Final decision time - what would you do?

[fullcircleagain]

Please humour me and give me your view point. It really helps.

We are taking a big risk and moving from a nice area with great schools. It's nice but not enough to keep us here for another 20 years plus. So we are making what will hopefully be one last move and settle at last.

After scouting lots and lots of places we have settled on two. Petersfield or Christchurch/Southbourne.

Petersfield looks good and has some great options for seniors - Bohunt, MSC, Woolmer Hill, TPS. However, it seems a little subdued and not overly exciting. Also, no six forms which I would prefer.

Second option - Christchurch and outside of Bournemouth. Secondary school options would be Highcliffe or Twynham and the option of grammar if they pass. The schools do not seem as good as the ones in Peterfield. However this option would be more about life style. We would be compromising a bit on schools but would be near the sea. Nice place for kids to grow up. The other thing I'm not convinced about with option two is that there is a more elderly population here and I am worried we will get older in our mindset (silly probably but it does worry me). This option also has the six form aspect sorted.

So that's it. We're about to start firming things up but we are still unsure between these two places.

Option one or two? Great schools and nice place. Or good schools by the sea?

Thoughts greatly appreciated.

[HPFA]

Are your children the type who you think are likely to do well anyway? (You don't say how old they are). Is the difference between the schools enormous? Are we talking about a 25% difference in GCSE results or more like 10%? Personally, I'd go for the area you like best overall unless the difference in school quality is huge or you think your children are likely to need a lot of pushing.
I was rather surprised that the parents of the two brightest children I know both went for their nearest convenient (but not great) schools on the grounds of "they'll do well anywhere." They're probably right but you get so used on Mumsnet to people who think their bright child will lose some IQ points (by osmosis presumably) if they come within spitting distance of a normal child.

[fullcircleagain]

Thanks for posting and raising a chuckle. We have a mixture of very bright children who would have a good shot at grammar and another gorgeous child who isn't so keen academically.

Both secondaries are good but Bohunt is particularly impressive. Obviously it would be nice to have the grammar school option if they pass.

I think perhaps it would be sensible to go for an area that might keep us there. I've never ever felt at home anywhere and fear I will always be a roamer. Would so love to be proved wrong. Love Christchurch way although it is a bit retired vile. Anyone got a coin?

[TalkinPeace]

The no 6th form thing freaked me out at first, but now I have a child at a Hampshire 6th form college I LOVE it

The various colleges specialise and have dedicated resources that even top private schools struggle to compete with (16 labs for Biology and Chemistry and a dedicated Physics building for example)
or at the other end a college that specialises in boat building skills
and another that specialises in equestrian and estate management

Christchurch is beautiful but beware of the motorised wheelchairs
friends used to joke that the supermarkets have separate aisles for the under 65s

[fullcircleagain]

Oh no. I don't appreciate that joke. I'm almost an oldie myself but don't want to be catapulted in that direction any earlier than necessary thank you very much. Is Southbourne any better?

[TalkinPeace]

the whole coast is pretty elderly
have you visited on a Tuesday in the winter to get the TRUE view?

[fullcircleagain]

Anybody living in or near Christchurch who is fairly young and happy there?

[mummytime]

I don't live in Christchurch but its not all elderly. A friend's son went there for Sixth form and did very well.