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We can't decide !!

Posted: Fri Oct 02, 2015 8:25 am
by staffsmum
This is the first time I've posted but have been so grateful for all the information on this forum!
We are in the process of trying to decide between NGHS and WGHS (confident that we'll get our first choice school as DD has managed a 360+ score). The problem is that we can't make our minds up on which school to put down as a first choice . She is currently at an independent school and thrives on her extracurricular activities of music and sport. She loves it and it seems terrible to take her out of that environment but unfortunately we can no longer realistically afford to continue. Additionally there are aspects of teaching there of a real concern. We liked both schools but WGHS seems to have more going on than NGHS. DD loved WGHS … However this would mean we have to relocate and the DH and I are driving 30 mins or so to work while DD also commutes and the younger DS will have to change schools! NGHS apparently have no field and play hockey in the area that we parked our cars (tarmaced) for the open morning ! A bit of a shock … It would be more realistic to put NGHS down as our first choice but worried that if it is a purely academic environment that this would have a detrimental effect on DD ! Any thoughts out there regarding extracurricular activities at these school, and about the schools would be much appreciated. Btw we are renting so moving will not be an issue ( I hope) Thanks in advance

Re: We can't decide !!

Posted: Fri Oct 02, 2015 9:28 am
by Midlandsmom
Oh dear, I really don't know either school, but I hope some knowledgeable people will be along to offer some nuggets of wisdom! On the flipside, it's quite a nice dilemma to have - the choice of two good schools. I hope it works out for you :)

Re: We can't decide !!

Posted: Fri Oct 02, 2015 9:36 am
by Petitpois
Great post. Sums up pisition of many. Can't help directly but hope you get a rich response. We might well have to rent a flat or something short term.

No easy path if you want the best rounded education for dc

Re: We can't decide !!

Posted: Fri Oct 02, 2015 10:06 am
by hermanmunster
Hi Staffsmum

I moved kids from indie primary to GS at 11 and they do survive, yes the facilities at some indies can be stunning but come at a high cost. Your daughter may want to do a lot of sport / music if she went to an indie but not all the kids want to carry on with the extras when they get there.
There are plenty of kids going to GS who join in local sports teams and music clubs / orchestras etc.
Ultimately it comes down to where you might want to live, where you would be happy for your younger child to be at school and what schools may be available in the area for him when he comes to transfer. Remember some GS are better than others at selling themselves :wink:

Re: We can't decide !!

Posted: Fri Oct 02, 2015 10:12 am
by Tolstoy
I am sorry I don't know these schools either.

Other factors to consider before relocating is DSs options when he gets to secondary age. Great to have the freedom of renting but it is still hassle finding a good rental property and moving belongings, making friends etc. So you if you do you want to get it as right as possible. Personally I would go with the one where the extra-curricular is onsite as it is much easier than ferrying DC to after school activities. Also try and get DC journey to school time as short as possible. It's not just after school activities but also some schools run after school sessions when GCSE time comes so if they can get back from them easily makes life better all round.

Re: We can't decide !!

Posted: Fri Oct 02, 2015 10:22 am
by MSD
staffsmum wrote:However this would mean we have to relocate and the DH and I are driving 30 mins or so to work while DD also commutes and the younger DS will have to change schools!
I see your dilemma, but isn't it too bigger a sacrifice to make for the rest, just for her to go to a school that has better extra-curricular activities. As Herman pointed out, you could possibly join local sports teams and music clubs outside of the school to make up for it.

However, the advantage you have is that it would be lot easier to relocate as you are currently renting. Where do you see the family settling long term i.e. in 7 years time?

Re: We can't decide !!

Posted: Fri Oct 02, 2015 10:40 am
by MSD
EDIT - Editing to delete the content of this post as it takes the attention away from the original question. I will post it in a new thread.

Re: We can't decide !!

Posted: Fri Oct 02, 2015 1:37 pm
by staffsmum
Hi everyone thanks for all the posts … Much appreciated. Yes it's a good position to be in and we are grateful that we have finally got some excellent alternatives to the private option we are in currently.
We are thinking of buying with the next move so hopefully it will be a longterm move ! DS could access AGS from either options of our move ( if he made the cut !) considering secondary schools for the future. I have checked out primaries for DS if we needed to move for WGHS and they are very good,, I am leaning more towards doing clubs and activities outside and going with NGHS in view of convenience but tbh with our work commitments how feasible this will be is the question ! WGHS I liked when we visited on the open day … Will see if the open evening next week helps us make a decision. I never thought getting your child into a good school would be so hard !! Positive vibes to everyone whatever outcomes you have had …. I am sure we all make the right choices for our DC and thanks for all the advice

Re: We can't decide !!

Posted: Mon Oct 05, 2015 6:54 pm
by Faith4
staffsmum wrote:Hi everyone thanks for all the posts … Much appreciated. Yes it's a good position to be in and we are grateful that we have finally got some excellent alternatives to the private option we are in currently.
We are thinking of buying with the next move so hopefully it will be a longterm move ! DS could access AGS from either options of our move ( if he made the cut !) considering secondary schools for the future. I have checked out primaries for DS if we needed to move for WGHS and they are very good,, I am leaning more towards doing clubs and activities outside and going with NGHS in view of convenience but tbh with our work commitments how feasible this will be is the question ! WGHS I liked when we visited on the open day … Will see if the open evening next week helps us make a decision. I never thought getting your child into a good school would be so hard !! Positive vibes to everyone whatever outcomes you have had …. I am sure we all make the right choices for our DC and thanks for all the advice
I am sure you will make the right decision as you know what is best for you and your child. Good luck and best wishes for your descision. :D