Can anyone recommend a good co-ed day school outside of London/SE?

[Tumblethumps]

My health hasn't been too good and DH and I are seriously considering upping and moving somewhere a little less crazy for a calmer pace of life. We have 3 DSs and 1 DD, DS1&2 are Y7&8 and DS3&DD are Y1&R. Looking for a town rather than middle of the countryside but I want to base search around areas with a good co-ed independent school. Can anyone recommend any? Do your children attend one you're happy with? I really don't know where to start.

Hi Tumblethumps,
There are two in Chester, King's and Abbeygate. Chester is a small city, very close to semi-rural parts of Cheshire, Wirral and North Wales. On the Wirral, there is Birkenhead School. You could also look at King's Macclesfield?

Although if I recall correctly, King's Macclesfield is co-ed at primary and 6th form level only.

Also The Grange in Northwich (I'll stop now ).

I think the problem is the there are not enough people to fill the type of school you want in a rural/ semi rural location so they mostly have a boarding element.

When you first said what you wanted I thought it would be easy, but having thought about it I can really see that it is not.

I completely agree with you about wanting to live in a slower paced area. I am so, so much happier now we live in Dorset. I also agree with you wanting an Independent school (state school teacher here too!). DS is at an afore mentioned 'posh' school and TBH I have not found it a problem socially. Plenty of people are beggared by their mansions so don't have much actual cash!! However, I am not looking forward to the time when he can't come home until 9pm even as a day boy.

Lot's of locals from DS's prep go to Kings Bruton for the more grounded feel rather than the public school option.

I will keep thinking for you. What about Exeter School?

Norwich School meets all of your criteria. Coeducational through school to 18 with no boarding. They get good results and the fees aren't extortionate. It's in a city but you could easily live just outside the city in one of the villages.

It might be looking around Bournemouth/Poole. There are a surprising number of independent schools. Plus grammar schools should you want to switch at sixth form.

Thanks so much everyone!
BossyEye, we lived in Wilmslow when my older boys were young and it was most certainly not a slower pace of life up there! We went from Edinburgh to there to just N of London and I feel like we kept making the same mistake/facing the same issues.
Lowdoor, thank you. I, too, thought it would be an easy enough search. I know of course that not everyone at such schools are pretentious or exceptionally wealthy. I also know a lot of it is in my head and my issue. My issue with schools that cater for boarding is that the ethos seems built around that and I know my boys (esp DS2) would feel as though they were missing out on some aspects of school life. I have no issues with people who choose boarding for their child, it's just not for me.
Happylittletrees, Norfolk/Suffolk area is appealing as I'm very drawn to the coast. DH is currently looking at Wisbech Grammar on the iPad which I think is nursery through to 18 so ticks the logistics box.
Needmoresleep, again, I like the idea of the coast so I'll pop Bournemouth area on the list to look at. Thanks

This thread has helped me realise what I really want. Thanks for helping me focus rather than randomly saying 'I want to move but I don't know where to!'

Suffolk schools - Framlingham or Woodbridge.

Kimbolton in Cambridgeshire? I've no idea how academic it is but it's got a lovely campus in a proper castle that's part of a small town (very small town but has useful shops like butcher, Budgens etc). Definitely a slower pace of life but very near London on the train (St Neots) and half an hour or so from Cambridge which has all the cultural stuff.

www.kes.hants.sch.uk
and live in / near Winchester or Southampton.

No direct experience, but a good friend sends her DC (ages 19 now left, 17 and 14) to RGS Worcester. From what I can tell it's a big school and it goes all the way through from primary to end of secondary, though my friend's DC went to state primary schools first. They're all very happy there and have done/are doing well.

Or in / near Worcester and www.ksw.org.uk

Cross posted

Lots of the kids at the DCs state primary school then go on to Monmouth private schools (not co-ed but eh boys and girls schools interact a lot with each other)
Area is very slow, loads of country and associated activities but close enough to Bristol and Cardiff to access the more cosmopolitan pursuits when wanted.
Easy access to M4, beaches are about 1 hour away.

Was also going to suggest Kings Worcester
Also Exeter school but that is age 7-18
Brighton College it's a very strong academic school and has its own preps
Kings Ely

Although it is primarily boarding, have a look at Repton in Derbyshire. Lovely green and queit location but close to cities if you want them. Good for sports especially hockey. It's not overly academic but top students seem to do well. We looked at it seriously for my DS. They also have a lovely prep school.

I would also suggest Exeter School having friends who just relocated last year for work and health reasons.

You have the benefit of having a lovely decent city with the coast on your doorstep.

Fair enough! I just have such a great experience living in Dorset - senior school (13+, Thomas Hardye in Dorchester so good) that I think it's a shame you're dismissing outright. Middle schools not so good - Sunninghill in Dorchester (prep school) meant to be good, first schools (state) pretty much without exception excellent. Pace of Dorset life is wonderful and I'd highly recommend.

How about www.pocklingtonschool.com
It's a 30 minute drive from Beverley and York. Beverley is a beautiful, relaxed market town which you might like.

I would second Wisbech Grammar School. I have several friends with children there and it does very well with all of them (very different children) They like the fact that none of their kids get 'lost', which some of them had in the bigger independents. Turns out really nice, clever kids who can think for themselves.

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/education/2359393-S-Anselms-Bakewell-anyone

Have you seen the discussion of S. Anselm's - in the Peak district of Derbyshire.
I hope the link works...

St Edward's, Cheltenham. 1-18, prep and senior schools, Catholic but not overtly religious. Good results, happy kids.

Medium sized town in the Cotswolds, lots going on, multiple festivals etc, very accessible to London, Oxford, Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff etc.

What about East Kent? I can personally recommend Ashford School as a great coed school for "normal" families. Beautiful countryside, affordable housing and easy, fast access to London when needed.

Castle Court in Dorset. Lovely school that might meet your criteria.

Glasgow?

Hutchesons Grammar, Kelvinside Academy or The High School.

I attended Hutchesons,great school.

Kelvinside is where I'm hoping to put DD.

I would say wait until after the present HM retires before considering S Anselm's in Derbyshire unless joining the nursery or pre-prep.