Dorset schools

[DebbieFiderer]

We are toying with the idea of moving to Bournemouth/Poole in the next few years and I am trying to work out how feasible it is, what sort of areas to look at, and the secondary school options are a big part of this. I have two daughters (7 & 4) and would plan to move in plenty of time to apply in the normal admissions round. Both girls (as far as it is possible to tell at this point!) are quite bright so I would expect that we would be at least considering the grammar schools.

Can anyone give me any useful information about what the schools are like, how strongly selective they are, if one is easier to get in to etc? Also what areas would you suggest we look at for living in to ensure we have decent options for secondary (either for selective or non-selective)?

[DebbieFiderer]

Bump

[Seasider]

Parkstone Grammar is a good school but as expected is very selective, the closer to the school you go, the easier it is to get in. My DD is just within catchment area and had to achieve a higher entrance score to get in.
I hear that Baden Powell is the biggest state primary feeder school.

Dorset's a lovely place to live, come on down!

[DebbieFiderer]

Thanks, I love the area and we have several friends there, only difficulty is distance from my family.

Is there any difference between Parkstone and Bournemouth in terms of difficulty of getting in or are their standards pretty similar?

[LambethWalk]

local.mumsnet.com/Talk/local_dorset

You might get some good advice if you post here as well.