Another primary preference one..

[Morecrimblecrumble]

Have seen multiple threads just like this and found reading the responses insightful and helpful.. we are struggling to rank preference for our daughters school application so thought I’d see what anyone here thinks..

We live in a small town with lots of neighbouring close villages. School options as we see..

1. catchment school. 5/6 min walk. Planned admission of 60. Always full, oversubscribed. outstanding ofsted from 11 years ago.. seems well resourced, good number of TA, great communal space indoors and great outdoor space (reception specific space average however), masses of fields, different play areas with equipment. very engaged and active PTA by all accounts. Lots of events. Head is great but she leaving to move up to overarching role within the trust.. KS1 leader is going on secondment within the trust (leaving in jan..having only been there 2/3 years, but young, career orientated I imagine, can’t blame her!). Fab wrap around if a bit pricey. Not much in the way of interest clubs/sports clubs that I can see. Excellent results: girls (I only have daughters) 92-95% hitting expected levels with 60-70% higher level. Didn’t give me the warm and fuzzies… but didn’t give me any bad feeling either, just straight down the line really. Feels a sensible choice on paper (Jigsaw phse if anyone knows of these things..)
2. Same academy but Church of England school (we are not religious). 15 min walk. Time spent on faith based activities most days (vicar at weekly assembly etc). PAN 45 one straight class with me mixed class per year group. Not always fully subscribed. Seemed to use the mix to the advantage of individuals where they can not just age based. Established staff - head been there 7 years and seemed a sensible and kind man (aware staff can change any moment). No green field attached to school (a biggie for me) but do have their own massive field few min walk away so used for lessons but not for play time etc. 3/4 well utilised quads plus outdoor playgrounds. receptions outdoor space was great, covered/enclosed/ looked engaging (but not green). Results very much ‘worse’ much closer to natural average or thereabouts - have not been able to see a breakdown with girls/boys to compare like for like as yet. Lots of interest groups, exercise, cooking, choir, coding , knitting etc. all free. More Reasonably priced wrap around. Historically very much the less desirable school in the town (but we are not locals so don’t carry that prejudgement really, probs has higher number of kids from disadvantaged families than 1, but that doesn’t matter, just setting the full picture out). I got a really lovely feeling when being shown around. It felt welcoming and kind.
3. Local Authority village school: (10/15 min drive away (3 miles) good parking). PAN of 15. Sometimes full sometimes not. Low sibling year this year apparently. reception is single class (teacher and TA for 15 kids)2 year mixed classes thereafter (we have consecutive school year kids so they would be in tougher alternate years…not sure about this) but absolutely lovely in every other way. Warm, friendly, above average outcomes (not as high as school 1) and lovely but small scale facilities. Forrest school, swimming a term every year. Interest clubs. Established staff, motivated and engaged head teacher.
4. beyond these there are 2 further in the town we have counted out (one catholic and one just got a bad vibe from- both in demand but not for us).

My head is spinning, and I swing from ‘this is really important’ to actually it’s ok and nothing can’t be resolved, my girls will be just fine anywhere etc. I know it is in my nature to agonise over this, which is completely unnecessary but we can’t decide! so warmly welcome any thoughts opinions suggestions from those who have been there and done that

I'd go for the first school with the PAN of 60. Sounds like it has it all going for it whereas the others have left you to have doubts.

Being able to walk to school is lovely without the stress and hassle of having to drive / park etc. There will be more friendship opportunities in a larger school too.

I was in your shoes this time last year. I couldn't decide between the local catchment school with a 60 intake or the Catholic school with 30 intake (DD is Catholic, I'm not). In the end, the 60 intake won based on more extra curricular and enrichment opportunities, specialist teachers, more choice of friends.

We dodged a bullet as the Catholic school was closed due to requiring improvement, but was on the up with an amazing new Head. He left at the end of the summer term and a teacher friend who now does supply there said the school was not equipped to deal with SEN, behavioural issues etc. So whilst not relevant to you, keep in mind that with a smaller school a change in personnel could be more detrimental than that of a larger school as it will have a bigger impact.

You are lucky having such good options to choose between!

FWIW I would choose the school with the shortest walking distance. You'll end up going back and forth more times than you think - four trips (there and back twice) on ordinary days, many more for clubs/sports/forgotten lunch/special events etc. (I once found myself making five return trips to DCs' primary school in one day.) Plus it really helps with having local friends.

Definitely the first school. It’s close, gets excellent results and has lots of space to play. The fact that it’s full also means it will have its full allocation of funding.

First school seems great in almost every way. Don’t overthink it!

First school unless very strong reasons against go with catchment

Go for the closest. Being able to walk to school is such a big advantage.

For primary I would say always go local unless compelling reasons not to. so many benefits in living close by, friends being close by, being part of the local community etc.

But some other thoughts ... don't get hung up on fields. My DC's junior school had the most amazing huge fields (that were hired out to all the local sports teams in evenings). The children at the school got to use them for about 2 weeks in September before they got too muddy, and then for a few weeks in the summer (but never after it had rained as they were too slippery). Fields are only an asset if the children actually have access to them!

Also don't get hung up on clubs. Consider them a bonus if they are there. Your DC are likely to do clubs out of school anyway (e.g. Rainbows, swimming ...) and actually there's a lot to be said for mixing with children who are not those they see all day at school. Also bear in mind that school budgets are being cut ... and free clubs are an easy saving to make.

I'd put number one as my top choice...it's a no brainer imo.

First school, the lack of ooh factor is probably just because you are already familiar with it, being so close. Don't confuse novelty with intuition.

Your DDs will be able to walk with friends and to their houses, you will be part of the local community.

The only reason I can see to pick a different one is if you are very religious and think it's important to have daily worship. Otherwise you are overthinking a very simple decision.

I really appreciate all the comments.. it’s very helpful and you all make excellent points. I do appreciate the benefit of walking and being a part of the community where the school is.

good points re the clubs and also the fields.

So that does bring us to two.. and again you all are helping me clear my mind of the doubts re school 1. I think it was just the extra warmth I felt from the staff a school 2 swaying me.. but I need to be a bit more objective and remember an easier life will reduce stress and that helps overall.

thanks all