Primary school advice

Hi I would go for the excellent performing school personally

@Harps really, what’s your thoughts and reasons behind that x

Do what u feel is best for ur child. I used to live in Birmingham and my daughter’s school was mixed. My daughter is mixed 3/4 black so you would think she is just black. I moved out of Birmingham and she then went to a school where she was the only black child in her class. Educationally she went beyond her expectations from her previous school. Her previous teacher told me my child was behind and I worried I was doing something wrong whereas her new school was shocked I even said that. Don’t get me wrong we had one occasion where a child was racist but the school handled it very well.

@Bella how do I know what’s best? My own experience was terrible. I went to a working class probably below-average school where I was one of about 4 POC in my year group. It was hell. I’ve put him in an outstanding nursery, he’s already had racism. Don’t know what to do

You have to go with ur gut and weigh out the pros and cons. My daughter is a lot older now so she was very proud of her skin colour and could handle herself. I do have have younger toddlers that now go to nursery with no black teachers and I have to be ready to teach my kids that their skin colour is beautiful and that there are nasty people in this world. It’s something we never want to have to teach our kids but when they are educated in their own culture and have confidence in it. The environment don’t matter.

@Bella thanks you’re right some really good points, appreciate it x

I would personally go for the better school. Your child will face many situations in life where they might be the minority, so them going to a school like that will prepare them for the future. If you're concerned about racism, going to a school with people that look like your child doesn't mean they won't face those difficult situations. I went to a school with a majority ethnic population and experienced a lot of racism. Going to a school that has more funding, more opportunities and better performance will mean your child gets the best opportunity to meet their potential. If your child goes to the below average school and you feel that they don't end up meeting their potential you might feel guilty as a parent and wonder if your choice hindered them. Perhaps visit the better school and see how you feel.

I might also add that if they go to the better school and they do face some challenges around their appearance it gives you the opportunity to deal with it whilst they're young and build their confidence, that way they will be more resilient when they're older and face situations like that at uni or work etc