Secondary school which one riddlesdown or Woodcote high

[Laurz09]

Hello
I’ve got a really difficult decision to make my son just started his first day at secondary school yesterday at Woodcote high the same day I received an email to say riddlesdown can now offer him a place of the waiting list, my son came out happy from school and doesn’t want to change but I have heard riddlesdown is a better school.
Would love some people’s views on the schools please this is so hard and wish I had known sooner

www.compare-school-performance.service.gov.uk/school/138178/riddlesdown-collegiate/secondary

That’s where you can see the stats for both.

Woodcote has just been in line with the national average in terms of progress and results. Riddlesdown has been very successful academically and the most sought after school that way.
Personally, I’d move him.

All 3 of my children have gone / at Riddlesdown. Two currently there, year 8 and sixth form. Not sure about Woodcote but Riddlesdown is an excellent school and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it. It’s an outstanding Ofsted and one of 60 ‘super schools’. My son got 9x9’s and I feel that the school has definitely helped him excel. Only downside is it’s a pain to get to!

He will have only missed 1.5 days if he starts Monday.

I know it is so difficult both schools are good but I think riddlesdown is that much better with regard to ofsted and grades.
Getting there is fine when I’m driving but it’s him travelling on the bus himself and the walk he has to do which is what I’m worried about especially in the winter.

How long would the bus ride and the walk be?

Bus would be about 10 mins then about a 20 min walk but for Woodcote 12 min journey in total it’s such a shame a bus doesn’t go directly to the school it’s the walk I’m more worried about and I know he’s old
Enough now but with everything happening these days it’s very worrying.

It’s good for fitness, lots of kids do the walk with no issues in winter. Your choice but I personally think it’s worth it. Let us know what you decide, I’m sure there will be someone waiting to snap up the place if you choose to remain in Woodcote

OP - What did you decide in the end? I’m starting this process soon so very interested.