Secondary school dilemma-what would you do?

[Scion123]

We’ll be applying in September.

Option 1-local secondary, 1300 pupils. Gets good academic results. Has a bad reputation for not dealing effectively with bullying. Lots of stories of children having to move schools because of it. The majority of DS’s friends will be going here and he knows the school well.

Option 2-rural secondary,600 pupils, half an hour bus ride away. Good reputation in pastoral care and good academic results. DS won’t know anyone there.

Ultimately it will be DS’s decision and he’s dead set on going to our local. I also don’t want to put him off it by telling him that bullying is a bit of an issue there but I’m just wondering what others would do or have done in a similar situation.

Option 1 so he can keep up with friendships outside of school hours. Much more important for an only child.
Option 1 will potentially have more subject options than Option 2.

Option 2 as a back-up if he doesn't settle well in Option 1?

Thanks for all the replies, they’ve given me plenty to think about but also confirmed that there is no ‘right’ answer.

We’ll go to the open days and get a good feel for the schools then take things from there. I expect he’ll go to school 1 with 2 as a back up.

Where’s that crystal ball when you need it!