Please help me decide between two schools!

[Falcon1]

I need to apply for a junior school for my DD (currently in year 2 at an infant school, junior school is from year 3-6). The choices are:

School 1: The junior school linked to her infant school. Pros: all her friends will be going so both DD and me/DH will retain our current social network; convenient location; strong on after school clubs/activities and music. Cons: it’s a faith school (CoE) and as an atheist, this doesn’t sit well with me. I really don’t believe that there should be faith schools in the state system; small school with not great resources - cramped classrooms, very limited IT equipment, shabby grounds.

School 2: Pros: a school with a great reputation - has always done well academically (although these days, school 1 is keeping up with it in this regard); large (3-4 form entry rather than 2) which I feel will be better preparation for the local secondary (which is massive) but seemingly a strong sense of community; amazing resources (ICT suite, science lab, huge library, tennis courts, astro turf pitch, outside classroom. Cons: none of DD’s friends are going and she is anxious about this; just as close to our house as school 1 but in the opposite direction to the infant school (where my younger child is).

Which one would you choose? I feel like school 2 would be a risk, but would it be worth it for all the resources it offers and the fact that it’s non-faith?

I would have said better the devil you know than the devil you don't. School 1 you know she has friends and you don't think there is anything wrong with the junior school. It's difficult for schools to be good but it is easy for them to bad and so if your happy I wouldn't move them.

school 1, sounds fine and your DC could stay with current friends.

Almost all schools do CofE stuff and present religion as fact, not just faith ones - worship is a legal requirement! I am an atheist and dislike this, but given that it’s hard to avoid it’s not a factor for me in school choices.

With the resources and facilities you mention, an issue is often how often the pupils actually get to use them - often a school has had capital investment but can’t afford additional staff costs to make best use of the investments.

I don’t think a 7yo DC needs to prep for secondary by going to a larger primary.

Thanks for the replies.

Loopytiles - you make two very good points, thank you. I hadn't really considered either of those things.

Purpledragon - that's my DH's feeling too.

Any votes for school 2 or is it really a no brainer?

Friendships potentially for life have been formed at that age... I’d keep her at the school.
My DSS has two best friends he’s been friends with since 5, he’s 17 now.... they’ve gone separate ways for college and an apprenticeship however they remain firm friends and make the effort to see each other

I think school 1 as it's a junior school.

I went to a 1.5 class per year primary school and a 7 form intake secondary school and the size difference wasn't a problem at all.
The facilities aren't really that important at a junior school either.

Thanks for all your thoughts, you've confirmed what I knew in my gut was the right decision. School 1 it is.

The place your daughter will be happiest I'd pick. I'd keep her with her friends. I do get you with the religious thing. I'm also not a believer but I'm happy for her to learn bits and pieces about different cultures and religions as it's important. Christmas, Easter and Diwali my daughter knows about and she's 4. She likes churches because the buildings fascinate her. She is still unaware of prayers etc. I don't think her school pray. I remember we did at school. I don't think it will affect her future really. I'd much rather my child was with her friends and happy.

Saying that I put a Catholic school down 3rd for her and I'm glad she didn't go there now.

I tend to think DC are happier with friends when they transfer. We had the same issue for DDs. The junior was c of e. Fortunately light touch! However your atheist views are only a small part of the equation here. Religion is not the most important element to a school and your views on it shouldn’t mean your DD has to make friends all over again. I actuality think that’s a bit cruel. This decision should be based on her needs not yours.