Which school would you opt for?

[Bunnyjo]

My DD is about to enter Year 6 and now is the time to be considering secondary options for her. Whilst DH and I will guide DD, we are keen for her to have an input into where she will spend the next 7 years of her life. DD is very bright - working above expectations in all areas and particularly gifted/exceptional in mathematics (as described by her teacher).

We are currently considering 2 options; the nearest (catchment) secondary and the nearest grammar school. I will try to provide a brief overview of each.

Secondary:
Large School (1500)
Ofsted Requires Improvement
Progress 8 = -0.16
Attainment 8 = 48

Grammar:
Smaller school (850)
Ofsted Outstanding
Progress 8 = 0.28
Attainment 8 = 67

The secondary school is 4 miles away and the grammar school is 25 miles away. DD would be entitled to free transport to the secondary school, whereas transport to the grammar school would mean us dropping DD off in the nearest village (2 miles away) where she would catch a bus to the nearest city before catching a second bus to the grammar school. However, there are a few children from round here who make the same journey each day and the cost of the buses would be less than £5 per day.

We have visited both schools and I think DH and DD are quite keen on the grammar school. DH was very swayed by the top line figures of the grammar school, whereas I am more undecided; the fact is the grammar school will achieve better results by virtue of the fact it is a selective grammar school. I cannot seem to shake off the notion that being in her local school will be beneficial for friendships and that a 'bright' child will thrive in any school. Yet, DD has been an outlier throughout her primary school education and I do feel she would really benefit from being in an education setting where there will be children at her level and beyond. The grammar school also coaches gymnastics (and has a successful school team); DD is a keen gymnast and has competed in regional competitions.

There is a good secondary in our nearest city, but it is always over subscribed and, as we live so far away (8 miles), DD would not get in. The other schools in the city are on a par with, or worse than, our catchment school. I have friends with DC in both schools - the feedback I've received about the secondary is very split, with some moving their DC to other schools, whereas the feedback on the grammar school is more positive.

So, if you were faced with these options, which would you be leaning towards? Looking back over my post, I think I have already answered my dilemma, but I still have a niggling doubt about distance and convenience. If only I had a crystal ball...

I think a school 25 miles away is only doable if you have spectacular public transport. Or if you are prepared to be a permanently on call taxi service. She will be invited to parties 25 miles in the opposite direction. She will want to stay late at school for rehearsals and clubs. She will forget her clarinet on the day of her exam. She will be sick at school and need picking up. Remember, she won't be 11 for long- and she needs to be able to have a normal teenage social life.
I'm speaking from bitter experience here!

25 miles is a big distance but I'd probably the average travel distance at my sons school we live around 10 miles and lots of students live between 10 and 15 miles but many come from further afield and I know of one pupil who is 55 miles away. Good train networks mean that some of those who live further away have the same travel time as my son as we live in a really traffic congested route to school.

I was a bright child. I did not appreciate being surrounded by idiots. She will likely be happier at the grammar.i would also refute the notion that she will thrive anywhere. Teachers play a crucial role in guiding education. Sending her to comprehensive would've a major disservice. I can't see any barrier to sendhingher to good school.