We are soon to move back to our old area after moving a couple of years back, meaning new schools.
Before the move my children were at our small local primary school on our old housing estate, not long ago being rated as 'requires improvement' by ofsted with the main concerns being academic children being held back and no clarity in curriculum and lessons, plus some disruptive behaviour.
There is a school less than half a mile away, rated outstanding and in high demand. I applied on the off chance and they do have a space for the younger child in year one but no spaces currently in year four for older child, meaning he could attend this school and she would have to go back to old primary school whilst being on the waiting list.
This place is essentially a take it or loose it place, and I have another child who will be starting nursery in 2025 and would love for him to attend this school - all being well with sibling priority and us being in the catchment area.
Obvious concern is being in two places at once, is impossible. However we could work around it as father in law lives on the estate, I could drop her off there and she could walk to school through the housing estate, not even having to cross a road in less than two minutes.
I can't help but feel, if I do take this place that it is unfair on my other child who will be attending the school that is essentially 'second option' and talk of the town as a failing school but on the other hand I need to think of the future as she will be in year six by the time youngest will be starting school.
That being said, she has been in this school before, familiar with school building, teachers and classmates which is reassuring and she will also benefit from the small class sizes due to the size of the school as she isn't overly academic.
Just after anybody who's been in a similar situation, to give their input or if you were in my position what would you do? All back to old school or split them up.