Changing secondary schools - advice/experience

[Lockdowndramaqueen]

I can’t quite my finger on it but both me and my dd have slightly lost our faith in her current school. Feels like they don’t see her and keep making bad judgement calls. Overall I feel a slight lack lustre about the whole thing right now as it is meant to be excellent school but feels less shiny if you are not the chosen one. Coupled with allow level bullying and disruptions we are thinking about our options.

Anyone moved schools in this situation. We know which school we would pick. Different pros and cons to current one but seems to have a stronger sense of itself and a very caring child centred approach that would be refreshing.

Wise mumsnetters your advice would be appreciated. Dd in yr 8 so sooner the better if we are going to. Thanks.

Yes, we did. It just wasn't a school where my DD was thriving even though it was/is also an excellent school. It just didn't work for her - she was also invisible and found the lack of pastoral support as the kids jostled for their position in the hierarchy (their words) very hard.

The new school is working much better. The teachers get involved with the kids on a personal level which makes any friendship worries or class drama much less toxic.

It was a great move for my DD.

Thank you @TheAnon1 - that’s lovely to hear - pleased it worked out for your dd. Really struggling as very aware we could create as many problems as we solve.

Do it.
If it’s not right then move.
I ummed and arhhed a lot back in October. DD had only been in Y7 for one month at a known not very good school with what sounds like some of the same problems with low level disruption.
A place came up at another school. We took it. After a lot of uncertainty and thinking we were doing the wrong thing, we took the place (DD actually made my mind up when she said “I want to go to that school”).
Best decision we have ever made. She doesn’t go the the best school in the world, it’s not shiny and brilliant, many would avoid it, but it’s right for her.

The new school is worlds apart and DD loves it. I know one month in one school before being moved isn’t a lot to go off, but she is a different person and really excelling. School a lot more supportive.

I think the only thing I would think about would be, can you get a school which chooses options in Y9 to start them inY10. This way your DC will have a year to settle, get to know the school, make friends and even have a say in the option blocks rather than being thrown right into GCSE courses.
If you can’t, I wouldn’t worry too much, the most important thing is that the school is the right one and you and your DC are happy with it.

Is it a move from state to private, private to private or private to state? Either way, school is about mutual fit - it’s a seven year relationship and if it doesn’t feel right and isn’t working, there are still 5 years left to cope with. If it’s private to private you’ll probably find loads of in year movement - especially this year.

Depends how your dd feels. Will she feel OK about leaving friends etc

Thanks @Corblimbea it’s state to state but in an area where schools are very heavily subscribed so could be tricky anyway.

@Christmasfairy2020 she seems keen on moving - in lots of ways this is coming from her.