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Secondary education

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Do we choose a school that's right for DC or one that's right for the whole family?

80 replies

mckenzie · 21/02/2016 15:39

DD has been offered places at two schools, both of which are good and suitable and so that's great.
Problem is, DD favours one school but DH and I favour the other.
The school that DD favours is a longer school day, a longer school week and is further to travel. We think it will have a negative impact on family life and eventually therefore on the family itself.

Does DD get the final say? She is adamant that she is making the right choice for her.

OP posts:
AnotherNewt · 21/02/2016 15:52

As she is secondary age, yes she should get a proper say in it, and her happiness and well-being matter. How and where she sees herself in her ten years matter. And all the travel/logistics will fall to her, not you.

As she becomes a teen, your family life will change anyhow.

I'm assuming private schools, as it's before state offer date. So you decided to enter her for the school and go through all the admissions hoops. Your DD would be right to assume that you consider this school acceptable.

AveEldon · 21/02/2016 15:51

Why did you apply for the other school if you think it will have a negative affect on family life?

SevenSeconds · 21/02/2016 15:47

I would expect to overrule DC if I had a very good reason to believe that it wasn't the right school for her or the family. I wouldn't class the reasons you give as that serious (unless the journey is a LOT longer), so I'd let her make the final decision. I think she's more likely to work hard if she feels positive about the school.

starry0ne · 21/02/2016 15:46

I think if both are good schools ..I would give her the choice..

Do you know why she favours the other one

ChalkHearts · 21/02/2016 15:43

Will she be travelling there by herself? If so I think she gets to choose.

If she expects you to drive her I'm not sure.