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Moving to Salisbury a good idea?

2 replies

cutler13 · 30/09/2013 08:55

New to this so apologies if I've got the wrong idea!
My DP and I are currently living in Bournemouth and are considering a move to Salisbury. We love the city itself but I'm torn when it comes to schooling. We have a 7month old girl and we will be buying property so want this move to be somewhere to settle at least until DD has finished school (long way off I know).
What are the schools like? I've heard they're good but the grammar schools are difficult to get into etc?
Also what is there to do with small children locally? Mums/toddler groups?
And the people, what sort does the city attract as a general rule? Any surrounding areas you'd suggest instead of Salisbury? Hampshire?
Sorry for so many questions, guess I have a lot to consider.
Thanks in advance!

OP posts:
lizziegardener · 01/10/2013 11:52

We've lived for 20 years in Salisbury, so all 3 of our DC have been schooled here. It's a great place to bring up children, imo, and no problem finding really good primary education. My 3 have all been to Wyndham Park Infants and St. Mark's Junior (separate schools, but all on the same big site, and work closely together), and have been/are very happy there. There are many other good schools - some people prefer to send their children to the smaller village schools. You can look at the performance indicators here: www.salisburyjournal.co.uk/li/primary_schools.compare.Salisbury/ and check OFSTED reports, but the 'feel' of a school is important too.

Secondary education isn't so easy. It's largely single-sex - both the Grammars, and two of the main 'Comprehensive' schools. (In inverted commas, because they're not really comprehensive, as those considered the brightest at age 10ish have been creamed off!) My two older ones went to the Grammar. Yes, it's a great academic education - one of the best in the country - but not the be-all and end-all. The Grammars run a joint 6th Form which is open to applicants from other schools, and there are many who do well enough at GCSE level to study their A levels there. There are quite a few Salisbury children (esp. boys) who bus to the Comprehensives at Downton, and Burgate (which is out of county and has its own 6th form).

This is quite a way off for you, so won't overload you with info!

From my experience, albeit some years ago, there are lots of mum/toddler groups, activity groups (music, swimming, movement) aimed at mums and babies/toddlers. I belonged to the local NCT group for a while, and that's a great way to meet other parents. All the parks are great for younger children. Not so much for teens to do, but that's another story! Sorry this is a bit long - hope it's of some help Smile

cutler13 · 07/10/2013 09:30

Thanks a lot. I've had lots of opinions from family members etc, none of which live there so its good to hear from someone who does!
It seems a lovely place to live, there's just so much to consider!

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