How much notice should you take of others opinions?

[Diy322]

I’m really torn regarding what school to put first for my DD on the CAF form. Problem is I always seem to ask everyone for advice as I’m unable to make decisions on my own and second guess everything.

I’ve been asking local mums, students anyone really who I know about 3 schools in my area. Most say the one I’m thinking of (let’s call H) is great but some also have said things like “I would never send my kid to H as it’s known for bullying”, or “the kids are feral there in H”. I don’t know what to do! My gut is telling me the closest one which is H so as she gets older she can be more independent and it’s convenient as she can walk there (5 mins walk), plus H Has a swimming pool and great facilities. others do have slightly higher progress/overall performance/better gcse results (like 2-5% higher ). But their facilities don’t seem as impressive. DH is saying 2-5% is not that much as it’s a difference between a few kids.

I don’t know what to do! I’m fully aware of how crazy it is that I’m asking for advice yet again! But please guide me as DD is my eldest and it’s all new territory for me

IMO exam rankings count for little as they can change very quickly. Behaviour matters a great deal and in a badly run school cannot be altered quickly.

I would avoid H on account of its reputation.

But what does your own experience of H tell you? Have you gone to open days, met the staff etc? Have you walked past at the end of the school day and seen any evidence of ‘feral’ children?

Listen to other experiences, but that's just one variable. What did you feel when you went to the school? What did your DD feel when she looked at the school? What do you care about the most in education?

I have the opposite issue - everyone has an opinion on where I should send DD. I am tired of having to explain or justify or be second guessed all the time.

I don’t feel H Has bad behaviour but this is based on people watching the kids walking to and from school. I asked a few ex students (left 1 year ago) and they said it’s really “soft” and I asked what they meant they said the kids are all really soft and no one fights