Bath - state schools or where else??

[iceddoughnut]

Hi,

We are considering relocating somewhere which has good state schools.

We want to live in a city where we can purchase a house within walking distance of the centre.

We enjoy green spaces and things like park run, bike rides etc. we are a fairly active family.

Children are currently 4 & 6 and in a Surrey prep school but I’m not convinced that the bottom isn’t falling out of prep schools due to economic uncertainties. It’s creating a bit of an environment I don't really want my children in/ would rather not pay for!

I Spent time in Bath as an adolescent and really enjoyed my time there and from what I recall, had fairly good school options.

Are the state schools good? I have a friend who attended Oldfield Girls - is this a good option?

I appreciate I can check Ofsted etc but Ofsted reports don’t always reflect reality / bigger picture.

We are able to consider living anywhere really as long as it’s on a train network into London.

Any other ideas would be gratefully welcomed!

TIA

How far from London (in time terms) do you need to be though? Daily commute? Once a week? To which bit of London?

I don’t know about schools in Bath but it’s an expensive place to buy or rent a house.

I have seen praise for state schools in Bishop Stortford tho that is also not cheap. Can you give an idea of budget?

Most state schools in Bath are good.
Oldfield is no longer girls only though - it has been a mixed 11-18 academy school since 2012. If you are looking for single sex state school (girls) then Hayesfield school is the only option now.
I assume that you mention that school because it's an area where you can afford to buy.