Relocating to West Dorset

[daisy99]

Hi, we (me, hubby and 3 children aged 7, 4 and 13 months) are planning to relocate from Gloucestershire to Dorset in the next 12 months. We love the area and visit often and we also are a bit stuck secondary school wise where we live right now, so this is why we want to move. Please can anyone tell me what Charmouth Primary school is like and also The Woodroffe School? I've read the ofsteds and been on their websites but I always think the parents know how a school really is! I have all my family local to me atm and friends, I'm a bit worried about making new friends, is it particularly friendly in Dorset to new comers? Thanks

Hello, Dorset is a lovely area. Hopefully someone will come along and answer your question soon!

Hi I'm in the same boat as you moving to West Dorset with two boys aged 12 and 13, I would like information on The Thomas Hardye School since it has become an acadamy. The ofstead report is very old and I believe that the parents have a better overall view of a school. I would also like to make a new circle of friends and would like to know if "outsiders" are welcomed in this beautiful county.

Charmouth has had a good reputation for a while, but their Ofsted this year suggests a big dip. My DD is at St Michael's in Lyme and it is lovely and I'm really happy with the teaching. Their Ofsted just went up to Good this year. Woodroffe is a good school (property listings in the area will say 'In the Woodroffe catchment area'), but the 6th form is smaller than the previous years so not everyone gets in (part of the reason their results are so good, obviously). There is also a grammar school in Colyton, just into Devon. Mrs Ethelstone's in Uplyme (primary) also has a good reputation, but is sometimes full. Marshwood primary is also good.

There are LOADS of newcomers in West Dorset, and there are lots of opportunities to get involved in arts, sports, theatre and festivals of all kinds. These places depend on tourists and most of the great activities, theatres etc are mainly run by volunteers - it's a great way to meet people. It's also easy to have friends of all ages - lots of really fun active retired people who seem more 50 than 70! I'm 50 and have fab friends in their 70s and also other mums from school who are in their 20s.