My partner and I both grew up in Winchester and attended King's and Henry B over 20 years ago, so we know the area/surrounding areas well. We moved away to another county for various reasons three years ago with our then 1.5 year old. He is now 4.5 and currently in reception and we are buying a house back in Hampshire in Alresford, as we have realised we don't want to be away from our family network long-term (we are moving now before our son makes too many friends and connections etc).
Long story short, we are looking for the right primary school in the area with the bigger picture of secondary schools in mind. Have had a nightmare with primary admissions so far outside of Hampshire, so we are keen to tee things up for more success with this move. Can't quite afford what we want in central Winchester and love Alresford as a town to live and the schools in the area look good on paper. Have visited various schools nearby but looking for further insight that we might not get from a visit.
Anyone have any insight into Itchen Abbas, Cheriton, Ropley and Sun Hill? We really like Itchen Abbas, but concerned about an onward journey to Henry Beaufort, as have heard less favourable things about it in comparison to other secondaries in the area, (would love Westgate but I guess that is unlikely due to catchment and how good it is doing in recent years). Also, would really like some feedback on Perins (which we are in catchment for); I have heard great things, but equally really bad things, so not quite sure how to judge it. Of course we would visit all schools in time, but before we make the final commitment with our purchase, we want to at least have done all the research we could have to give us the best chance of settling for many years.
Please be kind, thanks!