Separate Schools

[Wakinguptooearly]

I have a dilemma that I could use some advice on. I have children - daughter year 4 and son year 5. Moving to a new area with a middle School system so my 9 year old son will have less than a School year before moving to middle school.
The two nearest Schools only have either a year 5 or a year 4 place. Not both.
I could send them to a School further away together until next July or split them up now so my year 4 child begins at the nearer School now, with my year 5 starting the other nearby School then going to middle School next September.
I want them to go together as it would be a comfort to have each other while they adapt to a new area and School, but that leaves my year 4 daughter in a School further from home or also changing again next September.
Any ideas around this?
Sorry if it's confusing

Do the middle schools in your new area start in year 5 or year 6?

Ours start in year 5

Your school system is different than here but I personally would split them up now. Not ideal and not what you wanted but I wouldn’t send them further away to then change your youngest in a year and have her start over. She might as well start over the first time without her sibling. I know you could leave her there but how will that work for friendships as she moves on to middle school, I’d presume that she would go to the local middle school and then not know anyone. Always good for them both to make new friends that at least have a chance of living locally too. Children are resilient and I’m sure they will both surprise you with how well they cope. Good luck.

Which school is best for your youngest? Put the youngest in that school. Oldest with sibling if possible, otherwise separate schools.

Assuming that the schools are fine, I would chose the closest schools to home and forget about them being in the same building.

Surely the plan is that they make some local friends and have time to do extra-curricular activities at or after school? That is going to be harder to achieve if you need to drive any distance for pick up and drop off.

DD went to a new school aged 7, knowing nobody. Particularly joining part way through the year the other pupils are likely to be keen to make friends (especially if they have been in that situation themselves).

They start in year 6. My son is in year 5 currently so will have about 2.5 terms in a new School before changing again.

Thanks for the responses.
I was leaning towards separate Schools but worried I would be going for practicality over the reassurance of them being together. I'd missed the point of them making local friends which is an excellent point.
Sometimes it's hard to see the wood for the trees.
Both local Schools are good and both children are quite outgoing with no additional needs to consider.

OK

I don't think there is a massive benefit to them both being in the same school (other than practicality for you). Yes they might see each other at breaktime but won't be of any support for most of the day.

I think it's important your year 5 child goes it a school where they can make friends they will take with them up to middle school. Doesn't mean they won't make new friends at middle school but I think it's nice to know a few faces.

My dd has just started middle school and she's found the moving around between classes quite discombobulating so having people she knows around her has helped.

Thank you ☺️
I expected some negative comments about how awful I was for moving them at this time, instead it's been really helpful and positive.
I've decided to go with applying for the two most local Schools and have faith that they'll be fine and make friends quickly.

I think that's a good choice. It also lets them both settle in and make friends without needing to look out for the other one.

My DC are 3 years apart. We have infants and juniors then probably single sex secondary. So most likely they will only be at the same school for year 3 and 6. Which is a shame but just how it is.

I think it's important your year 5 child goes it a school where they can make friends they will take with them up to middle school. Doesn't mean they won't make new friends at middle school but I think it's nice to know a few faces.

Totally agree with this!!

We live in a Y6-Y8 middle school area,and I absolutely love it! It lets the10 years old grow up a bit,rather than keeping them in "little school" another year,and separates the big smelly teenagers from the preteens until they are big,smelly teens! Both my DC made new friends v quickly in middle school.

I wonder if you are moving near me @Wakinguptooearly

I'd definitely put them in separate, local schools for the rest of the year, and minimise moves for your younger child.

I agree with everyone else. Separate schools makes sense all else being equal. Best of luck!