Schools and life in the Cotswolds (and beyond)

[Bigmove25]

DH thinks it's the perfect time to quit the big smoke and semi-retire (although we still have young children). We failed to pull the trigger when we started looking in 2018-2019, then Covid hit. Other than a few day trips we haven't really been back and don't know if finding a nice house, in a good location, with access to great school is an even bigger headache than in 2019.

Is it better to live with easy access to say Oxford or Worcester for access to (state and private) secondary schools rather than in the middle of Gloucestershire or are there good state and private secondary options in Gloucestershire?

My biggest concern is the growing reputation for the Cotswolds being over-run with billionaires and rich celebs (a lifestyle we certainly can't afford). We have a decent budget so could afford something in most areas but I don't want to move out of a big expensive city to a country lifestyle that is even more expensive (access to a big name Supermarket and good council run gym would be more use to me than having Daylesford on my doorstep). Perhaps would we be better off looking in Oxfordshire or Worcestershire for a nice non-Cotswold village or even moving the search somewhere like Bedfordshire or Northamptonshire?

Will also post in property as think I've rambled my way into a 2 question thread!

TIA

Ha, If my DH even tries to move us as far as Wales (never mind rural), I will be the one leaving and taking all the money (and I would leave the DC with him for a few weeks just to make the point). No off-grid fantasy here!!!!
I hear you loud and clear and am not going anywhere too remote or rural. I’m firmly in the small market town/large village not too far from a large town/city. DCs needs are driving this search and any compromises will be around what they need.

Very good advice @Oakandashsplash and a very tactful way of ensuring more dreadful down-from-Londoners look elsewhere 😆
DD would be in-year so I’d have to take what I can get, but would be open to either of private options for primary if state was full (and they had space). Think Malmsbury could be a good option. Westonbirt arboretum is one of my favourite places to walk the dog (always nice to have loos and a cup of tea at the end of the walk).
I did look at the school stats a few years ago. It does (or did) a BTEC in horse care. I have a real admiration for a school that actually bends itself to the local population.