Primary school choice dilemma

[mamablondie33]

Local church primary, very good results and small classes.

OR

Local academy, improving. Was terrible now considered Ok/good. Large intake but also a
bit more diversity which I think is good.

We are not church goers and I have some concerns about DD being in a religious school.

Just wondered what others would do/have done in similar situations? And if anyone has children non-religious children at church schools? What are their experiences?

There’s church schools and church schools - some are very religious, others no more than a ‘standard’ primary. You’d need to get a sense of where your local one is on the spectrum, and decide how that sits with you.

Would you get into the church school, assuming you don’t meet any faith criteria?

Nothing wrong with church schools. All it means is some jolly hymn singing and a weekly visit from the Vicar or whatever at assembly.

Your child will encounter religion all through life. Just explain your own beliefs and let them come to their own conclusion.

I am Christian and sent my children to church schools. Neither is a believer now aged 16 and 13. That's absolutely their choice.

I would go with the smaller school with good results, but only if it has really good feedback for parents. I'm not personally a fan of academies. And though neither dh nor I are Christian and would generally actively avoid church schools, if we had the choice, I'd choose a church school over an academy that was mediocre. Our dc goes to a church school and it's not affected her (even though we are very actively not Christian). But its' a small village school with lovely facilities, small classes, great pastoral care. She's very happy there.

Just to add, that dh and I went to Christian schools our entire lives. I'm Jewish and dh is atheist. It literally didn't affect us - if nothing else, really put dh off Christianity.

@EduCated it’s my understanding that we would get in yes.

@mindutopia yes I went to a faith school myself but I was also raised in that faith, gave it all up later. Very strict and stuffy, I can see why it would make someone less likely to be Christian after that tbh.

What’s your child’s personality like? Some thrive in a smaller more nurturing environment others love busier and louder places?

DS1 I would go for smaller church school

DS2 larger one

@Onceuponatime1818 very good question. She’s good at making friends, I don’t think a large school would necessarily overwhelm her.