East Herts secondary schools recommendations?

[RubaiyatOfAnyone]

Trying to work out whether we

a) move house near to a good school (losing stamp duty, moving costs, and probably getting a much smaller house because it’s close enough to a “good school” to be a sure thing which comes at a premium).

b) stay put and put up with slightly crap secondary very near our house which we are bound to be allocated, and try to “supplement” with parent input. Least favourite option

c) pay for a private school about which i know nothing and would VERY much appreciate recommendations.

so if you live/ in the ware/cheshunt/hoddesdon area of east herts, which school would you go for for for a bright academic girl who doesn’t apply herself unless forced or fascinated? Unsporty, massive history buff, good at maths, bit socially awkward but very kind hearted. Thank you!

I think there are much nicer areas of east Herts than ware and Cheshunt.

I quite like ware and chauncy has a good reputation as does presdales. Personally areas like bishops stortford are worth considering if you want much better links to London and it has a plethora of outstanding schools.

Just bumping for you OP as we’re in a similar position - deciding whether to move from our north London suburb out towards Ware/Hertford/Bishops Stortford for schools, or stay put.

We’ve had our eye on Presdales in Ware for a while, but slightly wary as I believe they had some issues with pastoral care a while back. My friend’s daughter (who sounds quite similar to your DD) is thriving at Herts and Essex High in Bishops Stortford, but I’m not sure BS appeals as a place to live. And I’ve also heard positive reports about Broxbourne School, but we definitely don’t want to live in Broxbourne!

It’a a bit of a minefield really, and it’s difficult to get up to date impressions of schools right now due to the pandemic and the lack of current data. We have time on our side as our DD is still very young, but lots to think about!