High school

[WeeWeegieChick]

Currently in the process of moving to NI.

I'm really struggling to get my head around how the school system works, mostly that placements aren't assigned in local schools and it's a case of finding one with a place.

Does anyone have thoughts or experience on the following schools:

Movilla High, Ards
Breda, Belfast
Our Lady of Lourdes, Ballymoney

Pulling my hair out trying to work out what to do

How old are your DC? Would you consider trying for grammar entry? What area are you hoping to live in?

None of the schools that you’ve listed would fill me with hope re: my child’s future to be honest. They’re all a bit on the rough side and aren’t known to be great academically. We used to live near Breda Academy and witnessed a huge amount of antisocial behaviour amongst the students on a daily basis.. it was enough to push my then young DD to work harder at her transfer test prep!!

Yes, agree with PP. what area are you going to live in? That should be your starting point for schools. The three you have listed are in polar opposites from each other location wise.

why those three schools in particular? Was there a certain aspect that your child needs/wants? If they are academic then none would be a good fit.

some information about the NI school system here: https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/types-school

There's very few with spaces sadly. Most are oversubscribed and I've had to change our original desired area because the closest school with space was 40 minutes away.