Hi, I'm new here..putting in my two pennies worth! Hope thats ok.
I would highly recommend Oswestry School, having decided last year to move our two children to independent school we finally decided on Oswestry as much for the Academic side as for the friendliness and normality of the staff and pupils. I have two children one is at Bellan House the other in the Senior school, they have both come on exponentially in just a couple of terms.
Both of them have settled in so well and love the school, they have been extremely welcomed and well supported, making lovely friends from day one. The New head started at the same time and has already made some great additions with more in the pipeline, he is also very approachable for parents and students.
Our eldest was a shy and quiet character and came from a class of 32, however now is enjoying a class of 14 and has no qualms about putting a hand up or giving something new a try. Taking an English Speaking exam the other day as if it was just a normal day at school. Last September there would have been a major melt down at the thought of speaking aloud to a stranger, let alone in front of the class!
The facilities are great my senior school childs work has uncovered a hidden artistic streak, alongside a sudden drive to try and achieve a commendation wherever possible, something definitely never shown at his previous school!
I am surprised to read ‘its a nice school but not very academic’ . We feel that it is academic and the results seem to show it is definitely on parr with the likes of Wrekin and better than Ellesmere however I'm not really that up on the tables etc. The work set is challenging and the pupils are expected to try hard to achieve their best. They stand by their motto of ‘We learn not for school, but for life’, which we think is very important.
One of the other main reasons we choose the school was because of the very warm welcome we were given when we initially phoned for information from the admissions team, then again when we came to visit the school. The feel of the school when we were shown around was really lovely, we had a very polite and informative 6th form girl who had started weekly boarding in year 4 as our guide, and she couldn’t speak highly enough of life at the school.
Other than that I don't know much about the other schools, especially 6th form, but felt you may like info from a parent of one of the schools on your list.
Good luck in your search. Feel free to PM me if you want.