Hi, So what a quandary. We moved away from our previous town 3 months after my daughter had started year 6 because our catchment schools (there are only two secondary schools in the whole town) were not great and she is very academic. We moved to a new town to the catchment of two secondary schools: one good and one outstanding with outstanding results every year since it opened 12 years ago. The outstanding school was our first choice. It is closer to our house and has an excellent reputation in so many areas. We moved in December (we were not able to move sooner) so missed the first round of applications. The second round we were offered our second choice. And each round I contacted the council we were told she was in the top 10 (1200 applicants; 300 on the waiting list) but then around 2 rounds away from end of July she was still at number 5 and I was told there would likely be no movement before the end of July due to the school being full and oversubscribed. This month she started the second choice school, has had a great 2 weeks but 2 days ago I received a phone call to say the outstanding school now has a place. But she has settled and made some friends, got to know her way round the school, got into the routine, is enjoying her lessons, etc. My dilemma is: we upped sticks to be in the catchment for the first choice. The second choice was put on the application form because I wanted to be sure if we didn’t get the first choice, she wouldn’t end up miles away from home and in a poorer performing school. I never imagined we could be offered a place 2 weeks in. I am elated she has been offered this place in such a fantastic school. In my view she has only missed a couple of weeks and can settle in quickly - hopefully. Better that than to move after a few months I think. We moved in December to give her a chance to make friends at the new primary school so whichever school was allocated she would know people. And she does indeed have friends at the outstanding school. However, she doesn’t want to move - understandably after having a great start at the second choice school. But should we try? Should we give her a chance at the outstanding school when there is a risk she might not be as happy as she seems to be at her current school. But then of course in 6 months she could end up feeling unhappy at this current school and we may regret never taking this chance. I just don’t know how to decide and I have to let the outstanding school know by Monday morning. Anyone’s advice would be greatly appreciated - thank you
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Secondary education
Daughter offered second choice of good secondary school, but 2 weeks after starting, offered first choice of outstanding school. How to decide?!
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Mumofan11yearoldgirl · 15/09/2018 11:33
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