We can't decide!!

[gremlindolphin]

I wanted to look round a secondary school for dd1 and just know that it was the school for her but have ended up with two I like - both very different! DD likes both and isn't really bothered (although one served better choc brownies on open day!).

One mixed comprehensive state, large but with good house system so its a smaller pastoral unit, 10 mins away, some friends will go there, 54% A-Cs for GCSE and has a good inclusive feel to it.

The other is smaller mixed selective independent (she passed exam having failed 11+), 20 mins away, 1 friend already there, more traditional range of subjects, 100% A-Cs at GCSE, again good feel to it.

We can afford the fees. Dd is fairly quiet and enthusiastic, current head says she will do well anywhere as her attitude to everything is so good and she has us to support her. DD2 is following on 3 years behind.

I went to a comprehensive and did okay although I don't think it was probably the best school for me. Dh went to very lovely public school and thinks that if you can afford it you should pay for your children's education.

I'm in such a muddle as i can imagine her at either. I am not really sure how any one can help me but any words of wisdom appreciated!!

If you can afford it go privately, the GCSE results you quoted for the state schools don't sound too great to be honest, doesn't sound like the teaching is that good. The private school on the other hand has excellent results. You said your daughter is fairly quiet, enthusiastic, so she probably would do well at the comprehensive too, but by looking at the results it does not sound as if the school pupils strive to succeed. I think your daughter may develop a drive and love of learning at a private school, where everyone is trying to achieve their potential and the school will make sure of this. I went to a private secondary and the choice was between a comp and the private school i went too, i feel so grateful for my parents for making the choice to send me privately, i was in small classes and i got lots of attention and help with extra exam practice and one to one tuition, support you just don't get in a comprehensive.

Academic results aside, I would look at the children from both schools and ask yourself if you would be happy if your child turned out like them.

Thank you for all your responses and the interesting discussions that resulted. Thanks to mumsnet I now know much more about the information available to compare schools!

After much discussion including: our finances (ok), academic results (excellent), other pupils (lovely), transport (there is a coach from our village), siblings policy (in favour), uniform (good colour!) catering (good!) and general feel about the school (great) we have made the decision - independent it is!

DD is very excited!

Good luck to others making similar decisions.
xx

I'm sure you have made the right decision. How exciting. Good luck!