Thoughts on changing secondary school in year 8

[Titianshe]

Dd 12 attends a small, rural high school (Hope Valley College) but is really not enjoying it. Generally issues being behaviour in class is poor and distracting and she doesn’t have any real friends. Last year was tears and upset every morning since the start of the second term. So far this year she just says she hates it and wants to move. We chose the school because it was small and nurturing. She is dyslexic and can be quite anxious. She wants to go to a much bigger secondary school (Lady Manners)basically because she’s found out the exam results are better and thinks there will be better behaviour in class and the opportunity to find people she clicks with. She did make a successful move at primary to a small rural school from a middle school. Any thoughts would be appreciated. I’m concerned that she’ll always find an issue with school but the lack of friends (for a sociable girls with friends outside of school) is a concern. Thanks

If you're thinking of moving her now is a good time to do it academically. Before she starts on the GCSE machine

What does she do outside of school for fun?

I would find out if there's a space and get her on the waiting list if not. I would also have a look at other local schools to see if there are any other alternatives, and find out how all the schools includingher favourite offer dyslexia support. Her current school isn't working for her.

I can't see any negatives to the move to be honest.

She's young enough that it won't impact her exams.

The school is bigger so more friendship options.

Bigger schools can be just as, if not more supportive of issues like her anxiety and dyslexia.

The school has better results.

Most importantly she wants to move.

It sounds like she's tried to make it work but it hasn't so I honestly can't see any reason not to move.

Pressed too soon! I'd build up her non school friendships and interests, I have one for whom school has always been meh at best, and their hobbies have been what's saved their bacon in terms of friendship and belonging and fulfillment. In terms of a move this year or next year, and you might find a better provision for her at a larger school, and more variety of personalities to mix with. I'd say it's worth a go, good luck.

Yeh now is a good time as others say.

LM is a good school, mate of mine used to teach there and a friend's DC went there was was very happy. Sadly mate who is brilliant teacher is not there any longer but they had a good experience.

Hope Valley is very small indeed and has capacity which is not a good sign. I would think a secondary of around 500 students will potentially have a more limited GCSE offer. Is LM easily accessible for you?

If LM has a space in her year group then I'd go for it.Better to do it now than get to year 10 and its too late. Eg3n if there us not a place available immediately, get her on the waiting list.

Does she have younger siblings who may be affected by sibling priority when they join secondary school?

Thanks all. Some really good points made. Luckily her hobby means she does have great set of friends outside of school who she sees a couple of days a week. @clary about 20mins drive which isn’t bad for around here. I’ve rang them and left a message regarding a possible place and trial day 🤞

Hi. Just wondering how you are getting along with this. My daughter is year 7 at a large school, complains about behaviour, difficulty concentraing in class and is struggling to make friends. She wants to move to Hope Valley because it is smaller. People have advised that the behaviour is better at Hope Valley, but i am now really questioning this having read your post.

I don’t think I’m going to be very helpful sorry. We went to look at LMS and she has said she would like to move but not yet 🤦‍♀️. LMS seemed ok apart from its large size and poor SEND provision, dd is dyslexic and realistically won’t get any additional 1 to 1 support but I’d still rather her at a school that is more understanding of individual needs. I think Hope is very nurturing and do some great teaching. I think my dd has been a little unlucky as there are a few tricky characters in her class and she just hasn’t found good friend/s. So overall, I still prefer Hope. Good luck

Is she able to move forms within the school she is at - giving her chance to broaden the friendship group perhaps?

I've been wondering that. Her form class sounds hoŕrible. Very cliquey as the majority come from two large feeder schools. The girls in the form have organised a secret santa, during form time. All included but my daughter. Same with walking home and activities. They seem to communicate with her by swearing or pushing her. We treat our dog better

Omg what school is this??

Not sure what your options are but I’d take pretty much anything over that.