Are we doing the right thing (secondary admission)

[lorisparkle]

We are lucky to have two fairly good schools close by. School A is within walking distance (about 25min) but is huge, the other school (B) is in the next town, very small, and a 15min walk and 10 min bus journey away.

So DS1 has got some SEN (literacy and social based) but not a statement/EHCP. His two best friends are putting down School B as their first preference. However the SEN department at School A is much better as is their maths and ICT departments which are DS1s favourite and best subjects (top group for maths, gifted and talented for ICT).

So DS1 says he wants to go to School A because of the maths and ICT but we are worried that he is going to be separated from his two best friends - especially with his social difficulties.

So are we doing the right thing is putting School A as first preference (we are well within catchment area so highly unlikely that we won't get in)

[FATEdestiny]

DS1 says he wants to go to School A

That is your answer. He will make new friends. Loads of them.

[aginghippy]

Yes I think so. He will make new friends.

I did similar for my dd. She went to a different secondary school than her primary friends. It was the right choice for her and she made new friends. I have no regrets about the decision.

[MrGrumpy01]

Put down the choices that is best for your child. There is no guarantee they will all get their first choice if they put the same and even if they all got the same school they may then be split for forms and/or classes.

I don't think any of dd's friends have even put our 1st and 2nd choice in their preferences.

[Sunnydawn]

If he wasnts school A, and you are happy with the school, go with school A. No question.

[NWgirls]

Yes, you are.

And you can of course also try to help him stay in touch with these two friends even if they will be going to different schools.

[layercake9]

The combination of a good SEN department and Maths and ICT department at School A will help your ds reach his full potential. It sounds like he will also enjoy learning his favourite subjects at School A. You don’t necessarily need an EHCP for the SEN department to include his profile on their records. They just need to be aware of his condition and regularly review his progress - this depends on their SEN programme.

It’s also walking distance so this is a no brainer. As for friendship, he can always keep in touch with his 2 best friends. Although I think it slightly depends on the pastoral care set up at the school and the transition activities planned for incoming Y7 students, I'm sure he will eventually make many new friends at School A.

[lorisparkle]

Thanks everyone for your reassurance. I have found looking at secondary schools far more difficult than primary schools. Everyone kept saying 'go with your gut' but I never got that feeling with either secondary but I think we have made the right decision.

[MrGrumpy01]

Pleased you have reached a decision. I did have a gut feeling with my 1st choice, but I am also aware that my other choices I was just starting anti-d's so not sure if the depression was playing a factor too.

My form is in and I am still having wobbles about if I should have put school 2 first. School 2 is a better school from an academic pov (and probably slightly overall in most areas) but practically our 1st choice is the better choice (long term housing plans mainly) In a way I think it will be better once it is the 1st of November because then it really is out of my hands.

[JoJoSM2]

School A. You could just confirm that they do things like a lunchtime club - a lot of lonely Y7 would go there and make new friends and most sen departments run those. And perhaps just double check what they'd have in place to help your son integrate if that's the main worry.