Which school for DD?

[Mimy728]

We need to apply for secondary school by the 6th of October as DD has an EHCP. I have narrowed it to the following two schools. I have seen both schools in the past but DD will only see them this year in the open days.

School A
Girls School
Progress 8: 0.61
Grade 5 in English and math: 58%
Distance: 7 miles away. Will need to get one train
Feedback from parents: Everyone I have spoken to is happy with the school.

School B
Coed
Progress 8: 0.68
Grade 5 in English and Math: 68%
Distance: 1.5 miles. 30 to 40 min walk
Feedback from parents: Majority of parents are happy but some complaints of disruption in class.

I prefer school A as it has a more relaxed atmosphere, they have lots of options for Sixth Form including the opportunity to resit English and Math and I like the Ethos of the school.; but I am concerned about the commuting and not having local friends.

I think that DD will find school B too crowded and a bit strict they have to be as there can be more issues with behaviour. It is quite selective for sixth form and I have heard of a few kids that where not offered a place after being there from year 7.

For what I heard and read I think she will get support in both schools

We would take DD opinion into account when she sees the schools but I would like to hear opinions from other parents.

Thank you

It is worth considering that with sexual harassment in schools at worryingly high levels the girls' school has some significant advantages. I spend quite a lot of time being grateful that my girls do not have to face many of the issues that girls in mixed sex schools do. She will have a freer choice of subjects (all subjects are 'girl' subjects in our school) and generally face less sexism.
It is only one factor among many but a sexist world is a reality.

I’m a bit late to this.

Our eldest has an EHCP and has just started mainstream secondary. Obviously we look at the schools and the support offered, but a major factor was how would he get there and back. He has ended up at a good school he can walk to, this way he has control of the journey - no delays, cancellations - nothing majorly unexpected! Even with this we did lots of walks there first. However he has ASD and ADHD so different difficulties than your daughter. Would she be okay if things don’t go to plan? Train is cancelled or gets held somewhere? Would she be comfortable asking for help?

Will she be okay with an extra 2 hours on top her school day, and then having homework? It is already a big change for Year 7, but especially those with SEN.

Thank you for your comments.

The decision is keeping me awake at night. I think school A will provided the best support and she will do better academically, behaviour is also better; but it would also be nice for her to be able to walk to school and have local friends.