I'm in Canada, of course our school system is different than in the UK, and I realize I'm really lucky to be in the position of choosing between two really good schools.
My two boys are enrolled in the local school round the corner. I have no real issues with the school, it is very good. My daughter will start next September. I know a lot of the children who would normally be in her class from preschool etc.
BUT. We are also quite friendly with neighbours in our road. They speak French at home, and their two girls go to the French school. Normally we would not be eligible for this, because we don't speak French as a family, and I don't have any French heritage (lots of parents are not French speaking, but do have French grandparents or some other family connection.) I did all my schooling in French though and am fluent.
They have suggested my daughter go to the school too. They would put in a good word for me, and I feel I could handle meetings, admin, etc. Children who don't already speak the language do a sort of immersion program for two years, and then go in with the other French speaking children the following year. If it doesn't work out, of course she can always enrol in the local school later on.
I love the idea of her having bilingual education, but I wonder if this is really best for her, or am I just liking the idea of getting her into something other people don't have the chance to do? And will she be too tied to these two particular friends, going on the bus with them etc?
She is very bright and I feel she could handle the program. She doesn't have a strong preference for either school; I do volunteer at her brothers' school, but sometimes I pick up the girls at the French one too, she's familiar with both.
This is way longer than I thought... thanks for reading this far! Any thoughts much appreciated.