Based on my own experiences I didn't want grammar school education for my children. I was coached from around age 8, thought getting in was the be all and end all, once in found the environment competitive and took me years to settle. Again, the academic pressure was stifling and ramped up more with GCSEs and A levels. Despite becoming a well paid professional in adulthood I am often anxious, suffer imposter syndrome and feel a complete and utter failure that I am not outstanding. I was ruminating the other day about doing a PhD so I could 'prove' myself (to who!?). I wonder if I'm burnt out sometimes. I wanted my children more than anything to believe in their own worth and not feel their value lies in what exams they have done or publications they have to their name.
However, I was explaining to an old friend how we considered moving house and didn't as that would throw us into a council with this system. She pointed out that I got outstanding GCSEs and a levels (which I did, I got the top grade for every qualification I sat) and was a bit dismissive of my reasons saying I was denying my kids an opportunity and 'pulling up the ladder' based on my prejudices.
I've got a few years to move yet, so tell me, am I unreasonable? Should I reconsider?