Choosing between a larger primary and a smaller village school

[Cosmochen]

Hi everyone

I was wondering if you can give me some advice. I am thinking of primary schools for my DD in Sept 2027 and want to organise some visits to schools. All schools are different but I can't make up my mind if I think a large primary with great academic results year on year or a small village school with less pupils in each class with okish results but has a swimming pool and village feel is best for my child. I was brought up in Ireland and went to a very small country primary with lots of sport every day and I feel overwhelmed in Heathrow area with the schools. I feel it's so competitive help please give me some advice xxxxx

We went larger because we felt that DS1 (spiky ability profile, later ASD diagnosis) would be much less likely to be a dramatic outlier. It was the right call for us as it allowed more differentiation in the later years of primary. It also meant the school had specialist teachers for languages, music and sport.

I think it depends on your child. I’d steer towards a smaller school for primary personally but if you have a really outgoing child maybe they would thrive in a bigger setting. Mine would definitely be happier in a smaller school for primary x

Which is the nearest? If one is much nearer than the other, that is a factor….. unless one is a 5 minute walk and the other a 10 minute walk.

How big is "large"?

I worry that small is too small - a school with under 30 children in a class is likely to be struggling financially, there will be fewer opportunities, fewer options for friends etc.

Also remember that whilst "small" might seem great when your child is 3 and a very young child, they may want something different by the time they are 7+

I have 3 bigger schools within walking distance of our house. One is literally across the road. I opted for a village school 11mins away.

What doe you mean by big and small? My Eldest DC started in a small village school with 30 pupils in the whole school. It was great for the first couple of years, when you are learning to read and your year group is 3 children it is great for attention to your learning.

However it means there are not many friendship choices. We moved him after 3 years to a 2 form entry school and I think that was much better for him.

But if by small you mean a standard one form entry primary, then that can be a lovely learning environment

Which is the nearest? If one is much nearer than the other, that is a factor….. unless one is a 5 minute walk and the other a 10 minute walk.

I agree this is an important factor. I would always choose a primary school in walking distance over one you need to drive too, if there were no other major plus or minus points.

Proximity is important, but I would always choose the larger school. So much more scope for extracurricular activities , a bigger staff so wider range of expertise, and also a much bigger pool of potential friends.

Choose the school you feel is right when you look around it. Personally, I would go for a bigger school - more staff to share the workload, more children. Smaller schools are at risk of redundancies and merging classes because they don’t get the same funding. They can also have a smaller, more nurturing feel if everyone knows each other.

By small, how small? One class per year or mixed year classes?

Which one can you walk to? I would choose a school I could walk to unless it was truly awful. If they're both walkable there's advantages and disadvantages to both, so a lot will be personal preference.

A headteacher friend I know always gives the advice 'Go with your heart' - that sounds wise advice - there'll be pros & cons with any school choice, and ups & downs along the educational journey, so go with the school that you love more.

We went for a small village infant school that got smaller by the time my youngest got there. Absolutely no regrets. Brilliant, nurturing start to their education and great academic results too. I would say the teaching got better as the small got smaller, despite reduced budgets. Also great for my child with SEN.

The one you can walk to (unless it's awful). If it's awful it will probably get a new head and become amazing in a few years (these things go in cycles).

You will be doing the school run for a very very long time. Playdates/help in emergencies etc are all much easier if you're close to the school.