Didn't like the primary school that's supposedly the best one in area, what to do now?

[dorawannabe]

I'm really upset. It's supposed to be excellent, everyone raves about it, children love it and dd has her heart set on going (she goes to the Friday assemblies with her nursery), so went along to the open morning and really didn't like it. Should I apply anyway? Am I being neurotic? I mean, there's never going to be a perfect school is there?
It's just it was so big, classes were 30 minimum and the kids just didn't seem to be getting much individual attention, we went in lots of classrooms. The only one that seemed good was the reception class but that's 'cos it was just half a class, the rest of reception starts after Christmas.
Didn't like the environment, seemed so strict, big focus on SATS and grades. High achieving but is that what I want? Oh god, what to do now. We're on the border of practically all catchment areas, so no guaranteed places apart from this one.
So disappointed.

Message withdrawn

Agree with cod, go and see some others so you have something to compare it to. Also, ask for a one-to-one tour of the school where you may get an opportunity to ask some questions.
My dd goes to an infant school which is the best in the area, is Ofsted Outstanding, etc. It is a big school, 3 classes per year group, 30 children in each class.

BUT, each class has a teacher, a TA and a parent helper.
Children appear to get a lot of attention, and the teachers get to know them well and use that knowledge to get them to work to their full advantage.
All the dc that go there appear very happy.

So what I am (badly)trying to say is that it is hard to judge from one open day.
Speak to some parents of children already at the school. Stand in the playground at picking up time and look at the athmosphere. Are the parents chatty, happy to be there? Do the children come out laughing and excited? Do the same in the morning - do the majority of children happily go into school?

If it is a good school, and your dd wants to go there, then I cannot see a big problem. But of course you have to be happy with the school too!

I've got one left to see. Have seen two others. One I really liked, but it's a drive or bus ride away, does that matter do you think? Other one I didn't like, teachers didn't seem v. good, headmistress bit of a cow. God ratios staff to children though. Reputation for being rough.
I don't know what to do. Thought I'd really like it today but gut feeling is I didn't.

well, the answer is in your word 'supposedly'.

The 'supposedly' best schools in many areas do well in SATS tables in ways that man they are not the 'best' schools for children to learn in at all.

Stop listening to other people's opinions and the league tables, and look at some other schools. If the sschool you looked at is 'supposedly the best' it will probably be more over-subscribed than the toehrs, so you might stand more chance putting the others first, anyway, if that is the system your LEA operates.

sorry cross-posted.

I don't think it matters that the school you like is a drive or bus ride away, providing you are willing to undertake that journey twice a day for the next 6 years. Also, how would you deal with having friends for tea - you will have to take them home by car, and drop them off again if their parent is not able/willing to drive.

How long a drive / busride away is it?

How popular is it? Will you be able to get in?

If all of the above is feasible, then take your dd to have a look. How does she like it? How do the staff interact with her?

Drive is about ten mins away, school is halfway between my home and work so go that way twice a day anyway. Have been told we would get a place. DD liked it. Why am I debating this, it's the best one I've seen so far.

Then do it

sounds good

i think 30 in a class is the maximum by the way - a government rule?

my dd1 is in year 1 - there are a few things about her school that i would change - uniform, grim building, small rooms - but she loves it and is very happy and learning well. so if you end up with the one you are not 100 per cent on, your child may still thrive there

you have to go with your gut feeling I think

You do need to see other schools in your catchment before you decide.

We decided not to send our DCs to one of our local schools - it's top 5% in the country for SATS, unfortunately they don't do much else than academic study and it wouldn't have suited my eldest at all. Also, we didn't like the attitude of many of the staff, it felt arrogant and having been a small village school that now took 30 per year, was far too crowded. We found another school with much wider curriculum, better facilities, the children were happy, confident and fun and the staff welcoming and approachable. DD1 only knew 2 children in the class and was brilliant about it. We haven't looked back!

Sorry - I now read that you are seeing other schools. Try and go along to any public events they're having as well - Christmas fairs etc, as it may help with the overall feeling you get.