AIBU?
To ask about usual chestnut with secondary school decisions
Onthedowns · 06/10/2022 21:21
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
Am I being unreasonable?
AIBUYou have one vote. All votes are anonymous.
starpatch · 08/10/2022 14:31
My child has been at a school with an ultra deprived catchment for last 3 years. Constant disruption. Even kent test a child had to be taken out because disrupting the test. I know its really difficult to make a decision. But you are overthinking this. School 1 sounds so much better and the bus journey is not far. The ipad thing is annoying because it will self select certain parents, but that self selection will lead to better experience for your DD so selfishly I would go with it.
Onthedowns · 08/10/2022 14:53
whenwillthemadnessend · 08/10/2022 14:17
I have a friend with two girls at single sex. One has thrived. The other is struggling.
You know your child and what she is comfortable with dispute all the screaming girls girls girls.
I personally think it's really old fashioned and backward to separate sexes.
I am off the same opinion in reality but felt best to show her all the options so she has been shown all available poss to her
Onthedowns · 08/10/2022 14:58
gogohmm · 08/10/2022 13:26
Just be aware that everyone seems to perceive their local secondary, even if rated outstanding, to lack discipline etc because we see the kids coming out at the end of the day and hear the tales of their antics. The reality is that that most schools have issues with a few kids and boisterous behaviour after school.
Which is right for you will depend a lot on your child but I would look beyond history too - I was that kid sent to the further away school, I hated the journey
Absolutely appreciate problems at every school with discipline bullying etc. However #2 is very much a work in progress still after 10 year's of being in requires improvement status. A common theme throughout was the lack of pushing children on by teachers. It's completly different catchment area to #1 but the facilities and convinience are the only thing that appeals to me personally. It is improving which is a good sign. DD hasn't seen yet
It may seem like I am taking an over active approach but I didn't have the parental input on my school life and feel it's really important for both my DD and DS to get the best start
starpatch · 08/10/2022 17:54
If it helps I think this is a long term decision, DC wouldn't understand the doors that qualifications could open for them, and probably wouldn't even be able to consider all the factors which would make them happy at secondary, so I think you are right and completely normal to make the decision for them.
Onthedowns · 08/10/2022 18:12
starpatch · 08/10/2022 17:54
If it helps I think this is a long term decision, DC wouldn't understand the doors that qualifications could open for them, and probably wouldn't even be able to consider all the factors which would make them happy at secondary, so I think you are right and completely normal to make the decision for them.
Thank you appreciate that. Many of my friends in DDs class are letting their children decide.
I didnt expect to find it so difficult. Both families are saying if the child wants to learn they will get on anywhere 🤷🏼♀️
To comment on this thread you need to create a Mumsnet account.