Grammar or a Good Comp school

[ashishpanwar23]

Hi,
I am sure many would have been through this phase and asked exact same question, apologies! We currently live in MK and DS is taking coaching classes for 11+, has just gotten into year 5. We currently rent in the catchment of Denbigh school and are split between purchasing a property here, or move to Buckingham closer to start of year 6, before applying for RL Grammar. What we are really concerned about is backplan if Grammar doesn't happen. I cant tell at the moment if DS will pass the exam or not but may be get a better 'vague' idea by april may next year. But then anyone can have a bad day on the exam day.

Also, in case Grammar doesnt happen he will have to be at other secondary schools in Buckingham, where top of the curve pupil will be at Grammar presumably.
Denbigh on the other hand is a good Comp school, atleast from what I have heard particularly in Maths and technology, and quite a good chunk of students score well.
We would love to give DS a realistic chance to attempt for Grammar, but are feeling the dread of Loosing out on a good Comp school also in case Grammar doesnt happen, plus shifting base from more familiar MK to Buckingham (not to mention + 20 mins drive to CMK station 2 days a week)
Any suggestion are welcome

I suggest you ask MNHQ to change the title of your thread so you mention some/all of MK, Buckingham, Denbigh - otherwise people (like me) who have lots of knowledge of another geographical area and a general interest in the grammar/comp debate (which is what I assumed your thread was about from its title) but absolutely no knowledge of the MK/Bucks area, will waste their time looking.

I expect you'll get some helpful replies from people in the area, once the title is changed. Good luck.

hi, so sorry! Bit new to mumsnet. How do I contact MNHQ ?

I thought your first reply was a bit harsh actually. I didn't read your post as entirely geographically specific, even if posters with local knowledge might be particularly useful. As I understand it, your post could kind of be summed up as: "We live near a good comp, but could move to a place where we have a shot at grammar school."
To answer that question, I personally would stick with where you are. It sounds like you're happy there in every other respect and, having lived in a grammar school area, I would agree that a comprehensive in a grammar school area is probably not as appealing as a comprehensive where there are no grammar schools.

A good comprehensive is a good option. I might argue differently if you wanted to move anyway, but it sounds like you don't.

Thanks @SumAndSubstance ! I am really sorry if my initial reply was offensive, i didnt have any intentions whatsoever.
I do get your point though and that is our inclination as well. However, it is the thought of not giving DS a chance if he is capable, that is concerning us.
Hard choice it is, but will have to decide in due course.

Oh no, sorry, I meant the poster who replied to you, not your reply! I know exactly what you mean about having a shot at grammar, but I do also think that if it really is a good comp, he may well do as well there as he would have at grammar school.

If you have a good school locally why move? You can be supportive and your child will achieve.

I'm not a fan of grammar schools so my view may be clouded, but I think you would be made to relocate from an area which you are happy and settled in, and which suits you, to move to another just for a chance of a grammar school.

What is so great about grammar school that means your preference if for your DC to go there? There is no reason to think that he couldn't do well in your local comp.