dd has just now been offered her first choice school - do we or don't we change?

[QueenEagle]

dd didn't get her first choice school as it was out of catchment and over subscribed so she went to another (also out of catchment) school; her second choice, although it is Catholic.

What do we do? What would you do? We have a week to accept or decline the place.

I think you have to look at how she's doing. Is she happy at the current school? Are her needs being met? Do they have high expectations? Has she formed strong friendships? Is she easily unsettled? etc

Consider why you originally chose one school over the other. Does this still apply?
I can't really advise as from your post I can't tell the circumstances. Sorry if this isn't much help.

We chose the other school as it was closer to home, has a good reputation, feeds from the middle school she was at, and had better gcse results. Despite knowing it was over subscribed, we put it as our 1st choice and put her current school as second choice, knowing she would get it as it is a religious school it wouldn't be full. I was a bit surprised to get a letter this morning offering her a place as I didn't realise she was on a waiting list, having been turned down.

She is doing well at her current school, is meeting expectations in almost all areas and has made some good new friends. She has joined sports clubs, gets involved in things etc.

This is the school we/she wanted and now we have been offered it. I am unsure though whether to go for it, and wonder if I would regret not sending her now we have the chance.

How does she feel about it?

I agree with purpleturtle. At her age you should def. discuss it with her. Did she just start this Sept? If so, it probably wouldn't be too problematic to change.

Remember not just to consider GCSE results. Look at how the school educates the whole child. You're obviously happy for her to be at a church school and TBH, at secondary level, the church input is often far less than as primary level.

Perhaps go an visit the first choice school again just to refresh your mind. Then as a family make an informed decision.

She doesn't know about the letter yet as it came after she left for school. I have a feeling she would actually turn it down and be happy to stay where she is.

The religious element doesn't bother me at all (in fact I went to the very same school as a teenager - and what a blast from the past THAT was to still see some of MY old teachers there!)

Both are excellent schools - maybe it should be down to dd to make the choice?

If she is happy and settled I wouldn't move her-- what if she didn't settle in to the other school very well, you would feel awful wouldn't you?
And if they are both excellent schools then not much difference tbh

If the reasons you originally preferred this school remain valid, I would definitely move her now. It will be an upheaval, but if you think it will be a better school (and better for her) it will be worth it in the longrun.

Oh, I've just read your bit about they're both being excellent schools.

I'd leave her then, if she's happy where she is.