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Original poster

Advice needed on Winchester / Hampshire secondaries

31 replies

Ownthemoment · 28/07/2025 23:23

Hi there,
We are planning to relocate from overseas and are likely to settle in the Winchester area - primarily for its excellent school options and proximity to family. Our children haven’t lived in the UK before so we are looking for a school with a welcoming, nurturing ethos where they could settle and make friends quickly. Good sport would be a bonus! My eldest would be going into secondary school and we love the look of King’s and Westgate (but are open to all options). I know Winchester schools are all extremely popular and it might be difficult to get places, but would love any insight that this group could offer nonetheless so we can start honing in on catchment areas a bit! Thanks so much

OP posts:
toooldforbrat · 30/07/2025 08:21

Thorndean also very popular and good reputation.

HaloDolly · 30/07/2025 08:17

I can vouch for Swanmore near Bishops Waltham. Rated in the top ten Hampshire schools.

BarnOwlFlying · 29/07/2025 22:19

I second Perins as a good option close to Winchester.

Original poster
Ownthemoment · 29/07/2025 10:42

Thanks so much - she’d be going into year 8, so it would definitely be an in-year place. As it would be for her younger siblings in primary. Great to know about Henry B, Perrins and the Romsey options - I’ll look at these too.

OP posts:
TeenToTwenties · 29/07/2025 09:55

My info is slightly old now, but in general all 3 (you didn't list HenryB) are v good, (as is Perrins to the north and the 2 Romsey schools). From Winchester the vast majority will end up at Peter Symonds for 6th form anyway.
Kings used to stream from the start, but that is 15years ago now.

clary · 29/07/2025 00:29

I don’t know the area but do you know which year your DC will be going into? It depends on their age and when in the year they were born (school year is Sept to Aug in England).

I assume the application will be for an in-year place as opposed to applying for a year 7 place in October of year 6? If so, it may be dependent on which schools have a space in the relevant year. If you can give a bit more info around school year local MNers may have some intel.

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