Best schools in Staffordshire or Derbyshire please? So far it’s not looking good

[T18aaa]

I went to a very good private school in the south east and so I don’t know if my expectations are wildly off. We can’t afford private but willing to drive to a decent state school. We’ve visited seven so far and I’m unsure. Anyone have any suggestions or recommendations in these areas please?

Secondary or primary?

Trouble is even if you don’t mid the drive if it’s decent enough you are unlikely to get in unless you live nearby

You’d have to meet the admission criteria for whatever school you prefer.

Primary at the moment

So what's the problem with the 7 you've visited so far? No state school will rival a private in terms of the building for example - there is simply no money to build and maintain music rooms, science labs etc. There is precious little money even to update things like classroom furniture.

Where do you live? As mentioned above, being willing to drive is unlikely to be any use as good schools are generally oversubscribed and you'd have to live in catchment to get in.

Also, what is it you're looking for that you've not found so far?

Derbyshire is quite big - where exactly are you?

Are you in catchment for any of these schools or likely to get in? Your DC might want friends locally.

If it were me, I would be looking at secondary, not primary, as imo, that’s what is more important.

I’d go and live in Duffield, so my DC could go to Ecclesbourne at secondary.

I was waiting for Ecclesbourne to be mentioned. Not inspected for many years before going from Outstanding to Good and not the strongest performer in the county for, eg, Progress 8. I'm not convinced it's worth it for the house prices.

Staffordshire is a big county, can you narrow it down a bit? You could be talking about a where from lichfield to newcastle under Lyme!

I presume you're roughly in the Peak District? You need to be a bit more specific because there are a hell of a lot of primary schools in the two countries.

If you are still looking at options, S. Anselms school in Bakewell is the most wonderful school.

My child attends and has gone from strength to strength, as does any child. Every single child no matter their age LOVES their school. The teaching staff are fantastic, excellent t facilities and brilliant opportunities.

They have an open day planned for Friday 27th June, if you can make it, it will be worth your while!

www.sanselms.co.uk/step-into-sa/?fbclid=IwY2xjawLGq3VleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHhupe2aD7SRcCCUsvQpiw2JZm-J6pfzAhwhRPFdY3DAhc3pZMgR5n6CUKxBW_aem_CRm7DLzbaUv85wbKUyecRQ

Omitting to mention the fact it announced its closure a couple of months ago? Yes it is now trying again but surely that's pretty crucial info? This just reads like an advert for the school.

I am a very happy parent so forgive me for sounding like an advert for the school. I guess I am a walking, talking advert!

I am happy to answer any questions which a potential parent may have.

The school is 100% staying open and is strong. There are scholarships, bursaries and funded places available.

I simply wanted to share it as an option for consideration, so that others can potentially benefit too, if they so choose to take it any further.