Doing primary applications for first child and looking for some opinions from parents who have more experience…
School A: a five minute walk from us. 2 form intake. A faith school but quite liberal (yes we’ve got the attendance points, we don’t particularly view it being a faith school as a good thing as would prefer the kids to have friends that are a bit more reflective of wider society), excellent results but probably because intake is very upper middle class, good music sport etc. and supposed to be nurturing. Asks parents to pay a “voluntary” donation to the school that is basically about £2000 per kid per year but as a result of this the school has amazing facilities, good staff retention and TAs in every class. BUT, terrible wrap around care - like 30 places total for a two form entry school, some paid for clubs available on site after school but they all finish at different times so would have to get a childminder or book different clubs every day. We both work, so will need it.
School B; A 25 minute walk from us. Not a faith school. 3 form intake but split into two sites for infant and juniors. Very good results but not as amazing as the other. A bit more socially diverse and much more ethnically diverse, probably 60% middle class. School is strapped for cash and facilities have taken a battering and fewer TA’s etc. Amazing wrap around care.
Currently our heads are with school A (better education, teaching and resources for the kids, very well insulated from funding cuts etc. though we’ll have to pay for it with the “donation” and convenient.) But hearts with school B (more diverse, more typical, don’t have to shell out loads of money, good wrap around care, still a good option academically.)
I realise we’re really lucky to have two great options! Just looking for views from parents who’ve experience schools with funding cuts / no wraparound care etc and can give us the benefit of their hindsight