I've got a bit of a dilemma and need some sage advice from you clever parents.
DS is at a non-academically selective prep and is doing very well. In the top sets for everything, in the top 5 pupils in his year academically. Fairly sporty too and very happy. He has friends of all abilities. His prep has suggested to us that DS would have a decent chance of getting an academic scholarship for senior school.
Where I live there are no very academically selective senior schools, the nearest are an hours drive or train journey away - a door-to-door commute to one of these would be 3 hours a day!
There is a lovely, traditional type school within a short drive of my home, but it is not very academically selective, so its results are consequently lower. We have visited all the schools in question, and really like the non-selective one, it seems to offer so much more than just academia, it felt like DS would have fun there, loads of extra-curricular activities, nice atmosphere, not at all "stuck-up", great sport, drama, pastoral care etc. etc.
DS would have a great shot at a scholarship and even being put forward for one by his current school would put him in the scholar's programme.
I was quite happy with my decision, (he is doing well in a non-selective environment at the moment) but, children talk, and some of the other parents have found out about our plans and are openly critical of our choice. I have had comments like "why do you want to throw away his guarantee of 10 A's", and "it's a rubbish school, they take anyone". (there are some very odd parents where he is, who feel they can comment on every aspect of other people's lives). These parents are quite happy to make their DC's do this awful commute, if it means them going to the super-selective school.
I should stick with the decision I am happy with shouldn't I? I know that and I am not at all weak-willed but I am still feeling a little twitch of doubt and would welcome any comments from people who might have been in a similar position.