Choosing a primary school when not able to visit

[marisacoulter]

Is anyone else struggling to decide on a primary school? Less than a week until the forms are due in and we have not been able to visit due to Covid restrictions. I have had phone calls with headteachers and they all seem nice, obviously all day good things about their schools. And have asked for advice on local Facebook groups which again lots of people are positive about the schools their children attend. It's anyone else struggling to decide and those who have, what have you prioritised?

Our choices are School A, our catchment school 7 mins walk. Medium sized school 350 pupils. Small class sizes in reception and key stage 1 of 24. Results not as good as some of the other choices but having spoke with head she feels this does not reflect where the school is at the moment (sats did not take place last year due to Covid).

School B, 15 mins walk away. Large school with 3 form entry, 650 pupils. Seems to get rave reviews from parents, due to size and extra budget has lots of extras. Lots of extra curriculars and focus on wellbeing but academic results not amazing.

School C, also 7 mins walk away, best results academically but it's a Catholic school and we're not (we are C of E though so not opposed to a Christian education or anything). Medium school 350 pupils.

I would opt for the order you have put them in with A first and C last.

From what you have said C would definitely be my last choice out of those. Like a PP said I would put A first.

Do you know anyone whose DC currently go to the schools, or who have recently left? Where we live there is a lot of hearsay that goes around about the schools, so I tend to only listen to people with first hand experience of the schools and whose opinions I value.

I am in a slightly different position as hoping to move for Year 3, we are waiting to hear at the moment but if offered a place I will have to accept without looking at the school. It's not ideal but I have spoken to a lot of people whose DC go there and as we are not at all happy with the current school it will not be a difficult decision to accept if offered.

I would put C A B am also Protestant sent children to a Catholic primary there was no issues.

I'd put A B C.

Your life will be easier the closer your school is. I like bigger schools but school A is not small.

Catholic schools do more RE so less time for other subjects.

I'd put ABC. A 7 minute walk is great and Catholic schools do often spend more time on RE and acts of worship than other schools.

If you’re CofE, as opposed to non-Christian, I would go CAB. It seems the best of both if you’re not put off by the Catholicism. That’s assuming that you like vibe of the place.