Are your children’s vaccines up to date?

Set a reminder

Please or to access all these features

Primary education

Join our Primary Education forum to discuss starting school and helping your child get the most out of it.

Which school to choose?

3 replies

WarChild123 · 30/06/2023 16:49

Long story short but we recently moved house and my DD did an in year transfer. She's in reception so just a few weeks until the summer holidays. She originally got a place at our second choice school but we have now been told there's a space at our first choice. Should be an easy decision but, actually, she's settled really well at the second choice school and it is actually closer to our house (by minutes but still) and is one form entry which gives it a very small, nurturing feel. The other school is 3 form entry but it has a much wider programme of clubs etc which I think will become more important to us as children get older. It is also a better school, results wise. The smaller school was a failing one and was then turned into an academy - it has vastly improved but the catchment is largely a particular estate and a large proportion of the children do not speak English at home. My concern is that there will be a big focus on getting these children up to average that my daughter could potentially get lost there. Ultimately I don't think primary school will have an impact on secondary school and I think what's key in the younger years is the pastoral stuff but, at the same time, I want her to do well! Any thoughts on what to do - prioritise the environment at the smaller school or move to larger one which potentially has more options for "enrichment" as she gets older??

OP posts:
Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
yoshiblue · 30/06/2023 17:01

How recently have both been visited by Ofsted and what are their grades? Also, what does your local Facebook group say about both schools?

My DS is at a single form entry school and I wouldn't change it for the world. I love the nurturing/community feel. We originally put down the larger school with more 'clubs' and didn't get it. Word on the street is it's overdue an Ofsted and will be downgraded. Be aware some schools are very good at box ticking but may not be as good behind the scenes. The 'better' results could simply be down to cohort rather than better teaching.

kaffkooks · 30/06/2023 17:07

If she is settled and happy I would keep her where she is. It's disruptive to move multiple times. She can do clubs outside of school. If things change in the future and you or she are unhappy with school you can always look at moving her then as it seems that the school will probably have space.

Mintearo7 · 01/07/2023 09:22

Go with your gut - is she adaptable and sociable? I know people say she can do clubs out of school but we find it difficult logistics-wise as we both work. Therefore the school clubs are the best option for us. If
you think you will move her in later years there’s something to be said for moving her now before her friendships are really
embedded.

New posts on this thread. Refresh page