Which school would you choose?

School 2 sounds best. When I passed my eleven plus there was just one Grammar school in my area so that was that.

Worth reading the most recent inspection reports too.

High turnover of staff is always a good indicator

Do they have days available so your GC and other possible students can spend time to get a feel of the school? It would be useful and then your GC could make their own choice. It would be useful to speak to other students to get feedback.

Galaxy and Shelflife are right - a school with a high turnover of staff, and many supply teachers is not a happy place.
Perhaps it is a short term problem relating to a new senior management team, but if not, it would, potentially, cause a child to feel unsettled, quite separate from the effect on any future examinations.

School 2 sounds by far the best choice however I m sure her friends will all choose school 1 as it sounds very materialistic and ‘in the moment’, with all the facilities you describe,
I ve only ever heard of private schools with that description have you seen all these extras ? what state school can have a piano for each child ? and a huge swimming pool ? It’s don’t even have safe ceilings

School 2 would be my preferred choice.
We had to move our DS#1 due to bullying to a school further away where he was far happier.
Younger brother stayed but left as soon as he could at 16. DS#3 went to the far away school but resented the journey and losing local friends.

DD went to the local school, by then there was a new head teacher and better support but now tells me she
wasn't ever happy there.

It is a hard decision so good luck to your DGS and his parents.

I’m beginning to think the description of School 1 is exaggerated.

Going to a school where her friends will be is important, having said that I would not want a GC of mine going to a school where there is a high turnover of staff - that would be a large red flag for me. Don't think my DD would ask me but if she did I would tell her what I thought.

School 2 sounds a happier and individual child centred place.
Grandson no 1 and family chose in a similar manner.

School 2. First one sounds horrendous.

Dont go to a school with a high turnover of staff.

Presumably they've been to both schools open evenings, and the descriptions are what they've seen?

School 1 sounds like it's part of an academy trust where top results are all that matters.
If a child can't produce these, they may be sidelined.
Likewise the staff, hence the high turnover.

School 2 sounds like it has a more holistic approach and will be more concerned than school 1 about the children's overall wellbeing.
If your grandchild is not a natural high-flier they would be more comfortable, and consequently do better, there.

I would never choose an ‘outstanding’ school, I think the ‘good’ schools are better as they are still trying!

I was just about to say - his choice and preferably where his friends will be going

Thanks everyone DIL is letting DGC choose. They can't make up their mind atm so it will probably be where their friends are going

School 2., assuming the child is happy to go to either.

Ask the DGC. My own DC and DGC had very decided views at that age.

I would say School 2 but it depends on the child's personality.

I would go for school 2. I went to a grammar school myself and we had some strict rules to obey, but the implementation of the rules was nothing like as draconian as we seem to be seeing in some schools today. We were told "don't do it again" we weren't put in exclusion rooms. The high staff turnover in school 1 is particularly worrying. A change of teacher can really disrupt lessons.

What matters is where would your DGD be happiest - and only she can tell you that. So go with her preferences.

When it came to choosing the secondary school I and my sister was to go to, my parents looked at 2. DS and I liked and wanted to go to school No 1, but my parets opted for school 2 because it had the better academic reputation. neither my sister nor I were happy there, and my mother did admit that, as our parents, they had made the wrong decision.

Did this affect our exam achievement? probably not. But our secondary school years could have been so much happier.

When my DC came to secondary school age, we let them choose, and we have never regretted it.

I don't interfere in the schools my children choose for their own children.

If my children asked my advice I would say that's your job not mine.

A high turnover of staff suggests to me a problem with the school which could ultimately impact on a child’s education/progress. With that in mind, I would be more inclined to go with school 2.

*does not *dies!

Which school dies your grandchild like and why?

I'm drawn to 2 more.
Swimming can be done after school.
How much access do the children have to the facilities in school 1?

I agree!