Please help me decide on a school - am running out of time!

[fadingfast]

I appreciate this has probably been done a zillion times before but we are new to the whole minefield of school admissions.

We live between two schools, both fine. We are slightly nearer to our catchment school, which both DH and I preferred when we vistied (more of a gut feeling than anything). The school is in a very mixed area, both socially and ethnically, and has a good reputation.

Trouble is, DS has been attending pre-school at the other school and is understandably expecting to go there. Also, several other families in our road have opted for that school, although I haven't managed to find out why. It has an ok reputation (not great but pretty good), and is in a much more thoroughly middle class area.

I like the idea of DS attending a diverse school, but am worried about the settling in process when none of his friends will be going there (although I appreciate the concept of friends is very flexible at his age!). I also wonder whether the practical aspect of having other neighbouring children attending the same school might be a good thing, eg for sharing pick ups etc (although at present we don't really know any of these families).

I am so confused about what to do and the deadline is looming. DH seems to think the decision is made - we opt for the catchment school that we both really liked.

Any views and experiences much appreciated.

My ds started reception this (last?) term. None of his nursery friends came with him. I was a bit concerned because he best friend at nursery was a girl and he is now at an all boys school. He has had no problems making new friends even though half his class had been at nursery together. I would definitely go on gut instinct. I have friends who chose a school that I have opted to go private to avoid (and they could have afforded that option too).

It doesn't sound like you have any very strong reasons for choosing the one where he's at pre-school - the advantages you mention sound fairly minor, in comparison with the gut feeling and the fact that the other is your catchment school. Unless your DS has any big issues about social stuff, I'm sure he'll settle and make friends no problem even with a change in schools. So, personally, I'd go for the one you felt most good about.

If it's any help ... my ds2 went to a school where none of his pre-school friends went. He has made many new friends. Also, I noticed that many of the children that came from nursery together, are not necessarily 'mates' now. They have made new frineds - most of whom were from other pre-schools.

Relationships are formed probably after the first year or two of being at school .... most around y2 onwards IME.