Good primaries and secondaries in Dover or Folkestone?

[traipsingalong]

Looking at relocating from the horribly expensive Home Counties to Dover or Folkestone so we can afford a house with more room, but have primary school aged children. We probably won't be able to afford to move twice, so need to look at an area which has both a good primary and a good secondary. I know there are grammar schools, but would prefer to be near a good comprehensive in case the children don't get into a grammar.

Has anyone any recommendations?

Thank you.

[middleclassonbursary]

Shepherdswell primary used to have a good reputation (I haven't looked for ages so it probably still has) it's quite a nice village with a station and with very nice villages nr by as does Lydden primary both of A20 just outside Dover. Alkham and surrounding area is lovely although no school in Slkham itself. Comps in Dover don't have the best reputation but Dover Grammar boys and girls are very well regarded.
Simon Langton Boys in Canterbury is very very well regarded but with an ever decreasing catchment so beware and check if it matters. Folkestone grammar not well regarded. Also consider Hythe nice village around there too although no grammar. Sandwich and Deal and surrounding villages are also worth looking at and even Broadstairs lovely beeches and good grammars but comps very iffy.

[debka]

I've heard good things about Brockhill School between Folkestone and Hythe. The Academy in Folkestone isn't bad either (but I don't think I'd send my children there ). I went to Folkestone Girls Grammar and it did me no harm .

There are plenty of good primary schools here and about too. Many of Folkestone and Hawkinge primaries are oversubscribed, but there are good village schools which have more space.

[froggy41]

Anyone knows what the admission pol is for folkestone grammar for girls? I heard it's a super selective, which means they have they own exam, is that right? and do they have a catchment distance. We are new to the area, if my dd fails the test, don't know have a plan b, any ideas...thanks

[froggy41]

sorry forgot to ask, if anyone know a good tutor for 11+ in the area. thanks

[uniqueatlast]

AFAIR, only Dover Grammars still have their own test. The other grammars in this part of Kent only use the Kent Test (PESE). The school websites should have their admissions policies on them.

When I was teaching in Folkestone (just before the Academy opened), Brockhill and Pent Valley both had really good reputations while the Channel School had a dreadful one. It is that school that reopened as the Academy and from what I've heard has gone from strength to strength (I know parents who were appealing to get their child in in the second year!).

There are some excellent primaries in Folkestone.

[froggy41]

Many thanks for the info, that's very helpful.