Decent primary option, poor secondary

[Dly]

We are on the border of two counties. We have a nice enough primary option - a very small village church school. The problem is secondary. There is only really one feeder secondary and it is absolutely enormous: over two thousand students.

DH and I think the best option is probably state primary and then an independent secondary. My only reservation is that if all their friends from primary are going to this particular secondary that they might feel left out or resentful that they aren’t - it might be different if the children were going to a range of senior schools. Has anyone got any experience of this?

How old are your children? I wouldn’t let size of the school alone put you off.
You probably only need to seriously consider secondary choice around Y4or Y5.

Often schools are known for specialising in an area e.g. the Arts or Science some may have excellent sporting opportunities and sports reputation.
You could then choose depending on interests. New friendships are often made at secondary school.

School reputation and results can vary over time with a change of leadership. I’d say don’t think too far ahead and make an informed choice based on visits, reviews etc nearer the time.

Don't dismiss a school on size alone.

It isn’t just the size - although the size does lend itself to various things I don’t like. It means there isn’t much of a push on individual pupils, staff turnover is high, bullying is an issue. I’m sure they do some things well but it isn’t my choice while I have a choice, if that makes sense!