We have the 3 tier system here so DD will be moving to Upper School at the end of Y8. Our choice is between 2 pretty good state schools, one the standard feeder option (School 1) and one which is out of catchment (School 2) but which several kids in our village attend so we would probably have a chance of her getting into.
Having been to both open evenings we're really torn. Both schools are well thought of with good results and facilities, the teachers seem enthusiastic and the kids appear to enjoy lessons and be doing well. To me though School 2 just nudges ahead - there's a bit more going on, the facilities are slightly better and it just seems a bit more, I don't know - professional.
DD's classmates are likely to go to School 1, in fact most haven't even looked anywhere else, but I feel she could really do with a fresh start - nothing wrong with her current crowd but we live in a small village, they've been together since nursery and tend to go to the same out of school activities etc. It can feel as though DD is never away from them and I think a wider circle of friends would be better for her.
Trouble is, DD just wants to go where her friends are. She's an only child, quite shy and I know she'd be more comfortable where she knows people.
But I can't help feeling the atmosphere and ethos of School 2 would give her better opportunities and that mixing with a different crowd wouldn't be a bad thing - she'd still be able to see her local friends out of school. I don't think being so reliant on her small group is actually doing her any good.
We will have to make a decision soon and I don't know who should have the final say - I don't want DD to resent us for moving her away from her friends but I think education is too big a decision to be governed by what other people are doing.