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Secondary education

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Original poster

Which school for DD?

28 replies

Mimy728 · 22/09/2021 05:53

We need to apply for secondary school by the 6th of October as DD has an EHCP. I have narrowed it to the following two schools. I have seen both schools in the past but DD will only see them this year in the open days.

School A
Girls School
Progress 8: 0.61
Grade 5 in English and math: 58%
Distance: 7 miles away. Will need to get one train
Feedback from parents: Everyone I have spoken to is happy with the school.

School B
Coed
Progress 8: 0.68
Grade 5 in English and Math: 68%
Distance: 1.5 miles. 30 to 40 min walk
Feedback from parents: Majority of parents are happy but some complaints of disruption in class.

I prefer school A as it has a more relaxed atmosphere, they have lots of options for Sixth Form including the opportunity to resit English and Math and I like the Ethos of the school.; but I am concerned about the commuting and not having local friends.

I think that DD will find school B too crowded and a bit strict they have to be as there can be more issues with behaviour. It is quite selective for sixth form and I have heard of a few kids that where not offered a place after being there from year 7.

For what I heard and read I think she will get support in both schools

We would take DD opinion into account when she sees the schools but I would like to hear opinions from other parents.

Thank you

OP posts:
Original poster
Mimy728 · 22/09/2021 08:32

Thank you. I guess I need to speak to SENCO in both schools and ask them how they will meet my daughter needs. All the information I have is from their website and from speaking to other parents. School A seems better from what I read.

I emailed both schools, School B said they don't show the school in a normal school day anymore and didn't reply with respect to speaking to SENCO. I am waiting for the reply for school A.

All I know from both schools is that they are supportive of children who needs support as well as children who are at the top.

I saw the schools a few years ago for my oldest daughter, on a normal open day and school B was extremely quiet/everyone was in complete silence when moving classrooms. While School A felt a bit more relaxed, girls were talking nicely without excessive noise. I guess that's why I said school A felt more relaxed/happy.

OP posts:
Aroundtheworldin80moves · 22/09/2021 07:54

How long is the journey to the first school, including getting to and from station?

RedskyThisNight · 22/09/2021 07:50

You don't really mention how both the schools will meet her specific needs, which surely is the most important point?

Your main points seem to be about sixth form, but I really wouldn't even consider that at this point. Your child can always move schools at the end of Year 11.

Results (which will be 2 years old now) only make sense in terms of the cohort's ability - so you need to consider that as well.

I agree with you that I would normally favour the local school. but I think you need to try to get to the bottom of why you describe School A as "relaxed" and B as "strict" as that's probably the decider!