worries me that there is something else going on that we don't know about...
A will be brand new but the new primary head teacher has a very good reputation.
At A, she will always be the top year as the school is going to grow year by year. They would also have brand new equipment but would be in temporary buildings for the first year or so. They are looking for 'outstanding staff' according to a letter that was sent, so are not set up in any way. The secondary school has a fantastic reputation so they will be hoping that the primary does the same and will put great pressure on the children to achieve that outstanding ofsted inspection. The primary is likely to be a feeder school, but that said, we would still be in the catchment area for the school as a secondary as it has 7 classes per year to the primary's 2 per year.
A is also likely to be joining with E in an academy group, another outstanding primary in the area. There could also be a likelihood that O could join with A in an academy group in the future anyway. There are about .2 of a mile away...
There are pros and cons to both - what do you think?
Any thoughts would be appreciated!