When Normal Common Sense Goes Out The Window

[HighSchoolApplicationInsanity]

So, have name changed for this as I'm probably identifiable with my previous name. But I'm in the midst of applying for DC2 for secondary in the North West. Eldest child goes to the local grammar and dc2 has sat the exam and will find out soon if they have a place or not. There is no sibling priority at the Grammar and there are about 6 applicants for place. Other than that it's our local comprehensive which I'm impressed and happy with. The problem now arising is if we don't have a place offered at the Grammar then I have to find another two alternatives to be our 2nd and 3rd choices as the comp is not guaranteed either.
What are people's thoughts on an excellent school in a really rough area of town or an ok school needing improvement in a slightly better area.
All catholic and other really good schools are wasted choices on the form as impossible to get into as we don't tick any of the criteria
I know I'm just ruminating really till we know either way about the Grammar place, but I'd like to know people's thoughts on good schools in rough areas - transportation, socialising with friends after school etc...

So a good school but severely curtailed freedom and social life vs ok school that has lots of needs improvement on ofsted report?
We've visited both and have driven by many times at various times of day.
Good school has no public transport into town, has several areas where people congregate to drink, do drugs and cause bother. Two rapes (not of school children) in the past year very close to the school and several muggings. Chance of excellent education but severely curtailed social life vs ok school in safe area that has several needs improvements on its ofsted report, poor management and lack of pushing the kids are the ones that concern me.
Looking round both schools I didn't get a great feel either way, so I'm just wondering if anyone has experience of this and what their thoughts are?
Not that it should make any difference but dc2 is a girl.

Let's hope she gets into the grammar or the comprehensive that you like. Otherwise, I'd probably prefer the rubbish school in a safe area but I'd really make sure expectations are high of her at home and she puts in a lot of work even if the school is lax.

Thanks JoJo, I think that's probably my train of thought too. I know families who go to the really good school - but none of the really mix with friends much out of school, I think that's quite sad really. Parents are really happy with the education....but the area I don't know anyone at the ok school as no one has gone there from our primary in the last 8 years that I know of. They are either Grammar, good comp, dodgy area one, catholic, c of e, Muslim or private. Private is out of the question for us.

I'd probably go for the OK school that requires improvement as usually these schools end up with all sorts of support so by the time your DC2 reaches year10/11 then it IS the good school.

Fingers crossed for grammar or the first choice comp anyway.

remember to update!

Will do AllTheBest

And the update is a positive one - she’s passed and she’s got a place!

Congratulations!

Great news!

I'd probably go for the OK school that requires improvement as usually these schools end up with all sorts of support

Not always. There are a couple near me who've been failing and in special measures for years/decades. One has finally just closed down despite an already lack of places in the town, so the pupils have been spread over several other nearby schools. Some are beyond help sadly.