Recommended mixed private North Devon Schools for ages 3-18

[Gatita1980]

Afternoon, we are thinking of moving down to North Devon and need a mixed school for our son who will be in Reception in September 2014 and our daughter who goes into Year 1 this September. Ideally we would like to be as close to the coast as possible, we have stayed in Woolacombe, but are not sure how practical that would be.
Thanks in advance.

[Gatita1980]

I might try that next time, we have some things and places to see already, I will bear it in mind though, many thanks

[Gatita1980]

Have I over-looked anywhere?

[Lilliana]

Edgehill went co ed in 1991. I was in the first class with boys- all 3 of them!! I'm guessing I might know you can Jo as it sounds like you were there around the same time.

It's obviously changed a bit since then. I guess it depends what you're looking for but there are some great state schools that offer a wide range of extra curricular activities that would be worth looking at.

[kalidasa]

Some of my family are at West Buckland at the moment and seem really happy with it, has served several quite different siblings well.

[Gatita1980]

We are seeing West Buckland on Monday and Kingsley on Tuesday

[Gatita1980]

Visited West Buckland today and I have to say we were all quite impressed with it's facilities, let's see how Kingsley fares tomorrow :-)

[burnsie]

Hope the visits went well!

[Gatita1980]

Yes, thanks, I think we have made a choice, now we need to work out where to live! How far away from a school would you live?

[jazzyjd1]

Hi Guys
I have been reading your threads very interesting.
I too am looking to move out of the city to relocate in North Devon. I see there seems to be a lot of emphasis on state schools and was wondering if you have some ideas of the good state schools in North Devon. I have two girls a three year old and a five year old. I am aware that there is a Forest School in Clovelly (is it private). Any info would be much appreciated.
Many thanks

[nomadwith2plus1]

Hello,
Gatita- Which school did you opt for? We too are looking at Kingsley/ Shebbear for September 2014 entry. Would really appreciate your opinions on both.
Hope your move is going smoothly!

[Barwen18]

Hi,

I am new to mumsnet and the first topic I stumbled on was what school to enrol your child.

I would definitely have suggested West Buckland. It is a progressive school with strong leadership and the right balance of tradition. The facilities are excellent with a team of dedicated and approachable teaching staff.

The music department is second to none with an excellent director of music who is an inspiration to the students with her ability to motivate and her all round skill. Drama is another area where West Buckland bring out the best in a child. Not forgetting sport.

The school is forward thinking with outstanding GCSE and A level results throughout the years. See the tables for clarification on this point.

We looked at several schools for our son where he gained scholarships in each one of them but we finally decided on West Buckland and have never looked back.

Reception right through to final year in the upper sixth have been very productive including high academic achievement, music and drama not forgetting pastoral care.

Our son has never had a day when he has not wanted to go to school and that says a lot in West Bucklands favour.

I am sure you will have decided on a school for your child by now and hopefully it was West Buckland. If not you could always come along to one of the the senior school open days where you would be very welcome and your child would be accommodated for a day within one of the classes to give them an idea of the excellent activities that are on offer at the school.

Kind Regards,

Barwen

[claire3016]

Hi Gatita1980 - I've just seen this thread and wondered if you made the move? My children are at Kingsley School and they are very happy there :)

[absolutelyflawed]

Hi claire3016 - and anyone else whose children are at Kingsley - I am considering it... what years are your children in plse? Pm me if you like! I have heard that Kingsley has had some financial problems so would be interested in comments on this. Many thanks.

[MrsBernardBlack]

Have a look at Shebbear, which is at Beaworthy. It has a good reputation but might be a bit too far inland for you.

North Devon is lovely, and is fine if you live and work their, but do bear in mind that if you regularly have to travel out of the area then it can easily add an hour to your journey as the roads are still very rural.

[claire3016]

Hi absolutelyflawed I've sent you a pm - hope it helps you come to a decision :)

[Stargazing123]

Hi there I'm just reading up on previous posts and wanted to ask where you sent your kids in the end. Also how spooky, we live in a East Midlands and seriously considering moving to Westward Ho! Kingsley is high up on our list. Would love to hear from people! Thanks in advance.

[Marls2009]

Hi Claire3016, please would you pm me also? I am interested to hear your views and information on Kingsley school especially if they're having financial problems. Many thanks

[Marls2009]

Or if anyone else has children at Kingsley I would appreciate your opinions particularly for junior years. Thanks in advance

[claire3016]

Hi Marls2009 I've only just seen your post - are you still looking for info?

[Marls2009]

Hi Claire, yes please.
Thanks

[NeverShine4me]

It's officially Somerset, but I can speak very highly of Taunton Prep school.