school transport choice

[maratara]

I may have already asked this question before. Sorry. Basically would you choose between a secondary school that you had to drive your child to, as no public transport ( but they are in the high potential group after doing several tests). Would need to drive and collect for 6 years. Roughly about 20 minutes each way.

Or another school that is even more academic ( again had to pass a test) but has public transport - although it takes your child over an hour each way..
Ta

Depending on where you live, are either of the schools the closest secondary school to you? If so, then if the distance is over a set threshold the council will provide school transport to that school.

I'd consider whether DC was likely to want to do after school clubs or any enrichment out of school as that would affect the decision too

She'll struggle with a whole hour on the bus in year 7 and 8, but by year 9 she'll be fine with it. These days there's so much homework done online she might even be able to get on with some of that.

If it's an hour on the bus, presumably it's only 30-40 mins by car? Especially if you leave a bit early. Could you do a mixture of bus and driving her, at first at least? If she passes the entrance exam, and if she would be suited to the more academic school, then I would try my hardest to make that work.

I think a bit more context would help.

For school 1, do you (or whoever the driver would be) work, and does the driving fit in with your hours, or would it be a complete nightmare logistically for the family?

For school 2, just over an hour by public transport is not so bad if it's 65 minutes door to door with a safe and reliable/frequent service, but I wouldn't consider it if it's variable and a bit dodgy (one bus per hour and sometimes they don't turn up or are full etc.)

Would there be an option of a lift share with other families in either scenario?

I'm assuming that you're eschewing more convenient, local schools in favour of one of these academic options, so your family is just going to have to work out which is the least worst option, and if either of these schools is worth the inconvenience. You have to think long term as well - how your DC feels now vs in 4-6 years' time, and how your own family circumstances might change (work, other siblings etc.)

Yeh is there a nearer school op? I would so not be up for driving my secondary age child to school for seven years tbh.

Not great for independence either.

Are these state grammar schools? If so, does your Dc qualify for free transport?

i would look hard for a more local option tbh. I had a long commute to secondary and it was not great.

What are the GCSE subject offers at each school? Does either have a sixth form, in case DC wants to stay on? We have chosen the slightly more difficult to get to school (10 min drive to catchment village, then bus with his mates) based on a small amount of faff for us giving him better options later in life.

You need to consider the impact of attending a non local school on your child's (soon to be teen) social life.

By year 9, kids start becoming very independent. How will you feel being taxi driver every weekend / during the holidays? Because otherwise your child could end up really lonely if they live too far away to independently meet up with school friends.

Personally unless the local schools were absolutely dire, I would always choose a closer school.

Sorry. Should have explained . Not Uk. Sadly no free transport as not the closest secondary school, as accepted for academic reasons. A weird setup in one state of Australia. You have to pass an academic test to get in. The school that is further away is harder to get into than the closer one. Both schools are "free" to attend. The lack of public transport is because my DC will be way out of area.
I agree about the problem with not having any local friends. My main concern really. But both are a trek.
The local school is absolutely dire. ( regional area with a lack of teachers).
So basically it comes down to closer ( though no transport) , but not as academic: or further ( with a bus) and more academic.
Other option is a private that is the equivalent of 15k pounds a year . Not the worlds most expensive school but too much for us.