Aibu to be feeling annoyed about the “picking primary school” posts on social media already?

[Twinning1]

My son starts school next September. We live in a town with lots of primary schools and to be honest they are all really good (there’s certainly not a bad school)

Already on Facebook on a parenting group I’m on, there’s posts about what school is best. Often these schools are all over town and they generally have strict catchment areas. And people then respond “my daughter goes to x school it is great”, “well my little one goes to y school, I love it”

Now I know, I could put down a school across town but I won’t get in because I live nearer other schools. So I don’t know why people feel so competitive about schools in my town. My son is going to the closest school. I don’t find it useful going by ofsted ratings, what was a good school today might not be tomorrow and actually over the last few years there have been a few ofsted shocks!

And don’t get me started... we have not even gotten to the stupid posts about application forms being done or boasts about what school you got into.

Sounds like you're less confident about your local school than you choose to admit... otherwise these comments wouldn't bother you?

Choosing a school is a big decision, of course people are going to want to discuss it

I just don’t see the point in discussing a school that I won’t get into because it is across town and over subscribed.

There honestly is no bad school. And actually as I said schools tend to cycle here. When I was little I went to a primary school that was considered the worst in the town... (although don’t get me wrong, it was still pretty good) today it’s one of the best.

I don’t really understand why it annoys you if you’re genuinely not bothered. Surely in any Facebook group there are going to be some discussions that interest you and some that don’t? Just ignore the ones you’re not interested in. If others want to get themselves wound up about schools and applications, let them crack on!

I agree people can go OTT and get competitive about schools but I don't see the problem in giving the decision some thought. I'd always read the oftsed reports but it certainly wouldn't be the only thing I make my decision on. I'd also find it useful to know how parents at the school view it, the impression I got when I look around etc.

Even if all the schools are good there is probably one that is a better match for your child than another (smaller/larger year group? More academic/less academic? More opportunities for PE/music? Closer to where you live?). Obviously the best school won't be the same for different children so it's silly to show off about it (and obnoxious too if other people are likely be disappointed).

I just don’t see the point in discussing a school that I won’t get into because it is across town and over subscribed.

If you only have a chance of getting in to one school then obviously you won't discuss it (and I imagine no-one's forcing you to join in!) but I imagine if those parents are discussing it it's because they have a choice of at least a few schools or because they want reassurance that their most likely school will be a good fit for their child.

YANBU. In my area you just go to the school you are closest to and that's that.
Removes a lot of stress and agonising over decisions.
My opinion assumes all schools are equal though and i understand this is not the case in all areas.