Secondary choice dilemma

[Scrimch]

Would you choose school A or B for a sensitive and academic boy? We are in catchment for B but would get into A if we put it first.

A
Outstanding, top quality teachers, amazing results. Progress 8 particularly strong for high achievers (my DS is in this group). 20 minute drive.

B
Good reputation, reasonable results, nurturing atmosphere. Results much better for low achievers than high. Has a sixth form and DS could get there on the bus (30 minutes).

Handful of friends going to each. DS is very academic, but has a wobbly, anxious side.

Assuming that the OP was asking for entry in 2024, hopefully she made a decision sometime before 23.59 last night.

Not sticking with whatever that was will possibly / probably render the 'choice' academic, as making changes now will make the application to all of the named preferences late

I went for B in the end. Decided DS didn’t need the pressure.

Thanks for the update! It's probably a good thing that you went for the one your DS preferred. If you'd gone for A and it hadn't worked out, he might have felt resentful. I'm sure it will work out for him though - they both sound like good schools.