Schools in Devon - HELP!

[fwew1]

Hi I'm a mumsnet newbie and I'm keen to get some info on Devon schools. We live in West Dorset and we're rural so the move won't be a culture shock or anything but I do have a problem with independent schools in Dorset and Somerset hence a move. I have one son and all the schools are boarding with little options for day boys (Sherborne boys would see him finish at 9.30 pm) and the others are too far away. We've been looking at Blundells (not massively keen on Tiverton though), Shebbear, Kelly College, West Buckland and Stover. Anybody any experience of these schools?

I'd be grateful for your thoughts!

Torbay (Torquay, Paignton and Brixham) has several grammar schools. There are comprehensives in the area, also two in Newton Abbot, and one each in Totnes and Ashburton. The Totnes-Ashburton area is quite 'arty' (Dartington nearby) and also very handy for Dartmoor.

Our DS went to Torquay Boys', which is extremely good (though they are getting a new Head next year.) I don't know very much about the others.

If you are determined to go private then Exeter school is a better bet than any of those mentioned. If you aren't determined to go private then Colyton Grammar is better than all of them.

Thanks ever so much for your comments - they are very much appreciated! There is a lot of competition over this way for places to Colyton and a few people commute to Exeter - I just want to get him settled when the time comes and Independents offer that bit more, everything under one roof as it were. My husband has cancer which won't be going away. School gives DS a 'complete' life and helps me out a lot. We're real homebodies and we don't want him boarding, if he wants to when he's older then fine but here in Dorset it seems to be the expected thing unless something goes wrong. Hence considering a move. Thanks for your comments and I'll be looking into the schools you've mentioned.

S sorry to hear about your DH's illness. Exeter school has no boarding option but if it isn't what you really want or your DS really wants then that's not going to be a problem is it. It is a much better school than the other private options in Devon.

My two are at West Buckland and thoroughly enjoy it.

Happy to answer any questions.

Not sure how west you are but at our prep the popular choice seems to be Canford at the moment and there is a bus but again a long day.

Thanks Sailersgal but Canford would be a 7.15 bus from Dorchester and leaving our place at 6.45am. Its a great school but too long a day.