Dauntsey’s, Leehurst Swan, Embley

[WiltsFamily]

Our family is moving back from Asia to the Salisbury area. We are looking at three schools for the GCSE years for our children. Would greatly appreciate any thoughts about these three schools: Dauntsey’s, Leehurst Swan, Embley. We understand that the later two have relatively new leadership.

[LouMumsnet]

Just bumping this for you, @WiltsFamily, and hopefully someone will be along soon with some advice. Best of luck with your move.

[coughcoughcoughcough]

Can help with Embley. New name and a relaunch recently. Always seen as the school to send your child to if you live in Southampton or Winchester or thereabouts and child is less academically minded than needed to pass the exam at King Edwards VI in Southampton.
Which is no bad thing, if your child is not especially academic then it can work well. Grounds are idyllic. It's not anywhere near anything, it's a drive to get to town centres. Much more down to earth and middle class then winch college or st swithuns. Haven't met the new head. Hope that helps.

[Nodressrehearsal]

Cannot recommend Dauntseys highly enough. Refreshingly down to earth, brilliant community and inspiring/dynamic/approachable Head.

[Jonesy37]

Hi Wiltsfamily,
Interested to know what you decided in the end?! We are also moving back from Asia and would like to move to Hampshire so considering Embley but have no first hand intel!
We’ve looked at Dauntseys too, but not as geographically convenient and get the impression it is more selective than Embley.
Embley are very proactive in contacting us regularly but not sure if this is a good sign?!
Thanks!

[Lindor]

Embley is popular locally, although all local state schools are good too.
Embley has minibuses that pick up children from local areas, and has a lovely environment.
If you are looking for primary education, you could also consider one of the local village primary schools which are great too.

[Jonesy37]

Thanks Lindor,
My kids straddle primary and secondary which is why Embley is appealing. Not too worried about it being very academic as long as it gets the best out of the children and has strong pastoral care.
We’ll be moving back just before the school year starts so would have to leave it very last minute for state schools.

[Lessofallthisunpleasantness]

Dauntsey's has a great reputation for being unstuffy and good for all rounders. Half students are day students and half are boarders. Harder to get in as day student after initial entrance at 11.

Always worth an ask though.

[catshavestaff]

If your children are older end of primary then village schools often have some spaces as some who started in state sector are sent to private school at 7 or 8.