Two top choices!

[FebMama]

How do you decide between two schools that you realllllly like?

Went to view them both, loved them. Read through Ofsted reports and very satisfied with both.

Went through both schools websites with a fine tooth comb and all looks great. Both schools are very close to home so very good chance of getting into either.

How do I decide which to put for my sons first choice? I really want to apply soon.

He came with me to view the schools too and of course said he loved both of them 🤣

Anyone else been in a similar situation?

Also to add, very satisfied with overall school results and the extra curriculum opportunities both schools offer too.

And both are within 15 minutes walking distance from home - bonus!

What else should I be thinking about?

I'd consider myself incredibly lucky to be in a situation to have 2 local schools I love and, if there was genuinely nothing between them, I'd probably just go for the shortest or safest/most straightforward walk as first choice (even if both were quite close and very doable). Put the other as second choice and feel satisfied in the knowledge that yoy'd be happy with either.

Honestly, this is such a fortunate position to be in so I really wouldn't stress if you know you love both. There are many who would kill to have just one local school they'd be happy with. If you know deep down you'll be happy with either, don't overthink it.

I would probably put the one you're less likely to get into as first choice and let the admissions system decide for you!

Do both provide any after school care or breakfast club options if you need them?

I’d be considering wraparound care options, either clubs or local childminder availability. Do the schools run their own after school activities (as that can be logistically easier than signing your child up for football elsewhere).
Where are their friends going?

We were in the same position last year, but with 3. I used 5 out of 6 choices (London, so we get 6) even though I knew we'd get whichever one we put as our first choice. We went for the "most convenient" one (5 mins walk versus 10 mins walk, and our childminder already picked up there) ... If you haven't already done so consider the wrap around care options if you need it or will do in the future as our schools all differed on that front particularly if you can carry on using your current provider at one but not the other, or consider how "easy/difficult" each one would be with hours/costs/locations if you'd need to change regardless of school choice.

Thank you for the replies. Both schools have equally great wrap around care if and when needed.
Had a good think about it today and one of the schools of the two, let's say option A, was always a firm favourite of ours and I already had my heart set on it before we went to visit! Just based on word of mouth from other parents.
The second school, option B, was just a pleasant surprise as I didn't think it would be as wonderful as it is.

I'm going to go with option A as first preference and B as second as even if he doesn't get into A, I'll still be happy with him going to B!