Couple of years ago, I advised about a choice of a particular 'private independent grammar' to a friend who was moving home from abroad.
Turns out, this independent grammar has turned out to be a traditional and very homophobic school. Friends poor son has had to put up with pupils and staff being homophobic for the last 3 years (he is a high achiever who is loving college). I find it incredibly that in this day and age that this school separates friends (who they think are in a gay relationship) rather than the homophobic bullies.
Please , please look further than academic achievements at particular schools in Cheshire.