Regrets over choice of primary school

[schooldilemna]

Posting here for traffic. Has anyone ever had this? DD is only 1 week in but having second thoughts already. School A is very academic lots of extra curricular activities and pushes bright kids 10mins drive away. Not much outdoor space but very enthusiastic and kind teaching staff. Chose this as it appealed to me at the time. Now with Covid a lot of those extra activities have gone, no after school club and suddenly it doesn't seem very appealing. A lot of the children aren't very similar to DD and I can't imagine she would have an easy time making friends there, it's very cliquey. School B is not as strong academically but 3 min walk away with lots of children who are very similar to DD so I can imagine she will make friends very easily. Parents also very similar to us. Would it be crazy to switch schools so quickly only 1 week into term or is it best to do it now before friendships are made etc. How important is academics at primary school level?

I don’t think it’s crazy, the environmental, cost and time benefits of walking to school over their seven years of primary would make it a no-brainer unless your local school was dire. I was a bit intrigued by how you said the children at her present school weren’t very similar to her, I hope she would find a little friend or two wherever she was, why do you think those children are different to her? Good luck with whatever you decide!

I don't think it is too late to switch, as long as they have places.

Can you tell the general trend of both schools? Over the last 5 years, have either improved or worsened? I would look closely at a outstanding school whose last Ofsted was a long time ago, for example, are they really still outstanding etc?

And I think you need to think honestly about how bright your child is. My son's school is fine for bright kids, but not so good for those who need additional help, for example. I think children with good supportive families have a good chance of achieving their best wherever they go.

For me, green space and the ability to walk there were really important. The nearer the school, the nearer their friends will live (massive generalisation there) which is easier for playdates.

Beware of 'grass is always greener' syndrome though as it will be a bit of disruption for your DD and you will have to buy new uniform etc.

Have you checked with the other school if they even have places, this would take the decision out of your hands or face a long wait on a waiting list.
Moving her earlier would probably be better if you are sure, children will still be settling in and making new friends.

Thanks for the replies. New school definitely has spaces I checked today. The school is part of a big well known academy chain so definitely gets its strong ofsted rating from the benefits of that rating is 3 years old and outstanding. School B has a "good" rating. Has been up and down over the years but current rating is good. Has a strong headteacher now. School A takes a lot of children from a neighbouring area that's a bit "rough" so I couldn't really imagine DD going for sleepovers etc with a lot of the children

Following because I’m wondering if I will be in the same boat once DC starts next week.

I changed my DDs school after the first week when a place came up. Best time to do if while they’re still making friends. Only if you’re sure it’s the right decision.

I mean, you’re going to get slaughtered for pretty blatantly not wanting your kid to be friends with the “rough” kids. Because that does make you sound like a bit of a twat.

But I reckon if you want to move, better sooner rather than later. And school within easy walking distance can only be a good thing.

This isn't about academics or green space. It's about the kids being from a rough area. Why wouldn't you let her be friends with them.

The travelling alone would put me off. 10mins in a car each way is a pain. Guess it's even more in traffic

Yes, move her straight away to get away from the “rough” kids! Honestly it both astonishes and saddens me how people still talk about children like this.

But when the after school classes etc are back up running, will you regret moving her from the school you think will push her academically?

School A takes a lot of children from a neighbouring area that's a bit "rough" so I couldn't really imagine DD going for sleepovers etc with a lot of the children

Oh dear.

🍿

How on earth do you know what parents are like at both schools? And the presumption that you would want your child to avoid children from a “rough” area? There are plenty of nasty people in middle-class properties and plenty of decent people in “rough” areas.

I dont think you can accurately access a new school in a week and in the current climate either, parents, children ans teachers will not be thwir law usual selves.

My dc has been in his school for 5 years and this year is obviously different.

But if you do decide to change, make sure its for the right reasons, you can't just swap back and forth to suit you.

*Parents, children and teachers will not be their usual selves