Grammar Schools or what else

[poppymo]

Hi everyone
I am strongly considering moving down to M.K or surrounds and would like your opinion on a Grammar School or equivalent for my yr 9 daughter who has been going to a very good Grammar school up here in Yorkshire. I have not decided where about to actually settle as the decision will be based on the school. I like the idea of Northampton, but understand there aren't any grammar schools there. I am not keen on very long distances of travel as she will have to get herself to school. I am a single mother, so will be working all day. She really enjoys after school activities, so that has to be factored in with travels. Please may I have some honest and experienced opinions as I don't really know the areas too well. Thanks everyone.

What is M.K?

Be better if you asked MNHQ to add MK to your title so locals will click on it!

So she could get to a train station on her own could she (as you mention Northampton)

Milton Keynes - so perhaps that should be in the title!

Milton Keynes.

OP. If an area is lucky enough to not have grammar schools then hopefully it will have good comprehensives which cover the full ability range. The top kids in comprehensives come out with top grade ranges. I don't know the area so can't comment further.

Oh I see. I don't think MK is particularly known for their academic schools. I don't think theres any grammars there. There's not many 'naice' areas in MK too, quite a bit of deprivation. The kids who have parents with money go further south towards the Elstree Schools or bucks grammars.
I'm sure there's plenty of smart kids in their comps though, just wouldn't be a grammar and may be a different intake to what your child is used to. Even if there was a grammar/good comp, it'll most likely be way oversubscribed and your child is part of the 2007-2009 baby boom so unlikely there will be space.

She would need to sit another entrance exam and it depends on whether there is space.

I'm not sure MK counts as in the catchment for the Bucks grammar schools despite being in Bucks technically. Bletchley used to be in catchment for Aylesbury's grammar schools but I'm not sure these days as it all changed last year.

You can check the catchments here: services.buckscc.gov.uk/school-admissions/nearest/

The grammar schools in Rugby collect from the train station. It's a short journey from Northampton by train.