Really awful catchment school - what to do?

[lydiane]

The school in our local catchment area is dire. It has just come out of special measures - but is well below the national average and it is quite rough.

we are buying our house, but couldnt really afford to buy in a better area/catchment. We could rent though.

would you sell up and rent for the sake of a good senior school - or do we bank on the fact that even though it is a dodgy school ds would be ok?

hope this makes sense.

Maybe you should have investigated this before you put the offer in? Whare you only thinking about this now?

tsk why

we moved here 7 years ago and it was the best we could afford. ds was coming up to starting primary school (which is an good enough school). the senior school in our catchment wasn't the best - but has got a lot worse. couldnt have really predicted it then.

btw ds not starting this year in senior school - a couple of years yet - just trying to plan

Oh - thought you said you were buying a house now.

Research shows that a well supported bright child will do well anywhere. So they say.

Sadly in certain areas even your primary school choices are about senior schools.

If you care that much about education yes -sell and rent or sell and use the money to go private or downsize and do the same - otherwise stay and support the local school and your dc and with all that support the school could get better.

Is there a chance you could get into a better school that is not your catchment area school?

thanks for the advise. it really helps to get different perspectives.
shoshanablue - because the other local schhool (isnt that great) is oversubscribed and my catchment one is undersubscribed I think we dont stand much chance.
If we are still here I might try though!