I can't decide whether to change dd's school

[Dancergirl]

I'm in a quandry.

Dd3 (6, Year 2) goes to a local state primary school. Both my older dds went through, dd1 is now in Year 8 and dd2 is still there in Year 6 so only the rest of this year to go.

The school has really gone downhill over the years and especially in KS2 I have been quite disappointed with the teaching. Dd2 has finally got a wonderful teacher for Year 6 but both Years 4 and 5 were terrible. Many other parents feel the same, they are very down on the school.

However, dd3 is happy and settled and (so far) is learning well (she's still only KS1 though).

We went to see a new school today that has been opened under the new free schools. Year 2 is the oldest class so it's slowly becoming established. They currently have 3 places available in Year 2 so dd could have a place if we wanted one. However the school is very popular and the new intake at nursery/reception has a tiny catchment. I've heard you literally have to live in the road to get a place. So we are in a lucky position to have the option now of a place.

However, there are some downsides - the school is further from home and in the opposite direction from the existing school. Ideally I would like dd to start in September which would make the journeys easier (as dd2 would have left primary) but I'm pretty sure the 3 available places would have gone by then as the school is so popular. I'm also wary about moving dd from a school where's she happy - suppose she doesn't like the new school? Plus as it's only becoming established, it's all unknown territory, there are no results or anything to go on. They've had OFSTED once and got a 'good'.

What are the main factors to consider when making this decision?

So what did you like about the new school?

I would be wary when both your dds are settled and happy.

I think primary school is 99% about the class teacher...is it certain that dd3 will get the same teachers you didn't like? We have 3 forms per year in dcs' school and the teachers often swap years.

If it was an established school with outstanding ofsted I would consider it, but if dd3 is happy with friends and doing well, then I'd be very wary of moving for a good ofsted and not much else.

Dancegirl, will your children go to the state school for secondary? I am only asking because you say that you have been disappointed in teaching but that the children are happy. If DS3 won't sit exams for a grammar or a selective independent school I would say - keep her in her current school and if she needs any help further down the road you will have plenty of time and resources to help her. However, if she goes down the exam route that your being unhappy with the teaching is a much more important matter.

DS was in a school where he was very happy but which I thought was not very strong academically. Eventually I moved him in Year 6 and only wish I had done that earlier. But I had my eyes on a selective secondary for him - so my experience might not apply to you.

If you are still inclined towards the new free school remember that you only have to do the school runs in the opposite directions for less than a year - then DD2 will move to secondary. FWIW, I am currently doing two school runs in the opposite directions but DS's new school is totally wirth it.

Sorry about the typos!

pretty dd1 goes to a selective girls' indie, dd2 is currently sitting for both indies and state grammars. But tbh, I think at any state primary, you're going to be doing the preparation outside of school hours.

It's good to hear your experience. Logistically it will be difficult but there are also ways round it. Dd2 already gets the bus home once a week while I go to college, so she could in theory do that more. Or other parents could help out or some sort of rota.

"But tbh, I think at any state primary, you're going to be doing the preparation outside of school hours."

Agree - but with DS I found that he was lacking quite considerably in essential knowledge and skills after his first school. It wasn't about fine-tuning or filling the gaps - it's like we was missing some really basic stuff. And that's even though his previous school was always very positive about his progress so I was certain he was doing well.

If you are thinking selectives for DS3 you do want to make sure that the state school does its best.

Is DS3 a naturally bright girl? Because if that's the case then she might get away with teaching that's not so good, IYSWIM, if she is otherwise happy at the school - and the child's happyness is worth a lot.