We have an outstanding state secondary on doorstep where all of DDs friends are going. DD liked it but since then we’ve looked at an independent school which is 20 miles away (it’s a semi-selective). DD has spent a few days at the independent school and prefers it as it’s much smaller, seemed calmer, just liked the feel of it.
My worry with the state school was that DD would get lost in the crowd. She’s not outstanding or struggling, but middling. I think she would get more attention, nurturing at Indy. But would the travel (by school bus), distance from friends etc be an issue over the long term? Just don’t know what to do for best.