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Education

Recommended mixed private North Devon Schools for ages 3-18

96 replies

Gatita1980 · 04/08/2013 15:44

Afternoon, we are thinking of moving down to North Devon and need a mixed school for our son who will be in Reception in September 2014 and our daughter who goes into Year 1 this September. Ideally we would like to be as close to the coast as possible, we have stayed in Woolacombe, but are not sure how practical that would be.
Thanks in advance.

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Talkinpeace · 04/08/2013 17:29

why private?

Gatita1980 · 04/08/2013 17:37

They are already in private and I would like them to be able to continue to access the same level of curriculum and extra-curricular activities. I would be open to other options, but I am using this as a starting point.

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Talkinpeace · 04/08/2013 17:42

I think you need to read up a bit more about North Devon compared with where you are moving from
State schools do rather amazing things where they get most of the pupils

jojane · 04/08/2013 17:44

There are a few private schools in bideford (I went to edge hill college which merged and is now kingsley school. There were only a few boys in my year as only had recently become co-ed but we are talking ahem 15 years some time ago now so will be pretty mixed by now.
Woolacombe is probably about 45 minutes away but there were some that commuted that far and I think there was a school bus.

Gatita1980 · 04/08/2013 17:45

I will of course, I just know they are thriving and are loving all of the opportunities they have, as I did having benefitted from a private education.

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Gatita1980 · 04/08/2013 17:49

Thanks jojane, I spotted that one, and as much as I love Woolacombe I would like to be able to take them to school, primary at least so maybe Westward Ho will be an option for a home? I want them to be able to stay in the same school all the way through.

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Sleepyhoglet · 04/08/2013 17:53

Taunton Prep may be a bit far, but it is an excellent school. Please do have a look at their website.

Sleepyhoglet · 04/08/2013 17:54

Maybe Blundells?

Gatita1980 · 04/08/2013 17:54

Thank you sleepyhoglet I will

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jojane · 04/08/2013 18:19

I was a boarder so don't really know too much about where's best to live around bideford, Dhs family all live wollacombe and ilfracombe so lots of info on that area! Westward ho is very beachy but my only experience of there is a drunken 18th birthday weekend staying an a chalet!

MrsGSR · 04/08/2013 18:30

I grew up in Westward Ho! and loved it. The beach is great for kids. My friend sent her son to Kingsley and was really happy with the school.

Gatita1980 · 04/08/2013 18:47

MrsGSR how does Westward Ho take to non locals moving into the area?

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Gatita1980 · 04/08/2013 18:50

jojane we fell in love with Woolacombe but it may be a little far from Kingsley and I don't really want the smalls on a bus at Primary age, won't stop us from going a lot though :)

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jojane · 04/08/2013 19:13

It's gorgeous in the summer but a bit bleak in the winter when everything's closed down. Everytime we visit we mull over moving down there but jo wise there is nothing in DHs field.

Talkinpeace · 04/08/2013 19:48

Agree : Woolacombe is wonderful in July
but in January with the wind whipping in and only three shops open that month and hardly any pubs or eateries open
its a tad desolate
Mortehoe shuts down in November as does Croyde

I could never live there as I could not make a decent living year round

Gatita1980 · 04/08/2013 19:50

That is one of the things that worries me, but I just need to work out if we can cope with it all being so quiet.

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Gatita1980 · 04/08/2013 19:55

What about Westward Ho? Is that any better?

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Sleepyhoglet · 04/08/2013 19:55

Look into exmoor. The countryside is rugged and beautiful but you don't need to be too far from Taunton (easy train away frombristol) or Exeter. Also, Taunton and Wellington have lots of excellent schools. Kings, Queens, Blundells, Wellington School,

Gatita1980 · 04/08/2013 20:05

We really want to be on the coast so we can make the most of it, well us and the kids.

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Sleepyhoglet · 04/08/2013 20:11

It isn't really the same, but minehead might be another consideration if you thought woolacombe might be to quite in the winter months.

Gatita1980 · 04/08/2013 20:17

It's tough, we want the beach life, but also the best possible education for the kids.

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Gatita1980 · 04/08/2013 20:47

Does anyone have kids at Kingsley?

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MrsGSR · 04/08/2013 21:19

Westward Ho! is quieter during the winter, but definitely not dead. There's been some new housing developments recently, in general people are very friendly to people who've just moved in.

MrsDeVere · 04/08/2013 21:27

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Gatita1980 · 05/08/2013 08:57

Thank you MrsDeVere we only went to Barnstable once, maybe we should take a closer look, can you suggest anywhere in particular?

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