Living in thurrock and Commuting

[Thurrock Mum]

Thanks all for all your input and suggestions. I guess everyone is different and we all have differing opinions. At the end of the day all factors have to be taken into consideration before making decisions. Commuting is one of the things to consider when putting names down on school application which is where we are at this stage. So once again thanks all.

[AlP80]

Guest - It depends where in Thurrock you're living & personal thoughts I guess, maybe some feel that their local comp(s) aren't at the level they want for their child, or that a local-ish selective school would be a better option.

What does that mean? Able children at these comps do very well and, in my experience, a long journey to school is detrimental to achievement. At a GS [which cannot be said to be 'local'] they probably won't stay to any after school activities and friends will be spread over a large radius.

Yes, I agree that bright children can progress well at a good local comp. I've not disputed that. However, like i said, it may be the case that in the parents' opinion, the local comp is not actually that great. I'm just offering reasons why parents may look farther afield.

In terms of personal experience, both my brother & I grew up in Thurrock and were educated in Hornchurch for primary & Brentwood for secondary schools, and it was fine. We both participated in numerous clubs & extra-curricular activities, had good friends in each area & reached a high level of attainment.

Like i said, it's all about opinions and what works best for you or your family. It doesn't make either of our thoughts more valid, or correct, than the other's...

[luvparenting]

Guest - It depends where in Thurrock you're living & personal thoughts I guess, maybe some feel that their local comp(s) aren't at the level they want for their child, or that a local-ish selective school would be a better option.

What does that mean? Able children at these comps do very well and, in my experience, a long journey to school is detrimental to achievement. At a GS [which cannot be said to be 'local'] they probably won't stay to any after school activities and friends will be spread over a large radius.

Yes, I agree that bright children can progress well at a good local comp. I've not disputed that. However, like i said, it may be the case that in the parents' opinion, the local comp is not actually that great. I'm just offering reasons why parents may look farther afield.

In terms of personal experience, both my brother & I grew up in Thurrock and were educated in Hornchurch for primary & Brentwood for secondary schools, and it was fine. We both participated in numerous clubs & extra-curricular activities, had good friends in each area & reached a high level of attainment.

Like i said, it's all about opinions and what works best for you or your family. It doesn't make either of our thoughts more valid, or correct, than the other's...

Hear, hear! Well said AlP80 and I'll leave it at that.

[Guest55]

Just for a moment look at it from the school's point of view.

Commuting students often arrive late, their parents often don't support school events and tend not to want children in sports team if fixtures are on a Saturday. As someone that taught for many years I've seen it all and the excuses are truly appalling. Parents expecting 'special treatment' because it will be inconvenient to pick the child up e.g. 'You can't give my child a detention'. 'No my child can't be in the school Maths team' etc etc

[ToadMum]

Just for a moment look at it from the school's point of view.

Commuting students often arrive late, their parents often don't support school events and tend not to want children in sports team if fixtures are on a Saturday. As someone that taught for many years I've seen it all and the excuses are truly appalling. Parents expecting 'special treatment' because it will be inconvenient to pick the child up e.g. 'You can't give my child a detention'. 'No my child can't be in the school Maths team' etc etc

When DD moved up into year 10 at SHSG, the talk for parents included the message that if a student's behaviour earned her a detention, it would be imposed regardless of the home-school distance / journey.