Which school?

[Fshkiyrcnm1]

We are in lucky position to choose between 2 outstanding primary schools.

School A. Smaller school, DS will know 4 of the children going (he isn't great at change). It's £1k cheaper a year. But it's 2.4 miles away and drive/public transport is slow so would cycle in. Would allow 30minutes to do so. It's away from work too although we could WFH between us to make it work. Worry he will be far away from friends although the catchment is big so he won't be only one.

School B. On way to work and about a 15 minute bike ride. Friends would be more local. But bigger school and wouldn't know anyone at start. Plus £1k more expensive.

Which would you pick?

B.

B but do bear in mind that cycling may become less practical as they need to take more stuff.

I think other factors are key to choosing - what are the schools like, how does each school’s ethos fit with yours, what do you think of the Heads, where did you feel most comfortable on visits etc. etc.

Thank you. Seems like practicality is important... the cash and size is making me go towards A though. They are both great but A is more homely. Is the distance really going to be a pain? Should say it will mainly impact mornings as have help with pick up

Thank you for your responses!

All else being equal B as the daily commute will be key during wet and cold months. A would have to be immensely superior over B to consider A.

Is that £1k a year or per term?

Ah sorry. Per year

Id go B

How different is the difference in size? DS went to a one form entry primary that was really boy heavy, 18 boys to 11 girls. They were v alpha too, he is not so had an awful time as was often excluded by them.

School expanded to two form entry for other DCs and had far fewer friendship dramas.

You will not realistically be able to cycle on days when they need school bag, PE kit, instrument, swimming kit, play costume etc. They regularly go in laden like little pack-horses.

I would choose the school that will suit your DS the best rather then focus on logistics. I wouldn't focus on 1k difference either, as school fees change rapidly. You might pick the cheaper school and then quickly be hit with the dreaded letter advising you of increases.

Honestly 1k pa is nothing in the scheme of things and the difference in fees could easily change over a few years or be offset by extras. Small schools can become difficult socially and for opportunities in sport, music and drama as dc get older.

B

Thank you for all your insights. Both would need cycling to realistically. The smaller one is 1 form (28 kids) that becomes 2 form in year 2. The bigger one is big! 4 forms.
We have a bike trailer but prefer to avoid using that if possible... i was worried that school A would in the long term become a pain. But i do love it. I know we are lucky to have this dilemma anyway

DS would be able to cycle himself to school B (accompanied of course) in a few years whereas I don't see that with school A unless we cycle to DD nursery (1/3 of journey) then he transfers to back of my bike

Just remember that if the school is over 2 miles away it will take in children from that same sort of distance in other directions-birthday parties, playdates, no lift sharing etc etc for their school life.
I would go for the more local option.
As they get older having local friends so important.
Cycling is good in theory but a rainy tuesday in january might be less appealing.

B.
the amount of stuff school children need in prep schools is ridiculous. There is a massive pe bag that weighs an absolute tonne and contains 4 pairs of trainers, 4 tops, the list goes on …. musical instruments (guitars , sax) , rucksacks (with book w/e) , cricket bags that are huge, tennis stuff, swim bags. I feel like I need a camel to carry all the stuff 🤣🤣Plus the rain in the winter - there is no way I’d want to cycle on a Monday or Friday when all the items need to be in school.

Also, my girls are in a very small school it’s annoying for sports …. Less opportunities. I prefer bigger schools.

see if there is a school bus at the prep school 👍

Does smaller school mean smaller class sizes? If yes, go for A. There may be before/after school provision that might make it more practical work wise?

We are cycling right now to his nursery so don't mind the rain, I then cycle to work (but it is 15 mins away and appreciate he is small at the moment).

Thanks everyone, quite universal...