Looking for honesty - Does anyones kids go to a BAD school?

[MrsSnape]

Yes, another post about secondary schools from MrsSnape...I'm waiting for the "for gods sake, stop going on!" comments anytime now

But as this is a major issue for me....

I was just wondering if anyone on here has kids or has had kids in a school with a bad reputation.

Was it bad as people made it out to be?

Did it turn out ok?

Will a bright/sensible child do well in any school?

Is bullying more likely in a 'bad' school?

[potoftea]

My ds is in a school that would be looked down on by most people. However it works for us.

Bullying isn't an issue, because they are very on top of any hint of it. I think they aren't trying to pretend it doesn't happen so are very quick to jump on it if they have any complaints.

The teachers are very accommodating and delighted with parents who are interested or who are willing to get involved with the school. They seem to have lower expectations of the pupils which means that one who behaves and works is treated very well.

On the other hand; my ds's speech isn't good. I don't mind a local accent, but he doesn't pronounce his words properly as the people he mixes with don't.
And I've recently noticed that the parents seem to have lower expectations than other people I know, and don't really aim for uni for their dc. So this may be a problem for us as our ds will only aim to be as good as the rest of the class, rather than as good as he can be.

[noscat]

my oldest went to what most people would think of as a "bad" school (results at GCSE varied between 21% to 36% of pupils to achieve 5 grade A-C, had over 50% special needs etc) and came out with 10 good gcses. Youngest went to a "good" one, has dropped out completely. I found (in retrospect) that the school that struggled with its academic results had far better pastoral care and extra-curricular activities. All you can do is follow your gut instinct, if your child and you are happy then go for it. I presume you are at the beginning of the secondary school path? Good luck!