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Original poster

Trafford or Chester for schools?

34 replies

Cartrucktractor · 10/06/2024 11:45

Please help! We live and work in the north west, but our local secondary is a bit rubbish and want to look ahead for schools (eldest is in y1).

We're looking between a move to Trafford (Altrincham,.Timperly) or down to east Chester. Jobs are partly WFH so commute isnt too much of a consideration, the move is mainly about schooling (and don't want to be completely out in the countryside)

Does anyone have thoughts on either? I don't know much about the grammar school system, though it looks like a bit of a headache depending on your child. Thanks!

OP posts:
Original poster
Cartrucktractor · 10/06/2024 12:30

Moglet4 · 10/06/2024 11:54

I’m in the middle of the 11 plus in Trafford now. Honestly, it’s brutal. Think carefully before committing to that whole system

Thanks that's good to know- when you say brutal, do you mean like really tough on the kids? It's hard to know whether to get involved, as my kids are too young to tell whether they might be academic in that way.

Does the grammar school system necessarily mean the other schools in the area are less ambitious, because the grammars have taken the top achievers? This is my fear I guess (and I suppose the argument against the grammar system!)

OP posts:
Pieceofpurplesky · 10/06/2024 12:20

The Chester International School is supposed to be good.

There are lots of schools in the areas around Chester/Northwich that are good - Helsby, Weaverham, Tarporley, St Nicks, Hartford

PilgorTheGoat · 10/06/2024 12:19

I’m looking at secondaries in Chester in the next year or so and I can’t say any are particularly appealing to me at the moment!

Jaccolb · 10/06/2024 12:18

Also mid Trafford 11 plus - for the second time
We bought our house 12 years ago a few hundred metres from a primary school and less than a mile from a secondary school in Trafford. It turns out we are too far from either!
if you buy in Trafford don’t just ask about catchment areas on the map. Check furthest distance places were offered to in recent years as it is often well within catchment area it seems (different rules for the grammar schools)
But Trafford is a lovely place to live.

Moglet4 · 10/06/2024 12:12

MrsTomRipley · 10/06/2024 12:05

That's because all the schools are full. Even the primaries are struggling.
Maybe someone from Chester might give you a more positive idea.

Absolutely. That’s why I’m saying don’t go into it lightly. Competition for the most academic schools has become absolutely fierce in Trafford

MrsTomRipley · 10/06/2024 12:05

That's because all the schools are full. Even the primaries are struggling.
Maybe someone from Chester might give you a more positive idea.

Moglet4 · 10/06/2024 12:00

MrsTomRipley · 10/06/2024 11:59

I'm also in Trafford, Wellington is an excellent secondary school. As are the grammars

Problem with Wellington is the catchment has become absolutely minuscule in the last couple of years

MrsTomRipley · 10/06/2024 11:59

I'm also in Trafford, Wellington is an excellent secondary school. As are the grammars

Moglet4 · 10/06/2024 11:54

I’m in the middle of the 11 plus in Trafford now. Honestly, it’s brutal. Think carefully before committing to that whole system