School Place

[echomist]

Yesterday I found out that my DC has been allocated a place at an outstanding primary. I never thought that this would happen as we live 12 miles away from the school. I applied so that we would have a choice but ultimately never thought it would happen due to our location.

They are currently at a prep school, in the pre school and we had decided that they would more than likely stay there as the chances of them getting into the other school were so slim.

I now have no idea what to do! Both schools are lovely but obviously the prep school is expensive and will cost around £800 per month (which we can afford).

I have to accept or decline the place by 30th April but I feel like I need more time to decide. Can I accept the state school place and then withdraw if we decide to stay at the prep? Obviously I won't decide at the very last moment but I feel like I need more than a week.

[echomist]

I know, it's a really hard decision. Saving £800 per month is extremely tempting but 12 miles is a long way away, but then the current school is already 7 miles away! Both are nice schools, but they are settled at the current place. It's a tough choice, hopefully I'll see the new school and not like it!

[underneaththeash]

I’d stick with the prep. We’ve done state and private options for ours and the private ones have generally been significantly better. Especially if you’re currently happy with it.

I think the comment about friendships living so far away from the state school is very valid too.

[RuthW]

Think about secondary too. They are unlikely to get a place at the school with all their friends.

You need to visit all the schools personally and feels what's right for your child.

[LIZS]

7 miles to a private is not unusual ,12 miles to a state school is. Agree think about friendship groups, after school activities, parents evenings and concerts. What if one is ill and you would not otherwise go to work that day, will you be happy to drive regardless? If it is eldest going in Reception, would siblings from your distance always get a place?

[GregoryPeckingDuck]

If you can afford to pay it’s wrong for you to take the state school place. It would mean that a child who actually needs it can’t have it. There is also a moral obligation to keep the private sector alive because it prevent a government monopoly on education. And of course the government is in s bad plavrfinavially, those of us who don’t have to use state services really shouldn’t do that they remain usable for as long as possible. It would be immoral and greedy to take that place. I wouldn’t.

[RedSkyLastNight]

450 children is not a large primary school! It's 2 classes per year and a pre-school class.
Yes, it may seem large and noisy but your child will not always be 3 or 4. Small village school might appeal when they are young, but is this still where you want your DC as they get older? I also echo others who wondered why the school has places if it is so great.

[YouBumder]

If you can afford to pay it’s wrong for you to take the state school place. It would mean that a child who actually needs it can’t have it.

Nonsense

[TeenTimesTwo]

If you can afford to pay it’s wrong for you to take the state school place. It would mean that a child who actually needs it can’t have it.

Rubbish. If all the 'better off' people who pay for private education went to their local state school there would be more pressure that state schools are properly funded with high standards. Plus a wider variety of parents and experience to add to the PTA, careers days etc.

So you could argue that there is a moral obligation to go with state.

[JellyCat1]

If you can afford to pay it’s wrong for you to take the state school place. It would mean that a child who actually needs it can’t have it. There is also a moral obligation to keep the private sector alive because it prevent a government monopoly on education. And of course the government is in s bad plavrfinavially, those of us who don’t have to use state services really shouldn’t do that they remain usable for as long as possible. It would be immoral and greedy to take that place. I wouldn’t.

What a load of rubbish.

[DialANumber]

Quite frankly, it's a bit odd to request a place at a school you have never visited!

We're probably of very different minds here so my thoughts are next to useless but I would either

A) Go for your nearest state primary. Value what it offers in terms of a sense of community, diversity of backgrounds, ability and experiences and do everything you can to ensure your child and their peers benefit from your engagement and enthusiasm. Being able to walk/scoot to school is fab and to get home quickly if poorly or weather rubbish etc is also a bonus. (This option is my personal choice and preference - all schools would benefit less comparison and more engagement imo)

B) Stick with what you know. You say your child is happy and settled. You can afford it. You're all happy with the status quo.

What I absolutely wouldn't do is move them to a school you have no insight into beyond it being 'outstanding'. Having good data for ofsted means almost nothing and IMHO is sometimes a negative as it can indicate a slavishness to a narrow curriculum and over focus on SATS. As PP have pointed out, many outstanding ratings were given up to a decade ago and may relate very little to the current ethos, atmosphere and experience of the pupils. Our nearest 'outstanding' primary has enormous class sizes and no outside space. I would thubj v carefully before entwining myself in an establishment so far from home where all parties, play dates and evening performances etc will require hiking backwards and forwards and you won't feel a real part of the school community.

[bombaychef]

12 miles is madness for state primary imo. No local mates and will miss out on so much. We had friends who moved and tried to do similar but only lasted 4 months...no impromptu friends round, no joining local clubs with mates, no walking to school together in juniors. If you want state go to the nearest one you can

[bombaychef]

I echo that 450 is not big for a primary. Classrooms should be a buzz of lively activity and certainly not quiet kids sat at desks in early years

[Ferrovairio]

Go and visit the school you have been offered a place at. I hazard you will know within 10 minutes what is best for your family.

Once you are travelling 7 miles, an extra 5 makes little difference in your circumstances (if you work full time).
Car time can be useful for talking to your kids while they are captive. Also introducing them to your favourite music.

But don’t even think about making the decision without visiting the school.

[ChessieFL]

Think about the extra curricular activities too - sport, music, drama etc. These are likely to be far better at the private school. At the state school the provision of these might only be the bare minimum.

[viques]

Have you tried doing the 12 mile journey in the morning to get there on time, and the return journey. Does the 12 mile school have an after school club that would take your child if you were held up by traffic or a puncture at home time? NEver underestimate the value of being able to make a call to another local mum for an emergency walk to school/collection.

As someone said, a two form entry school is a normal size for a primary school . Small enough for every child to be well known but it gives flexibility in friendship groups, available activities, continuity of staff (sometimes!), plus staff curriculum experience and expertise is possibly wider, in small schools staff have to double up their specialisms to cover all curriculum areas .

I would worry that a small allegedly outstanding school has placesavailable for children from 12 miles away, it would have my spidery senses twitching and I would want to know more, and would certainly want to visit!