Balfour infants or Downs infants school

[juemmie]

I'm fairly new to the area and about to tackle my daughter's school application. We live equidistance between Balfour Infants and Downs infants and I'm finding it really hard to know which to put down as my first choice. My daughter will know more friends at Balfour but likes the idea of Downs and knows a friend who's just started. Still haven't been to open day at Downs - got that in new year. Balfour seemed great but open day was overshadowed by all discussions of forthcoming merger and heads leaving.

Anyway I just wondered if anyone had any advice/tips on it all - I think part of it is me feeling a little wobbly about her going to school! Just want to make right decision. I think both seem great.

Also does anyone know if I put Balfour as first choice and we don't get in whether this would effect chances of getting into Downs?

My DS is at Balfour and we are very happy with it! It's a lovely school - there are a couple more threads on Downs and Balfour here if you do a search.

When you put your choices down they are considered as "equal preferance" ie they will see if they can offer you a place at all of your schools.

If they can offer you a place at more than one, they will offer your highest preference school.

If you are equi-distant you might well be eligible for a place at either so would get whichever you put higher

Thanks for your advice. I have heard a lot of positive comments about both schools. I think we will have Balfour as our first and Downs as second as slightly nearer to Balfour.

Quick question - are you worried about the merger at all or do you see it as a positive? I know it means guaranteed entry into Junior school.