Aibu to ignore this immense pressure

[Juniper33]

My friend came to see me the other day and told me I need to get my 8 month old baby christened so he will get in to the best primary school in the area. And then get him in to the local grammar school, or 2nd or 3rd choice grammar schools which are both 30 miles away in different directions.

He is 8 months old and I am agnostic.

I just think this is insane, but is this right to start planning now?!

Does your child need to be christened to get into that school? Do you particularly want DC to go to that school? My MIL (and ALL actually) harassed me to have my DC christened... And i ignored them quite happily as it doesn't have any meaning for DH or myself so we didn't see the point.

Not to early as such to consider schools but at the same time things are going to change over the next few years so nothing is set in stone. Plus I hate that term 'the best school '. Ok it might be for some things but is it the best in terms of you being happy with the way your child is educated/what they are taught etc.

Also if your child must be christened to attend this school i would assume they will have lessons on religion. Being agnostic are you comfortable with that? Something to consider ☺

Is yours a summer baby? If yes it is worth starting thinking a bit earlier.

A lot can happen to a school between now and when your child is ready to go. I wouldn't be making any plans until much nearer the time. I also wouldn't send my child to a school that requires the kids to be Christened.

My understanding is that the oversubscribed Catholic / CoE schools near me require children to be christened in the first year or six months and then require a minimum level of attendance (I think at least every other Sunday). Realistically, if you don't want your child to be christened, you may be unlikely to want to give up every other Sunday to go to church.

I don't think it is insane to start thinking about schools, provided you know that what may be "the best" school today may not be in four years' time.

If your child is going to get into the grammar school, it probably won't be because you got him into a particular primary school.

I reckon that a school that expects kids to be christened is a school best avoided.