to not change schools?

[gremlins]

We moved areas about six months ago, and DS's school is about 15 mins drive away. The schools in the new area are great, results are always good and there really doesn't tend to be a bad school around here.

However, DS's school is in a completely different area and the results aren't as good (it was the best school in a not so good area). Educationally I know he should move schools.

But a couple of months ago he had some major surgery which altered his body somewhat. He still gets changed for PE in front of his peers and they haven't bothered about this as they know and accept him. Also he has a few other medical issues but his friends are brilliant and because they have always known about it they are really supportive (we once got 30 handmade cards from them all when he was in hospital). The school are also tremendous in catering for his medical needs and are understanding about prolonged periods of time off and any new medical issues that arise.

DH thinks he should move to benefit his education, but given the tough year he has had medically I'd prefer him to stay where he is happy and comfortable. I feel he has enough to deal with and I admit I will place his emotional and physical wellbeing over and above his education (on this basis). Dh thinks I'm wrong. So AIBU? DS is 6.

School results aren't the be all and end all.
I moved my dc from a school that consistently did really well according to ofsted to one that was only ok.

The new school is ten times better than the old one.

If your ds is happy and settled, and doing as well as he should be doing, and there are no problems, then keep him where he is.

Agree with maryz and a happy child will learn more than a miserable one, whatever school he attends.

How nice that his class sent you cards during his hospitalisation. He sounds like a popular boy.

I would keep him where he is happy, that is the most important thing.

I would be tempted to go with your instincts and keep him where he is, at least for now.

Agree with maryz, his friends sound really lovely:-)

Leave him at a school that he is comfortable at where he can be himself. He will do much better in an environment where he is supported and it sounds like he has a great class.

We live in a nice area but a bit snobby. Very pleased that DS got into the "best" school and it is convenient for us. But it is not the sort of school that I say nurtures children. It is all about SATS and having the best performing kids. Anyone a bit different is not supported by the staff. I worry that DS will not do well there as he is not a boffin.

There is more to school life than grades.

I vote leave him.
My parents moved to me a supposedly far superior school and I was miserable (bullied, not recognised by anyone at the time); my grades plummeted because I came to hate school so much -- the effect last for years after I finished that primary school, too. It will always be a very big priority to me to leave a content child in a school where they are if at all possible.

Goodness me 6 yo is very young to be concerned about a school move. I totally understand and sympathise with the reasons for staying in current school. Just want to say, as nobody else has so far, that children are more flexible than we give them credit for.

If you decided on a move, and described it as an exciting prospect and talked it up then a 6 year old would settle like a duck to water. You can always keep in touch with the old friends anyway.

It just sounds to me as if the adults' baggage and insecurities can stop moves being made. I have 3 children and moved all of them age 8 to a better school in the same area. DC2 had a second move age 9. All because I felt the better schools were worth the disruptions.

Each time the child resisted the move and within weeks was content in the new environment. Obviously the OP will do whatever suits her child, but moving can be really positive too.