How did you choose primary school?

[ineedastrongercoffee]

How did you choose your child’s primary school place?

we have 2 choices - DT’s currently go to a school nursery. The school is ofsted good, the girls have settled well, but the school is very run down, it’s like a Grange Hill 70’s relic that has been updated bit by bit.

our other option is a CofE primary (we are active members of church and have been for a number of years but that’s never been our top school priority). The school is also good academically but the school is very modern with great facilities, wrap around care etc.

I’m torn between the school where they are settled and which is a good school and the other school which, on the face of it looks much better but academically is the same, although the facilities are without a doubt better

which one would you go for in that scenario?

Can I also suggest you put your catchment school 3rd just in case. It means that in the unlikely event of you nit getting your 1st or 2nd choice you won’t be allocated a school you know nothing about and could be further away.
It won’t affect your chances with the other 2

We were in a similar situation a few years ago when choosing primary for our twins.
School A: more local, great facilities and wraparound care, ofsted 'Good'. Really loved the headteacher when we visited, seemed to have a caring atmosphere. They were flexible whether twins could be in the same class, it was up to us.

School B: a very popular oversubscribed rated 'Outstanding' with great academic results. Nearly 2 miles away. Not great building, poor facilities, felt cramped when we visited, didn't like the the Headteacher's attitude. Were told twins can't be together on the same class as it was 'school policy'

My gut was to choose school A, but in the end we chose school B.
I am so glad we did. A few months later the head of school A left, and it went downhill.

School B turned to be great, not without problems but twins absolutely thrived. Headteacher turned out to be the nicest person too. Although SEN provision was non existent and more able children were given a lot more attention in order to keep top SATs results. We walked nearly 4 miles daily, often in the rain but I don't regret not going with my gut feeling.

The one that has the most outdoor space was a personal preference for me! We are same - my kid's school is a bit run down and rated "good" but it's such a happy environment and has an enormous playing field that the kids play on