Schools around Oakham and Stamford

[MerryMo]

We are moving house at rather short notice. With a son in year 9 I want to make sure I choose the right school as we are hoping not to be moved again before he completes year 11. Due to the ridiculous short notice of our move - going to actually visit and look around is probably not an option.

So I would love some input from people in the local area who know the schools and will be able to give me an idea of commuting distances/times/traffic bottlenecks etc. I am happy to drive my son to school if there are no buses/school transport if its the right school but as I have no local knowledge, I do realise what may look commutable on a map may be hell in rush hour. Some guidance here would be appreciated.

We will be living in either Cottesmore or Wittering (we still dont know where).

The schools I have looked at online are:

Casterton Business and Enterprise College
Arthur Mellows
Stamford Welland
Uppingham Community Collge
Catmose College.

Firstly, are there any other schools in reasonable commutable distance I should be considering?

Having looked at OFSTED I have seen that:

Only Catmose has an Outstanding in all areas.

Casterton and Stamford Welland - Requires improvement

Arthur Mellows - I cant find a report,only a letter that says it was inspected in 2013 due to safeguarding concerns - that were unfounded. The school website says it had an outstanding OFSTED in 2009/10 - so a little out of date.

Uppingham came out Good.

I do realise OFSTED is only one aspect I need to consider and would love to hear personal experiences and recommendations.

I really would so appreciate some help.

[MerryMo]

Bump

[batteryhen]

If you are at Wittering could you look at Bourne Grammer or Bourne Academy? Both have excellent reputations but not sure about catchment areas?

[MerryMo]

Thank you batteryhen. We are moving from a totally different part of the country so this is exactly the type of info I need. I will look into Bourne. Thank you.

[batteryhen]

Have also sent you a pm

[MerryMo]

Thank you. I have replied

[MerryMo]

Bumping again just in case anyone else can add anything.

[TheFairyCaravan]

I'll PM you.

[MerryMo]

I have PM's all of you that have responded with some more questions.

We now know we will be living in Cottesmore, so any advice on any schools commutable from there would be appreciated.

Catmose and Uppingham are full.

[MerryMo]

Thankyou LaQueen.

My DS didnt sit the 11plus as we don't have it here. I will take a look and get DH to ask the people in his work about communting times etc.

[Kiely]

Hi MerryMo
I am based in Helsinki and desperate to return to the UK. Hubby has agreed to give it a years try so looking at Oakham or stamford etc.
This will be June 2016- onwards.
As you have been there a couple of months any hints?
What is the school like?
We have two girls aged 6&8. Any help would be greatly appreciated.