I agree with stitch that the last thing you need to do is listen to gossip. It's true that the gossip mongers are doing it because they have nothing better to do. It's a negative spiral too - you talk a school down, and it then becomes almost impossible to believe it can be a good place.
TBH, I think this whole secondary thing has become a nightmare. Let's be honest - how many of us really had any choice when we were kids? Most people I know just got sent to their local school, often without any prior visit, or transition programme. My first day at secondary school was the first time I'd set foot in the place!!
Actually, my position was slightly different - I lived in an area where grammar schools were being phased out, and a new comp was set up. However I was in the last cohort to sit the 11 plus, I passed and was offered one of the last places at the grammar. My parents declined it and sent me to the comp as my elder brother had 'failed' the 11 plus and was there, and they wanted us all at the same school. So, in retrospect, I was not even at a comprehensive really as nearly all those who 'passed' the 11 plus would have been at the grammar.
I did fine. Incidentally, both my siblings (11 plus 'failures'!!) and went to University, as I did, so all this bolleaux about having to be at a top school to get to Uni is crap.
At the end of the day, most people are restricted in choice anyway. Some people can afford private, but hell, that's 7% of kids so hardly the real world. And many of us who can afford private choose not to anyway.
Supportive home environment is a big factor. Stop being weepy or your kids will feel the school is a poor choice. Feel positive and chances are they will be fine.