Private schools in / around Durham - any experience?

[ShadowSteam]

DS1 is due to start reception in September.

Unfortunately, we didn't get a place at our preferred school. We're not happy with the school we've been offered, and are considering if a private school might work as an alternative.

Financially - especially once DS2 is taken into account - it would be a stretch, but we think just about manageable. I'm a bit concerned about how this might affect DC socially if most parents have megabucks and we don't. And I didn't go to a private school myself so I have no personal experience of how private schools differ from state ones.

So - does anyone have any experience of private schools around Durham that they're willing to share? We live a little way outside Durham city.