dilemma: offer for a space out of the 3 tier system. would you take it?

[supadoula]

DD has been offered a space at a school 10 minutes away and it is in another county so not in a 3 tier (primary/middle school/secondary) system.
I think she will get more chance to go to a grammar school given that they will gear them towards 11+. Also, most of her friends are leaving for another school anyway.
On the other side, we have a 3 minutes walk down the road to school everyday...
What do you think, MNers??

I have no idea where you should send your child, however I was educated in a three tier system in the 70s/80s and I would jump at any chance of DD being educated in a three tier system. DD is in year 1 at a good school primary school and I have no complaints at this level but when I look back at the facilities we had going to middle school as a 9 year old compared with what DD will have at the same age 30 years on it really doesn't compare.

we are in 3 tier system here.....its fantastic.....but sadly due to be phased out,despite a fight.

is that the case where ou are? way i understood it,it is too expensive to maintain

Many 3 tier systems have been reviewed recently and have been changed to 2 tier systems, involving huge disruption to everyone.

I would do a lot of digging about the situation to see whether there is any chance of this happening.

Also, be aware that a 3 tier system is obviously more expensive than a 2 tier system due to additional school buildings, additional headteachers etc. I don't know what the current government will do in their round of cuts!

Our three tier system is going with a fight, just going through public consultation (again) and can't wait.

I live in Berkshire. There is no talk about changing the 3 tier system at the moment. DD is year 2 but she would have to go to a middle school after year 4. And middle school will not prepare her for a grammar school.
Still. Difficult decision. I was educated in the French system and did not have to worry about 3 or 2 tier system! Most people seem to think that 2 tier system is best though.

Don't be under any illusion that a two tier system will better prepare children for the 11+. It simply isn't in their remit.

Choose whichever school is based for your dd now - you can always get a tutor or do additional work with her at home if she wants to.

Thanks DrSpechemin! it is good to put things into perspective!

If 2 tier is better, why are parents fighting to keep 3 tier systems (and sometimes even winning). Agree with others it is expensive to maintain and in the case of my old middle school on prime building land

Sorry, I know this isn't an argument about which is better 2 or 3 tier systmes. I just loved my middle school and it is now flat