Old Bexley C of E vs Hurst School

[Shnook]

Really need some advice. DD is 3 in June so we need to apply for primary school this autumn. All the mums I speak to assume that obviously I'm going to go to church to get her into Old Bexley and I feel like an awful mother for not having thought about this earlier and maybe having left it too late. I've always hated the idea of lying about my beliefs to get my child into a certain school but when it comes to it, of course, I want the best for her. And now I've realised that if we don't go to church, Hurst School is the only other real option.

So, my question is - am I too late to start going to church? How often/long do we have to go? Will it look reallly obvious why I'm going?!And is Old Bexley really that good? I know when I looked at preschools, I was obsessed with sending her to an "outstanding rated"one but in the end, found that they weren't the ones I liked.

And what about Hurst? Anyone chosen that over Old Bexley because they preferred it? Any views? I live closer to Hurst so will we just be allocated there anyway?

Any words of wisdom greatly appreciated. I'm feeling so guilty that I may have already messed up giving her a good start in life!!

Hello,
Just a quick message as I'm off to bed! But my son is in reception at Old Bexley and absolutely loves it. We do not attend church either (through a lack of time and shift work!) although have our beliefs and we wanted him to go to a more traditional primary school that still acknowledged all the Christian holidays and still did a traditional nativity play every year as now a lot of schools do a slightly different version! We also looked at Hurst which is also a good school. I am within walking distance though of Old Bexley as well which swung it for me even more. Even on their website they do say that they accept all faiths and non faith but as long as you are aware that they will obviously teach from a C of E belief. I worried as my son is one of the youngest, but he absolutely loves school and is so happy there. Competition to get in is tough but I think that that is the case in most good schools? Hurst was 2nd on my list of options....
Sorry if I've waffled! And I hope that's helped..........

Oh and don't feel guilty!! :-)
Just to add that 2 of my friends children go to Hurst Primary and their kids love going there! My friend bought her house to be close to the school to try and maximise chance of getting in.m
Best thing I can say is to make appointments to view both and you will automatically know from looking around at which school will best suit your child...

Thank you so much for taking the time to reply. Yes, I like the idea of a traditional school too. Did you not go to church at all, then? Were you worried that he might not get in because of that?

Old bexley put on a bulge this year. Not sure if it is a permanent increase but if so, you may get in anyway. I know someone there who doesn't go to church, but they live close.
If the bulge was a one off, I don't think you would get in as there will be too many siblings.

Friends at Hurst also very happy.

Never heard of a bulge before! Sounds promising! And good to hear about happy friends at Hurst. Thank you.

Only promising if a permanent increase to the admission numbers. If a one off this year only, then it is not good for you. There would be 30 more children with possible sibling link.

I don't think the bulge year has actually been full to 30 though, I know a child was placed there whilst waiting a preferred school

Call school and ask if they have increased 2 form to 3 form permanently.

No idea what it's like nowadays but I went to Hurst and turned out fine :)

Ah, I understand what you mean about the "bulge" now. I will definitely call the school to find out.

And thanks Megbusset for confirming Hurst didnt turn you into some kind of social deviant!!