Do you really think the school a child goes to at 4 affects the future course of their life?

[snickersnack]

Because I don't. But I know lots of people who do, and who are suggesting that if dd doesn't go to an academic, selective school next year she won't get into a "good" secondary school, presumably therefore ruining her chances of getting a place at Oxbridge and therefore ensuring she'll never get a job at Goldman Sachs (hmm...a blessing in disguise maybe). We're happy with the choices we've made in terms of education, and I know my parents never gave these things a second thought, and I did ok. When did it get so stupidly competitive?

frisbyrat, that is a terrible report and I am not surprised you wouldn't want to send your daughter there. No parent in their right mind would send their child to a school with such a dire report.

My son's school has crapola SAT results, but it has a good OFSTED report. It has virtually all 2s with the odd 1 thrown. The results are poor becuase of the catchment area.

I think a head teacher can make or break a school.

No. We could only find one decent mainstream that has full inclusion for children with disabilities/. No choice for us.

IME, a child's peergroup will be the biggest influence on them at this stage. My dd went to an "Ofsted-excellent" first school and didn't really thrive. The teaching/teachers were generally good and I did my bit, but the friends that she chose to hang about with for the whole 5 years really held her back for a variety of reasons. Not just my impression, but also the impression that the school had: to the point where they strongly recommended to the middle school that she be put in a different class from all her friends. This has worked wonders and after nearly 4 terms at middle school she is a completely different child. She is far happier and actually doing her best in school and has really come out of herself. 'Twas the friends...

frisbyrat
I know that school and area very well. Do you have your DD down on waiting lists for other schools in the area? Are you CofE? Some of the primaries in the area are now supposed to be particularly good (from what I've heard). A number of them are supposed to be far better than those found in leafier neighbouring boroughs!

Why not Home Ed until DD's name comes up on a waiting list in a school you would like her to go to? There's usually a bit of movement around January, as people decide not to take up places etc.

I think my main concern in that area would be the secondaries.

Thanks, critter! We've put her down for Dalmain, Fairlawn, Eliot Bank, and Perrymount, but they all have tiny catchment areas, according to last year's stats. And I'm not CoE, but I know that CC isn't oversubscribed, so I guess we'll be offered that.
We've in desperation put dd down for a couple of independent schools (at megabucks, but still near to what we pay for her at nursery anyway, I suppose. I can't imagine she'll pass their selection process anyway, though). If all else fails, it will be home ed, but I'm loathe to give up work.

You're right about waiting lists, actually; I hadn't thought beyond the next three months.

Secondaries. Oh my god.

frisbyrat,
Surely you could appeal against a sh!t church school on the grounds of not wanting your child to have a C of E education.

I feel for you and I hope you find a good state school.

Good point. I like your thinking...... Thanks for the good wishes, too.

Frisbyrat
Yes, they are most of the ones I was thinking of! What about St. Barts? (2nd in the borough according to league tables). Also, you could consider Hornimans. I've heard some very good reports about it from parents, even though its results aren't as good as St. Barts!

The school that you are worried about has always been like that unfortunately! (I can remember its reputation 30-odd years ago!)

Yes, I really do believe that the school a child goes to will have an effect on the rest of their lives.
One child might need academic selection, another cuddles - but I do believe it's important for a child to be in the right environment.

I've already selected schools for DS and he is only 6 months old. Which one I choose will depend on who he is and what he needs, and I'd home school if I honestly thought that was best.

I hated school. HATED it. Don't have one friend from before I left for university. It was horrible, totally lacking in any motivation for girls at all. No goal aspiration at all. No-one ever seemed to even consider that it was an option to leave the town we grew up in. not surprisingly, most of my former school mates didn't.

I want my child to know that the sky is the limit and the world is his oyster. What he chooses to do with that is his life to lead.

P.S.
Frisbyrat
I would save your money for secondary private education if you are going to stay within that borough. There are no easy answers in terms of the secondaries there!