Advice re schools please, new to all this!

[WahIzzit]

Dc1 is in an independent nursery and will be going to a primary school next September. I have been told we will receive a letter for our choice of schools around xmas time. But I am relatively new to the area and panicking as I have no idea where to send her. One RC school (which is outstanding, and know of numerous children who go there who are happy with it), is 0.8 miles from my house so within walking distance, yet is said to be oversubscribed and unless you live on the pavement directly outside theres not a chance of getting in However its worth a try I think...
Second choice is a school literally round the corner, two minutes away. It was an average school that changed to an Academy recently. I do not know anyone whose dc go there, and I'm not sure what to make of academies etc as its all very new to me.

Are Academies any better than normal schools? What are the pros and cons? From my understanding some converted due to funding, but there are atleast three very average schools in the area which have converted into academies. How do I know if there has been an improvement in standards?

Sorry if it does not make much sense, I find it all very confusing.

I'd start with a look at your council website, to see if there are maps of place allocation. Work out what is feasible. In this area, you'd have little chance of getting into any school at 0.8 miles.

Then, having narrowed it slightly. Visit the schools. Do not underestimate the value of the "vibe". This may tell you more than any Ofsted report.

The differences between converter academies varies from area to area. Where I live, it is only secondaries, and the most recent converts are "outstanding".

There is some value in going to your closest school, if you like it, in that your child will be able to make friends locally.

I would also not rely on "getting a letter around Christmas". The council website will tell you how to apply (which you can do now).

Thank you very much for the helpful replies. With dc being my first, and not knowing many other parents in the area its quite difficult to understand what the procedure is. I will check the council website tonight and take it from there.