Crikey - secondary Open Evenings - what a stress. How many have you done?

[roisin]

I feel very guilty now.
Dh went to two schools in 2005 and two schools in 2006, and we all went to an Open Day of small independent school (I).

Then based on all info we arranged to visit I and one other (S) during the school day. Both times were shown round by senior member of staff who answered all our questions, which was very interesting, 'real' and pleasant.

So today we took ds1 to the Open Evening of S ... It was heaving. Crowds and crowds of people (they admit 210 and are over-subscribed), every open classroom was busy and I generally found the whole experience rather unpleasant.

Dh says all the Open Evenings are like that

I'm so glad I delegated the job to him. I've no desire to go to another one ... ever!

Round here it's the illusion of choice that's so depressing. The only school my dd'd definitely get into is improving (mid-50s %A-Cs) but a bit chaotic and also seems to have very low expectations of its students. All the others are v. difficult (academically selective) to get into so you go around on the opening days talking to dd about whether she likes the school etc etc knowing that in reality she's got to be a budding (and heavily tutored) genius to get in.......... It must be amazing to live somewhere you can actually choose between 3 good schools!