Devon/Somerset/somewhere else entirely?

[holmessweetholmes]

Currently living in Oxfordshire but hoping to move away in the next few years, preferably near the coast. As dh and I are both teachers we can go pretty much anywhere, but are looking for somewhere with houses a bit cheaper than here and with good (state) schools for dc. Had been thinking of North Devon, which I think is beautiful, but good secondary schools seem a bit thin on the ground. Can any kind MNers recommend any other lovely mid/south areas near the sea which might fit the bill?

[sailorsgal]

We have a very good secondary school here in Dorchester. Thomas Hardye has an excellent reputation though it is a very large school. Budmouth College in Weymouth is also very good and houses are cheaper than Dorchester. We are about 15 mins from the coast.

[holmessweetholmes]

Sounds fab, sailorsgal. Thanks for replying! Will check out Dorchester.

[sailorsgal]

I meant to add that lots of the surrounding villages feed into Thomas Hardye. If you need any help let me know.

[sailorsgal]

Also further west there is a very good state grammar at Colyton which is in Devon but east we have 2 state grammars in Poole.

[DELHI]

My friends children go to state academy secondary in Chard that's very good, and she lives in nice village nearby. Handy for Taunton and Exeter and very pretty area.

[Daisybell1]

I grew up in Dorchester and went to the Thomas Hardye school in its earliest era. My parents still live in the town so please shout with any questions.