moving to essex need help with secondary schools please

[worzel1973]

Hi we are moving to Essex not sure where yet (Rayleigh - Benfleet -Billericay) would like some help with the best secondary schools around these areas. My daughter will be going straight to secondary school next September - I would like one if possible which specialise in performing arts but not necessary as long as I could find a good school but would love some help as don't really know this area. I also will have to find a junior school for my other daughter who will then be in year 4 any help on schools would be good
thank you

Those are all in the edge of grammar school areas. In Billericay I would expect a degree of the cleverest going to grammar. There is also a private school taking a section. That said Mayfliwer seems well liked. Billericay is more expensive as closer to London. Rayleigh is 2 stops further. 2 comprehensives and practically everyone goes- grammar school seems a bother when 2 decent local schools. Fitzwimarc has slwYs been considered better- more impressive buildings and used to be the grammar I think. But Sweyne Osrk is no sink school, just uglier. And with more playing fields. Both are big busy successful schools. Benfleet I know less well. Different train line. Cheaper housing ( broadly- obv there are pockets of v pricey wherever. King John is v well regarded. I don't think there are any terrible schools. It all seems quite calm, you just go to the local school which is good. Which might be why the south Essex non grammar area parents are not all obsessed with the education boards!!