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.

Come to Bristol. More laid back than London but you won't find it as cliquey as a small town. Lots of good independent schools too, Bristol Grammar would be my choice but Colston's or Clifton High might suit too.

Cokethorpe in Witney? A good (and improving to be excellent) day school from ages 4 to 18. Lovely campus and grounds. Good all round, is non selective. Witney is on the edge of the Cotswolds, pace of life is comparatively slower than a
Larger city, beautiful
Area to live in, and easy access to Oxford for culture.

Lend me, interesting, because I know various people who are or recently were at St Anselms and loved it, though it only goes up to 16.

I was also going to suggest Repton, 1/3 day. Kings Canterbury is 25% day but is in the SE.

Have you thought if Kingham Hill school?

All the above have Christian foundations but many independent schools do.

If you were prepared to do prep then senior school I'd say go to Dorset. Great prep schools, canford and bryanston to follow. There are always day pupils,

Yes, I must agree Orlanda that there are certainly many things to love about S Anselm's. There is currently a bit of a but however, as the link mentioned above also suggests. At least that's how I see it.

Sure.

It's difficult isn't it? You want to recommend a school because of the pros but also have to be honest with the OP about any cons as you see them.

Beverley is often described as a small York. Sent you a DM.

Did you love after? Cheltenham is lovely and Cheltenham College looks like a lovely choice. I had a look around the other day and it was a delightful experience. Good luck!

Out of interest, what experience do you have of shire county state comprehensives?
As they are a very different beast from city state schools.

Once you get far enough away from big cities they are very comprehensive (ie around 97% of families use them)

Towns like Alresford and Petersfield and Dorchester and Shaftesbury have great schools, nice countryside
and the money you will save on fees will allow a very relaxed lifestyle

What about schools in the Midlands? There are some lovely areas to live with all the benefits of a big city like Birmingham on the doorstep - thriving city with lovely restaurants, theatres, ballet company etc. You are also in relatively easy reach in London by train. Schools I would look at are:

Bromsgrove which has amazing facilities and is co-ed and very sporty. Offers both day and boarding and based in the centre of the town. Lovely school and takes all ages. Often easier to get a transfer into at non- traditional entry points. Has bus service from wide area including Solihull.
Solihull - again a school in the centre of small town (and nicer than Bromsgrove with better shopping and facilities). However the school is smaller than Bromsgrove and so more difficult to get into at non- traditional points. Because it is smaller it can be more academically selective but actually despite this seems to get similar results to Bromsgrove. Locally it seems more of a marmite school with some loving it and other hating it. I think they like kids who shine in a particular area eg music or sport.

Second @lowdoor for King’s Bruton - I know several families who are very happy there and it’s a small school (300-ish) so a good family vibe. Their main feeder is Hazlegrove but there is also Perrott Hill and All Hallows which go from 3-13. Their websites should give you a pretty good feel for which one might work for you - the area is well worth a visit!

ZOMBIE THREAD!!