Which school?? Advice needed please!

[Em1503]

Hi, I'm just hoping people who have been in a similar situation or have children in secondary schools could offer their thoughts please!

We are moving house to a new area (only about 15 miles away but new town, schools etc). We have found a house we really like in a nice area, good primary school close by which I'm happy with. This primary school feeds the local high school which is in an ok area but not amazing. The school used to have a not so good reputation years ago but seems to be better now and achieved 'good' from ofsted last year.

However a couple of miles away is a much nicer area with two high school, both 'good' and with very good reputations. I would much rather DD go here but we can't find a house in this area in our budget. DH thinks the local one is fine and that I'm just being a snob for wanting her to go to school in the nicer town (this might well be the case?? Please tell me!!) ð??? it's putting me off buying the house but we don't really have any other options. Would it really make a difference which one she would go to? I should probably add that DD is only 8 months old but I like to plan ahead! ð???

Buy the house. Your dd is 10 years away from secondary school, anything could've happened to the schools you are talking about in that time, both in terms of standards and reputation, and admissions criteria.

Look at it this way, if you buy near a school on the up, you may benefit from the impact it will have on house prices and be able to trade up to the "nice" area by time it counts for your dd.

An awful lot can change with schools in 10 years!

Focus on finding a home that will provide security for you as a family. One that will not over stretch you financially and will also give you access to a good, solid primary school.

Nothing wrong with being prepared but you can't make life changing decisions based on a secondary school when your dc is a baby. Schools change, their admission criteria can change too. Happy hunting.

Yes I think you're both right! Just need to relax about it I think. The house really is right for us then. I rang the high school in the nicer town nearby and they take children from the primary school down the road from the house anyway apparantly. Obviously that could change but quite reassuring to know for now! Thank you for your comments!

I think the one thing you can guarantee is that the schools will have changed beyond all recognition between now and then!

Agree with titchy. The only thing to worry about us that there is a local primary you can get into when the times comes. Check that you aren't for example surrounded by faith schools you aren't eligible for etc

A year after my dd started school, the headteacher died and we got a new head and the entire school has changed under new leadership.Buying a house on the basis of the secondary school that an eight month baby is going to go to seems to be over thinking things a bit. Things can change quickly.

Think about the south facing garden, cupboard space or whether you can walk to a shop, library or park.