Which school would you choose?

[BrainMash]

Some background; DS was at our local comp (not a great Ofsted or exam results but it was our catchment school and we liked the school when we visited on the Open Evenings/Mornings). DS started to fall behind and was getting bullied so we moved him at the start of Yr9. The next nearest school is VERY oversubscribed and we couldn't get DS in, so we moved him to a school in the next town, with good Ofsted and exam results, and we liked the staff we met and had heard good things. DS now is yr10 and doing well. The only downside is that there isn't a bus route which passes near our home, so DS walks 2 miles to a bus stop (public bus) each morning and evening (I work full time). It's not really a problem though as he's 14.

Now it's time to choose a school for DD (and my other DD in 2 years time). We've ruled out DS's old school (our catchment school).

Our choices are

1. The next nearest local comp, within walking distance, which is very oversubscribed, good Ofsted etc. and well served by local bus companies, cheap travel (about £1 per day). DD could get the bus from the end of our road. We're quite unlikely to be offered a place though but I'm still tempted to try.

2. The school in the next town which DS attends. Very happy with the school but DD will have to walk 2 miles to the bus stop and home again each day - bus costs £3.50 per day. We're not in catchement but are likely to get a place because DS is there.

3. A school about 7 miles away which we fell in love with at the open evening. Good Ofsted and exam results etc. It is well served by school buses (not public buses)from the end of the road which costs £70 per month - the most expensive option. We could afford the bus fares although it would mean cutbacks elsewhere (clothes/going out)which I'm more than happy to do for the right school. We're not in catchment but DC's from around here do get places more often than not.

Basically, I would be more than happy with any of the schools but don't know whether we should base our decision on which school DS attends, or which school will be easiest for DD to travel to. I like the idea of her being able to get on a bus at the end of our road. I'm slightly concerned about her walking the 2 miles to the bus stop and travelling on a public bus - although DS would be with her for the first year. Am I being silly?

I have had similar concerns and i think basically it boils down to how you think your child would cope with the travel how mature independant ect. I am desperate to get a school near as poss. coz i don't think my Ds would handle the travel on buses and walking. Our local grammar is very difficult to get a place in and our local secondary is very over subscribed even though we live in catchment area we may not be offered which i hope and pray doesn't happen coz then we get offered a really rubbish school 20 mins away!
Horrid time sympathise with you not easy to decide

I'd order them 3, 2, 1 if it was me.

My yr7 DD travels significantly more than 7 miles on a school bus and really enjoys the journey. I don't think she'd be able to cope with walking 2 miles at the start and end of the day. Her backpack is often really heavy. The other question is whether either of your DC would be doing any after school activities, if so your DD wouldn't always have DS with her on the way home - 2 miles alone in winter sounds a bit much to me.

Thanks for your replies, which have given me food for thought.

With regards to after school activities...at the moment DD is planning on joining every club going

This would mean;

School 1: No late bus, I'd pick her up, about a 5 minute journey each way.

School 2: No late bus, I'd pick her up. About a 15 minute journey each way.

School 3: Late bus to the end of the road for about £1.

I'd go for 3

Same as sibling and use a taxi service

"3) We're not in catchment but DC's from around here do get places more often than not."

Any chance of arranging car-shares?

Thanks for the replies.

Talker...wouldn't a taxi service be far more expensive than the bus? I haven't even thought of using taxis TBH, just assumed they'd cost far too much. Not sure how I feel about them using taxis at such a young age without an escort.

Sanua, that's a good idea. I think most travel on the school bus but I bet someone would be willing to share lifts.

I phoned school 3 about their buses yesterday and they're not quite as expensive as I first thought - which is good.

Got myself into a bit of a state about it all this week, so I'm trying to see the bigger picture and get a grip.

Thanks for your thoughts

I would say option 3.

You need to assume DD will be travelling on her own as your DS is not likely to want to be responsible for little sister all the time and different after school activities will mean they are not travelling at the same time.

Also, very important, you love the school.

What does your DD think?

DD loves school 3. I'm trying not to involve her too much in the decision making but I did ask her which she'd choose, and she said 3. I'm not sure if that's because she's picking up on it being my preference though.

We think we're probably going to choose 3 and hope for the best.

But then again.........

I think for senior school it is important to take your DCs preferences into consideration, as if they like the school they are more likely to settle in well.

Luckily, your DD agrees with your choice, so win win

Thanks DancingHippo

Yes, I would feel happier too, sending her somewhere I knew she felt comfortable with. I'm just concerned she's based her decision on the uniform!

As long as she doesn't make a choice that you know is really silly, it doesn't really matter what she bases it on, as long as she is happy with the school she goes to.

That's true - thanks

Personally I think kids should go to the school that suits them, rather than just follow automatically in the footsteps of the older one. I was a younger sibling and was so glad to have the independence of going to a different school from my brother!

Parental convenience is also for me of lesser importance than what suits the child.

Thanks Planet Earth, good point about being independant from siblings.

I too wouldn't choose a school which is convenient to me, but I do have to consider which school is easiest for DD to get to on her own as I wont be available pick up always, and I want peace of mind that she's safe. Most late finishes I could pick her up from any school but there could be waiting around involved if I was going straight from work. I'm not putting myself first, honest!

You have a lot to consider. I have friends with children all going to different schools as they selected the school that suited the child. I agree that your DS wont want to be looking after your DD.

Have a look at taxi shares. Some LEA will look at distance to school and they may be able to offer some financial support for taxi - subject to cut backs of course.

Selecting schools is horribly stressful. Make sure you visit the schools when they are operational - not just the open evenings - my local schools seem to encourage parents to visit in the afternoon, if it was me I would want to visit in the morning - during break, when everyone is just a bit lively, just to get a proper feel of the important areas - playgrounds, corridors and settling back into lessons after break.

Good luck in your decision. If you put DS into a different school your can always move DD for 6th form if he want to stay on. They are at school for so long now.