Move & increase work commute for good school?

[Newmums16]

My DD won’t start school until she’s 5 in 2021. We have 4 schools in our borough. 3 of them either require improvement or have special measures. The one good school is the furthest from us. I’m thinking it would be unlikely for my DD to get into that school since I’m sure all the parents will be applying for the one good school. So I looked into moving. The only properties we could afford would put us about 20 miles out from where we are now but are much closer to a number of good schools. So would you move and have a 1hr drive to work in order for your child to get into a good school? Am I being ridiculous?

[LondonGirl83]

I would but I suppose it depends on the hours you work and how much it would eat into your quality time with your family compared to the status quo.

Good luck making your choice.

[GregoryPeckingDuck]

A poor education could ruin her life. Spending slightly less time with you won’t make any real difference. I would move.

[Sculpin]

Yes, personally I would do that.

[sirfredfredgeorge]

I'm not sure I understand how the only possible move is 20 miles away and suddenly makes it cheap enough that even with 200 quid a month on car costs you can be there. There's really nothing else?

It would heavily depend to me why the schools are graded such, and the likelihood of them improving, does the neighbourhood generally have a very negative view on education that it supports only poor schools?

[Newmums16]

Thank you for your replies

@sirfredfredgeorge I’m not sure how to answer correctly as I don’t know why the schools are graded like that and I’m not sure how to find out. This is the first time I’ve looked into school options.
With regard to moving, if we were to sell our house and move the only properties we could afford to be in a similar property (2 bed house) are around 20 miles away. Anything closer is out of our price range. Are there options available than I’m missing?

[RedSkyLastNight]

I wouldn't move house solely on Ofsted reports. Have you been to see any of the schools? Have you done any other research? Do you know anyone that goes to them? When were they last inspected? If a while ago, things might well have changed and they will definitely change between now and Septembr 2021! In fact you may find that the inadequate/special measures school put a lot of effort into improving and end up being better by the time your DC starts. All reasons why you need to make sure of your facts first.

[scissy]

I agree with RedSky - do your homework before committing to moving. You might find you move only to have the schools in your new area regraded downwards! If the school is committed to improve information will be available on their website in some form e.g. the governors' newsletter.
FWIW my DD's school was graded RI when she was in reception. They have not buried theirs heads in the sand and major improvements have been made
already (issues were further up the school). She should benefit from this as she goes up the school.

[Taswama]

Definitely worth doing some more research before doing something as drastic as moving,
At primary unless the school is truly awful, parental influence and support is more important. 1 hours commute is quite a lot compared with being local and able to go to school events easily, pick up in case of illness and work a longer day etc.

[MyDcAreMarvel]

No not for primary, for secondary yes.

[bombaychef]

Look at the schools. Go visit. Look at afterschool options. Personally I'd prob stay put and spend more time with my kids. Do extra support work with them in need be. And extra curricular