I know that I'm leaving this until the last minute, but it's been going round in my head for months.
Some background - DD2 will start school next year and I have to decide before 15th Jan where to send her. There are 2 possibilities both equidistant from our house.
DD1 will be in year 6 next year Her school had an intake of 20 of whom 5 were girls in her year and she's never been particularly friendly with them for various reasons. Because of the small intake she's been in split year groups and her best friend is in the year above but only actually in the same class for 2 school years.
Academically it's been OK - some issues but frinds have had more. Communication from the school is poor. The head teacher is a bit of a control freak (I'm a Governor so have seen it from that side too) and difficult to deal with. It's a good school and DD has been happy however I have some concerns:
a) There are currently 3 out of 5 teachers on Mat leave. There has been quite a lot of change in the teaching staff in the last few years.
b) More concerning. It's a small setting, just a yard, no grass, small hall, not really enough space and last year they increased the intake to 30 at the last minute (Governors objected to the change and were told if it did happen it wouldn't be for 2 years). So this year there have been extra kids which means class 1 has had mainly receptions and 2 year ones and class 3 (a junior class) has had 4 year 2's. I don't think this was dealt with well.
I know that the head is hoping that there'll be a new classroom for the next reception class (in fact possibly for the reception and the new nursery), but no concrete plans so I don't know if DD will be in mixed years her own class and I just think the grounds aren't big enough.
c) I have a LOT more friends are the other school and so does DD2 (and DD1 for that matter!) which means that when I need a favour it'll be a lot easier. One of my best friends lives opposite the school and will have a daughter in the same class. I also know (from a couple of people who have moved their kids) that the communication is a lot better there.
As you can guess, I'd like to send her to a different school from her sister, but would you do this.
It's only for a year but I know DD1 would be gutted (exH told her it was a possibility and she was really angry with me). DD2 obviously is more familiar with her sister's school as well and so the first few days could be difficult.
It would be lovely to send them to school together, but it would just be a year and I think it would be a short term gain for long term loss.
Sorry long post - just want to make the right decision