Revisiting a school we previously dismissed

[Rhibledd]

Would you revisit a school you previously dismissed?

I’ve took my DC to see several primary schools in the area back in April/May last year when we looked at preschools and both times they didn’t like the catchment school and tbh we weren’t fussed but it is rated outstanding and everyone who goes there seems to find it a good school.

The other one also rated outstanding we loved and so did DC so they started in preschool last September but it’s clearly not a good fit. it’s a small school (which we thought was a bonus) and preschool only has 7 children who will be going up to reception an only a total of 12 enrolled in total for September (its a Cof E school with control over its admissions) but none of the kids get along and my DC is struggling and don’t even get me started on their first school report where it became obvious that despite only having 7 kids in class they didn’t know them the manager of her old nursery was fuming when she read the report and said what are they actually doing on a day to day basis.

We have put that school down a second choice. But the school we put as our first choice is usually oversubscribed so unlikely to get in as we are out of catchment

I’m of the view that you need to look at schools several times and ideally at different times of the year to really see if they will be the right fit.

So where have you put your catchment school? It sounds as though you will definitely get into your 2nd choice (the current pre school?) so if catchment school is the one youre now reconsidering is 3rd or lower preference then you'd be allocated your 2nd choice as things stand.

@MerryGuide catchment school I’m reconsidering I have down as third choice at the moment

Definitely go and visit it again.

Personally I form very little opinion at an open day. You can easily be influenced by factors like how nice the playground looks and how friendly the staff member showing you round is. Whilst those things are great, the stuff that's more significant is harder to tell. Plus as you have found out, the mix of kids in your child's class makes such a big difference and you can never tell that in advance.

What put you off originally? If others like it, that's a goof sign and I'd give it another chance. However I wouldn't change your preferences now, or it may be treated as a late application, so you may have to go on a waiting list in April if you change your mind.