Does anyone have two dcs of the same sex at two different secondary schools?

[banania19]

We hoped dd2 would follow dd1 up to the senior part of her current prep school. BUT dd2 is a very different kettle of fish, they sadly don't get on very well at all, dd1 is often quite jealous and threatened by dd2. Dd2 is very independent and wants to carve her own path.

Dd2 is keen to go to another single sex indie school nearby. Its a great school although slightly more expensive and has a more 'snobby' reputation.

It starts at year 7 and the fees are comparable with dd1's school which we can just about afford. But in year 9 the fees increase considerably.

I am in such a dilemma as to whether we should just insist dd2 goes up to the senior school dd1 is at (which is academically very good, turns out very nice rounded girls, is a bit tatty and small) or the other school (whizzier, smarter, also academically good but much more pushy)

Sorry this is probably a very boring thread and I am thinking aloud.

It just seems odd to have two girls at two different schools (not to mention the price of all new uniform etc).

I'm pondering this very question right now, as I need to look for Secondary for DS2.

DS1 is at the school that USED to be our local school, School 1, before we moved to a larger house across town. DD is also currently there. That school has a very good SEN dept. which is why DD went there, and it ALSO is (for top set DC's) the best academic results for higher achievers, which is why DS1 is there.

DS2 is a different kettle of fish - he has been adamant since 3yo that he wants to work with animals when grown up. He's a very 'middle of the road', average pupil (maybe slightly ahead now in Maths, but that's been a VERY recent development).

DS2 will get automatic entry to the Secondary local to our new house, School 2, on the basis of catchment. That school has a historic 'bad' reputation, was bloody awful 5 years ago when I looked for DD, but gas been under a new head for 3 years, and has VASTLY improved, and is still improving, I even considered it a year ago for DS1.

He ALSO gets automatic entry to the school DS1 is currently at, through sibling link.

So whichever school I put first on my application form in the Autumn, will be the school he gets. Either school will require a bus journey, as we are in a 'black hole' for Secondaries here, but are officially living in the main catchment area for School 2.

Added thoughts are that he will only have spent two years with the DC's at his current primary, the majority if whom will go in to School 2. If he went to School 1 with DS1, he would be back with his friends from his old Primary...

School 1 has recently changed to an Academy, and has got VERY strict, possibly too strict for sensitive DS2.

School 2 seems to have a very lax outlook on everything, possibly too lax for DS2...

I don't give two hoots about having them in the same school, I just want each DC in the school that is best for THEM.

It's just so hard to choose, given the fact that he qualifies in top criteria for both schools! I know I have to pick very carefully, as whichever is first will be where he goes, but I'm very right now!!

So you are not alone with your pondering!