Those of you who’ve been around for a while might remember the agonising decision I had to make when it was time to apply for Miss Frugal’s secondary school place. It was genuinely the hardest decision I had made as a parent so far because I had the choice of sending her to the not so good school that all of her friends were going to or the local catholic school (we’re not religious) that offered a MUCH better standard of education.
It was a no-brainer in the end so we went for the better school but I remember worrying about how the decision would affect Master Frugal as he’s a bit of a sensitive soul. I wasn’t sure how he’d cope without his friends when it was his turn to move up to secondary and I wasn’t convinced back then that what was right for Miss Frugal would be right for him when the time came.
In the end I was blown away by how well Miss Frugal settled in (you can read more here if you’d like to) so when it came to applying for Master Frugal’s secondary school there wasn’t a doubt in my mind as to which school to apply for. In fact, there didn’t seem to be any hesitation in his part either because he’s seen first hand how much his sister loves her school and can’t wait to join her next year.
I’d heard a couple of playground conversations about school choices for this years applications so I had a suspicion that we wouldn’t be the odd ones out this time but I was still surprised last night when I was chatting with other parents and discovered that a good few of his classmates will be applying to the same school as us this time. This makes me so happy because he won’t be starting from scratch like his sister had to if even just a few of them get in!
I’m usually the sort of person who will just go with the flow so I really struggled with my decision last time around and I know it sounds silly but the fact that other people are doing it this time makes me feel so much better about my decision. I’m won’t be sitting with my finger over the submit button doubting myself because I’m the only one doing it.
This time I’ll be excited about the next chapter in Master Frugal’s life knowing that not only is the school better but that he’ll have almost as many friends going up with him as he would have done if he was going to the other school.
It’s not certain until we find out in March but I’m hopeful that he’ll get in seeing as his sister goes there already – it’s going to be a long wait though….
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So lovely that he's so excited about joining his sister. xx
Oh this is good to read, thank you. I pressed submit last night for my eldest to go to senior school and they weren't his choices, but the ones I think are best. My mum sent me to the local grammar, away from the convent my classmates were going to and said I would thank her when I argued. She was right. You were and are right and I am glad your daughter settled quickly. I have gone against the grain of the locals too and it's not easy. Thanks for inadvertently encouraging and confirming and good luck to your son! 🙂
Oh I have been through this too and it has taken Dyl a few more days than Chloe to settle but we are there now I think. You are lucky to have a good catholic school that isnt oversubscribed then. Here you wouldn't get in without being Catholic or CofE
Ahh great news that hopefully Master Frugal will get the better school and some mates go with him too. Mich x
It comes around way too quickly doesn't it? Secondary School I mean. I'm so pleased to hear the happiness in your voice of the decision you have made.
Well done and wishing MF many happy days ahead.
I dread this phase coming quickly we have to apply for junior school and as we sat last night everything in me as a parent doesn't want my eldest to go to the school that the infant feeds into but I worry about friends and how he will cope. This has reassured me and I know that kids move towns, schools and countries all the time and it doesn't affect them in the long term but still it is so hard making decisions like that.
I can't believe you are applying for secondary school places for MF too! So grown up! 🙂
Oh my goodness hes becoming so grown p isnt he cannot believe he's on the cusp of secondary school
I remember reading when you were making your decision with Miss Frugal, so pleased to hear that it's been so much easier this time around and that she's settled so well! And it's good to know that he'll have friends going there as well.