So we have a realistic choice between two schools. One is an established school historically great academically, recently in 2019 became an academy. School is split into two sites lower (years 7 and 8) and upper. Both old and facilties are there but not great it's an old school, used to be a girls Catholic boarding school - the nuns still live on site. The upper school is in need of refurbishment or rebuilding however they are on the government list for funding for this. (however appreciate current government means this might be delayed!,) This one is a 20mins bus ride away as we are out of catchment. Roughly £80 a term. I love it and my DD does too. Headteacher very welcoming, good structure, discipline. Kids all dressed smartly polite etc
Catchment school 10 min walk. Fantastic top class new facilties. Been an academy for 9 years. However up until earlier this year was in requires improvement. Now is a good school. Historically Academic results are not great,however this could be improving. Was always under subscribed and catchment now opened up. Hasn't the best reputation for discipline and disruptive children etc. Open evening was great but felt like head was selling a product not a school 🤷🏼♀️. Pupils friendly but felt a bit disorganised bit messy etc uniform wise. Didn't hate it didn't love it either. DD hasn't viewed yet. All years in one school and its absolutely huge! Mixed parent reviews
It would make my life easier to go here less costs better facilities. I don't have to worry about ferrying to and from local friends. After school clubs she can walk home.
How much of this makes a difference to parents ? DD is academic but loves sport too. I think she would be ok at local but worry she will just coast rather than be pushed to her best ?
It's giving me such stress deciding
AIBU?
To ask about usual chestnut with secondary school decisions
Onthedowns · 06/10/2022 21:21
Am I being unreasonable?
18 votes. Final results.
POLLSewwhatmrmagpie · 06/10/2022 21:32
Such a hard decision isn't it, we are at the "let's toss a coin!!" stage now in a similar situation.
I would take your DD to see the other school and see what she thinks, I reckon that will make the decision for you. I have found that where I've tried to choose based on results, facilities etc that's all gone out the window when my DD has looked round.
We have a realistic choice of 3 great schools. I knew which one was the right one from watching her reactions to them, and the right one for her is not the one I would have put first had I been choosing without her input.
Sewwhatmrmagpie · 06/10/2022 21:32
Such a hard decision isn't it, we are at the "let's toss a coin!!" stage now in a similar situation.
I would take your DD to see the other school and see what she thinks, I reckon that will make the decision for you. I have found that where I've tried to choose based on results, facilities etc that's all gone out the window when my DD has looked round.
We have a realistic choice of 3 great schools. I knew which one was the right one from watching her reactions to them, and the right one for her is not the one I would have put first had I been choosing without her input.
VestaTilley · 06/10/2022 22:39
I’d send her to the Catholic ex boarding one. Obviously take DD’s view too once she’s seen both, but if one has much better results and established, good quality teachers, then I’d go with that every time.
DragonMovie · 07/10/2022 05:46
I’d go for the catholic school. Only red flag is the starting gcse in y9. This is a big no no under current ofsted framework so would make me worry they weren’t particular to date with updates in the education sector, research, exam board changes etc. but none of that is as significant as good behaviour.
ignore the fact it’s become an academy. Most schools are now and it is more relevant to funding than anything else.
Smithstreet · 07/10/2022 07:30
I think I know where you mean. If it is a school starting with S. If it is be warned that being out of catchment if you get a place it may not be at the site you want but at the other campus in ST further north. They do all come back together at the senior site in S at year 9. This happened to a few people I know, delighted to get in but when they looked closer at the offer it was at the other site which was difficult for transport, friends clubs etc. None went. Apologies if this is the wrong school.
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lannistunut · 07/10/2022 07:16
What does 'academically below average' mean? What are the progress 8 scores?
The catholic school sounds a bit shit, to be honest. It has the advantage of selection on religious grounds so they should have higher marks - but what is the value added score?
Really strict with uniform does not mean a good school, it means a head with the wrong priorities!
Onthedowns · 07/10/2022 07:38
It's not a Catholic school now the old site was. But it's still the old site !! Hence old facilities.
Last results attainment was 1st school 0.25 above average gcse. 2nd school. 0.4 below but 2019
Ebac Higher at seconds school
lannistunut · 07/10/2022 07:16
What does 'academically below average' mean? What are the progress 8 scores?
The catholic school sounds a bit shit, to be honest. It has the advantage of selection on religious grounds so they should have higher marks - but what is the value added score?
Really strict with uniform does not mean a good school, it means a head with the wrong priorities!
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