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Original poster

Talk me down re school choice

81 replies

Schoolunsure2 · 23/10/2022 12:29

Hello, sorry it's a long one but I'm really stuck.

2 DDs, yr5 and 3, both exceptionally bright, wanting to be doctors/ engineers etc. Eldest talented all rounder, v musical and sporty, youngest not so much but probably brighter with maths.

We're all v happy in our house and don't want to move. Moving to a better catchment area would cost more than private school x2 (in SE).

The local school (walkable)has a v caring reputation, good for SEN. But, having looked at GCSEs, only 30% get 5s in maths and English, and only 68% of those with high prior achievement get 5s, which I think is really disappointing.

Other school in catchment is a short bus ride away, much better for bright kids (especially girls) but has a bad rep for bullying.

There is a girls' grammar but that's 40 minutes away by bus, exceptional results but lots of stress and pressure.

I know it's sensible to just send them to the local school where they will be fine. But it will be so hard for them to get top grades there.

There are a few local private schools but it would be a real stretch.

There is a wildcard of a top public school half an hour drive away who have offered both scholarships but this would still cost us £20k a year and absorb any future pay rises/ inheritance and leave us really tight, plus kids would have no local friends.

Any advice greatly appreciated
Thanks

OP posts:
Original poster
Schoolunsure2 · 26/10/2022 08:36

Hopeful bump in case anyone else has any ideas? Thanks

OP posts:
Original poster
Schoolunsure2 · 23/10/2022 13:18

Well I feel better that there are mixed responses already as it's clearly not an obvious one. Thank you all so much for taking the time to reply, I appreciate it's a nice problem to have. I think I've just had my head turned as we see so many of the private and grammar school kids in our extra curricular activities.

OP posts:
Anneofwindypoplars · 23/10/2022 12:59

I’d go private or for the scholarship. I really don’t think tutoring is the answer here.

Turmerictolly · 23/10/2022 12:55

I think visit and decide for yourself re; bullying and stress/pressure. Often these are unfounded rumours. 40 minutes isn't a massive journey to a secondary school, particularly if the transport is straightforward. It sounds like the private might be too much of a stretch - fees rise annually usually too and there are extra trips etc (your kids don't have to do these but it's a bit miserable if all of their friends are off on the £2K ski trip and they're not).

If your dc are naturally bright then they'll be able to keep up with the pace at the Grammar school and will find like minded friends. Unless the private is highly selective, then there will be a wider academic spread which might not be challenging enough. You can then re-assess your position at sixth form.

MyGirlDaisy · 23/10/2022 12:46

Visit the schools - hopefully on open days there will be the chance to speak to current students and staff. You will get a feel for the school, find out if they have STEM and Medicine programs. Honestly though, now my children are adults I would say the most important thing is that they are happy at their school. Happy students will thrive wherever they are, and as a pp said, you can always have some extra tutoring if you feel they need it to improve their grades.

TeenDivided · 23/10/2022 12:36

If you have the money for private but it would be a stretch then you have the money to supplement a state school with private tutoring if needed.

Prep for the grammar to keep options open.
Look into all the schools more. Reputations can be misleading.

Remember that this years results will be impacted by covid. Different schools will have been differently impacted even in the same area. For example were they already set up for online learning, parental jobs, parental income, unlucky on covid surges through school etc.

Does your local school have kids getting top grades? If so then it is clearly possible, even if on average the cohort doesn't.

You have another year to decide. Take your time.