what would you do if you had the choice between 2 great state schools for child?

[Turnbull2]

Boroughmuir high ranked no.7 in whole of Scotland or Gillespie's high ranked no 47
www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/education/these-are-10-top-performing-secondary-state-schools-edinburgh-ranked-exam-results-1321518?page=1 www.heraldscotland.com/news/17512249.revealed-the-top-50-state-schools-in-scotland-2019/
we live in the Gillespies catchment area, though can move to Boroughmuir area. Boroughmuir clearly has been a better school recently, but things could change by the time my son is in S5 and doing highers, Gillespie's was ranked no1 in 2015. www.scotsman.com/regions/james-gillespies-high-named-top-school-2015-880369 , in 2019, both schools were ranked no 1 and 2 for Edinburgh and Lothains, in 'School Guide' 2019/2020 annual edition.

like all parents, we want the best state school for child. What would you do if in a similar situation? go through the hassle and move to the currently best Edinburgh state school catchment area or just stay put?

I'd look beyond the league tables and find out which school has the ethos that sits best with you and your family. What can each school offer beyond the academic stuff? How established are the activities/ extras on offer (if a key member of staff was to move on, would the activities still be sustainable?). How well do the school communities interact with the wider community?

I've just had a wee look at both school's websites and they both look like great, inclusive schools. Tough choice!

Both schools are excellent so your choice should be based on which suits you best ie situation, homework policy, kindness etc . League tables between the two are irrelevant as clearly both schools can provide the resources for a motivated child to do very well.

Stamp duty alone would stop me moving unless there were other reasons to move such as larger house/flat or garden. What age is your son?

firstly, thanks for answer all!

Superjaggy - tough choice, so agree, according to rank tables Boroughmuir, is consistently rated higher than Gillespies for academic achievement.

yikesanotherbooboo- again so agree, both obviously do provide the resources for a motivated child, from my google research, Boroughmuir is consistently out performing Gillespies, quite significantly. But it doesnt mean my son's academic achievement or performance will be directly effected by that percentage. am quite certain that it does at least play an influence though.

LizzieMacQueen - hehe, yep, its not just the cost, but sheer hassle of moving. actually flat we stay in just now is comfortable, has a garage, something unlikely to get if we move into the Boroughmuir catchment area.

Here's what I would do (I think!)

I'd work out the cost of moving and plant that ££ in your head.

I'd make a placing request to Boroughmuir with the expectation that it would be rejected. If it's accepted then you still have a choice.

If it's rejected, I would embrace Gillespies and if required, use some of the money you didn't spend on any extra curricular activities or tutors or school trips etc as required.

The only reason I would move is if I was moving anyway, or if my child was completely miserable and having friendship issues that meant a fresh start was required.

I'd also look at how the school performs when a child is struggling or needs support.

I went to (at the time) a top 3 ranked school in my city and while it was an excellent school in lots of areas, academically, sports, etc and lots of children went on to great unis and high flying careers that was for pupils who weren't struggling.

Students who had issues or trauma or circumstances at home or other social circumstances that meant they were finding it hard to cope is where it sort of fell apart. While as a school they weren't necessarily negligent imo they fell far short of what they should have been providing for pupils who needed more than the basic school model of learning.
All of that didn't and wouldn't have shown up on the league tables though.

All that being said I'm talking about my school years so time has passed since then! I'm just making the point that some important things don't show up on the league tables.

What age is your child? Do they want to move away from their friends? Or are they not at school yet?

he's 10, we just moved into Edinburgh area, had 2 weeks of school until this pandemic. He's got friends who moved from area too., so friends is not a problem.would yourselves make the move from Gillespies to Boroughmuir catchment area knowing that Boroughmuir has always outperformed Gillespies and is in top 10 of Scotland? luckily son has no learning difficulties.

No I wouldn't tbh. I'd be happy with either of those choices for my dc. I think from ten on it's good to stay in one school - transitioning up to the high school as a group is a surprisingly big deal these days, there is likely to be a p7 camp and some form of leavers dance. There are some schools I would possibly want to move out of catchment for but not the ones you suggest. Shame you have arrived at such a tricky time!