To prioritise distance above all other factors in primary choice?

[CalmerChameleons]

For context, my area is low birth rate so I've been told I will get into whichever school I put first, neither have been full for reception in the last couple of years.

I have twins who will start primary school in September.

School A: five minutes walk from my house. Generally seems good, one form entry so no scope to separate DTs if we wanted to at some point, and fewer children there for them both to develop their own friendship groups. If this was my only option I'd be happy with it, BUT

School B: faith school (why I would definitely get in despite greater distance).
I'd always wanted my children to go to a faith school, I know it's wrong/meaningless to some and don't want to get into that debate here but just to note it's important for me.
Absolutely loved the head and the whole ethos of the school, everything that was said on the tour made me think it was perfect for us. Two form entry and they are happy to be flexible about DTs moving between classes depending on their needs for each year (eg maybe start off in same class and move apart when older). It's also a lot more diverse than school A which is a big positive for me. If everything was equal I'd choose this one BUT

It's a 10 minute drive across town if there was no traffic. Realistically, it would mean going through loads of traffic so probably more like 30 mins plus, plus all the faff of two children into a car, parking up near the school etc. It's beyond where I work so would mean if I did drop off/collection it would add extra to my journey and mean it was a bit of a race to get to work on time (and I prefer to cycle or bus and walk rather than drive, neither of these would work with kids). DH works from home a lot so if he did it it would be over an hour round trip Vs ten mins.

I feel mean not sending my kids to the school I think would be perfect, and instead the nearest one which is just fine. But the further one will mean they have to spend less time with us and more time in before/after school care, it means they could never walk themselves when they're in Y5/6. Mornings will involve leaving a lot earlier and more stress, Vs just walking them a few mins up the road.

AIBU to think that it'll be more positive for our lives for them to attend a nearby school rather than a school which might suit them a bit better?

Most people don't live rurally. I'm in a suburban town and there are 2 primary schools within a 7 minute walk and another 2 within 20 minutes. All rated good or excellent. Bizarrely I know people who've chosen to drive 20 minutes to the next town rather than use one of these schools

I wouldn't prioritise distance over everything, but your closer school sounds like the better choice here.

Edited to add: I don't think its totally clear cut, though. Larger school with two form entry would be a big factor for me, having twins myself. Mine thrive apart and do much less well together.

Surely in London there's primary schools everywhere? Are there other schools closer that you didn't choose?

Secondary is different as it shouldn't need the parents to do the journey 4x a day

Walking distance won for us. You need to consider that they might want to do after school clubs and activities and not always both the same ones. It's a lot worse travelling if you need to go twice - once at school closing and again at 4.30pm to pick up from clubs.

We drove, because “school B” in our case was the school that fed into the secondary that we wanted. Make sure you take the long view before you make your decision.

Walkable. Local friends, local parents who can help out if needed.
my DC is in a year with twins, and they are in separate classes. Which means if there are class things going on (exhibitions, watching a class etc) either both parents come, or one twin is missing out - the mum finds it stressful as the dad usually can’t come.

A good, walking distance school would be my choice. Better for children socially, bit of exercise and better for the environment if it gives the option to reduce car journeys. We are a 15 minute walk, but drive if the rain is really heavy.

Does either school offer a wrap-around service you might find useful?

A lot of school runs in our town are done by bike as it's much faster than car. Is that an option?

Walking distance hands down

Do not underestimate the faff of getting 2 kids out the door when it's dark and raining and they are chucking a strop

Much easier to walk, less stress!!

The closer the better. If your DCs go to the closer school and you don’t like it or whatever then you can change to the further one if you need to. Dark winter school runs are not fun, especially in traffic.

I’d definitely go with the walkable school. In the primary years, a calmer, less stressed out home life makes a massive difference in my opinion.

Our kids don't go to our village school there's around 70 kids in the whole thing and it would have been far too small for them as they are somewhat spirited. I do feel they miss out a bit and we don't feel part of the community.
They go to a school in the town close to us they're only 3ish miles away but requires driving and with after school clubs we can sometimes be doing 4 return journeys a day which all adds up. It was a factor in our decision but I our case was still the right decision

How about putting them in the closer school for infants, then moving to the other school for juniors when they will be older and it’ll be less of a hassle?

I agree with some of the pps. Go for the closest school then reevaluate if it's not working as they get older! If it then feeds to the secondary you want I would 100% go for it. Once at secondary I think being able to be independent is definitely best especially if you take on a new job etc with different hours or you need to be at work late etc they can walk themselves home!

Is there an option of school transport if the main selection criteria is faith?

We chose to drive to the better school over walking to one that was just ok and it was 100% the best decision. It's a fantastic school and friends who chose the closer school really regretted it and moved their child at the end of reception.
I'm actually really surprised at how many people would prioritise an easier journey over a better school.

I opted for an infant school 30mins walk away rather than the one on our doorstep. Was a pain getting there but completely the right decision. A much better school for my DS.

It's there and back, twice a day