Help please schools in and around Glasgow

[AJH0208]

Really need advice on the best areas to live in and the best secondary schools in Glasgow. Even outside with good rail links for work. Really confused with all the info of the net. Would really appreciate any solid advice. Thanks.

[freerangeeggs]

Are you looking for private or state?

I suppose the best area really depends on what you're looking for. The west end, around Hyndland, is lovely but expensive and not all areas of the west end are nice.

Off the top of my head, Lenzie (outside Glasgow, in the East Dunbartonshir authority) is an excellent school. I worked there and I really liked it - the ethos is really aspirational and there are loads of extracurricular activities. Jordanhill is another good school but it has a small intake and a very specific catchment area (for example, new builds in the Jordanhill area aren't part of the catchment). Hyndland has a decent reputation too (random trivia: I think it's the only school in Glasgow that doesn't wear uniform).

It might be worth having a look in the Good Schools Guide - I know Lenzie and Jordanhill are listed. All the schools in the Glasgow authority are listed here, but it's definitely worth looking at schools in surrounding authorities too (East Dunbartonshire and East Renfrewshire, for example).

How well do you know Glasgow? And do you have the freedom to move anywhere in the city?

[AJH0208]

New to the city, in fact to Scotland. Will be working in the city. Really haven't a clue. Just want to make the right move for the children. Ideally good area, low crime, good facilities, villagey feel possibly. It feels so up in the air! Thanks for the advice.

[wigglybeezer]

If you are willing to commute about 50 mins by train Dunblane is very good and a good place to raise kids IMO.
Balfron is also a good school not too far from Glasgow, would pass the villagey test but don't know about the facilities.
Don't know much about Glasgow, am better on commuter belt area but Williamwood and Jordanhill always come top of the state school lists.

[hairypotter]

If you are looking for a village feel, then South Lanarkshire has good schools as well as an approximate commute into Glasgow of around 30mins.

Strathaven is a lovely little village with the top performing school in South Lanarkshire. (Strathaven Acadamy) it's a brilliant school with excellent staff and has real community spirit.

It's only 10 minutes away from East Kilbride which has huge shopping centre, ice rinks, cinema etc.

Happy hunting.

[freerangeeggs]

Yes, Williamwood is very good.

I always think Milngavie is a bit 'villagey'. It's a lovely area. Lenzie is very leafy and lovely. Jordanhill is quite leafy and expensive but walking distance from some less desirable areas (the bits where I grew up :) )

Kelvindale is nice too.

[AJH0208]

Thanks for the posts. Lots to research, will keep you posted!