secondary schools

[pocketmoneykids]

Hi, we are fast approaching the dreaded secondary school applications and am considering relocating to south Manchester from London. Would appreciate any guidance on which areas have the best secondary schools and general thoughts regarding the nicest areas to live in with children, within commuting distance of Rusholme.

Thanks

There are tons . Do you want single sex, private, RC, CofE, grammar, middle class, diverse??? What type if area are you after? Pm me if you want help

By type I mean urban village, suburbs, city living, country? All can be found within 45 mins of Rusholme but double that in rush hour !!!

Trafford has some excellent secondary schools, otherwise try Manchester Grammar or William Hulme (you need to live pretty close to WH to get in though)

What age children?

I like the idea of urban village/suburbs but willing to consider most areas which have good state schools. We are Christian but open to non faith schools both mixed and single sex (i have B10 and G9)

I am assuming that the system is similar to London where you have to live within few roads to be guaranteed a place at the school? Also how do the grammar schools work are their admissions purely based on exam results?

We are currently at a very nice state primary in quite an affluent area but unfortunately the options for state secondary schools is leading to us looking further afield or at possibly relocating. The nearest Grammars are an hour or so via train which I am a little nervous about, I like the idea of school being a short journey or bike ride away.

Inmysparetime do you have any idea how close for WH?

Thanks

WH primary this year took only siblings. There are more places at the high school but the data is not on the lea web site. If you want grammar school you need to look at Trafford schools not Manchester. If you want urban village head to Didsbury or Chorlton around Beech Rd. You will need to check out primary availability too tho

You will have to call WH to find out this years distance .. As it has it's own admissions. If you look at Manchester lea web site it has the distances for its own schools . Manchester grammar is boys and private. Manchester state schools get slated but I know lots of people who could go private who are happy with them. Manchester schools are comprehensive and diverse. Very Detailed performance data can be found on the Manchester Evening News good schools guide

You usually need to be within spitting distance of WH, depends on the sibling intake and changes each year. If you're after Grammars you need to live in Trafford (most places in Trafford are easily commutable to Didsbury), they're mostly brilliant, choose one based on your DCs' interests and skills. Ashton on Mersey school is great for sport for example.

You could look at Sale or Altringham?

How much if a commute can you stand? The only downside is that rush hour traffic in Rusholme can be hideous

Ok, so it looks as if Trafford has some great grammar schools but am wondering if anyone can make any suggestions as to good comprehensive schools in that area? Just a little worried as to what happens if the children don't pass the grammar school exams...
Apart from that Trafford seems to be ticking the boxes (reasonable commute/house prices), I think a weekend trip is in order to get a feel for the place! Please say if there are any areas within Trafford that I should avoid at all costs!

Ashton on Mersey is a great comp, I'd avoid Sale High (it seems to spend inordinate time dealing with pupils' behavioural issues rather than teaching).

Look at Chorlton and Didsbury too which are only 20 mind from Rusholme. House prices in all the areas will mirror the popularity if the schools. If a house looks cheap it will simply reflect the area.

Wellington School (Timperley) and Altrincham College of Arts (also Timperley) are getting very good results now (based on more and more pupils failing to get into the Altrincham grammar schools so bringing up standards if you like at the local comps).

Partington comes under Trafford but doesn't have a great reputation, but generally (sweeping statement coming up) you can generally judge the area by house prices. If it looks expensive, its probably quite a sought after area. If the house prices are fairly cheap, then its not quite so nice. Obviously thats over simplifying things but useful as a general rule of thumb in and around Trafford.

I totally agree with Mandy. Take a typical 3 bed semi and l

Sorry - then look at price comparisons. The differential is the popularity of the area broadly - it's reputation and school catchment ! Having said that I know people that love less affluent areas and others that will only live in e.g Hale and are happy to pay the price and avoid the riff raff ... Haha

Just to say there are no comprehensives in Trafford, there are four secondaries. Of which I would only rate Wellington. The other three struggle with behavioural issues. I have experience of Ashton on Mersey and so long as your child will get 5 A to C s they are not interested in anything else.

Sorry four secondaries in sale/Altrincham

Must disagree with Inmysparetime (sorry) but I really like Sale High. The pastoral care is really good though, and the results were better than Ashtons IIRC last year. They have new science labs and its being invested in. It is battling against its past reputation of the last generation. It is definitely worth taking a look at and talking to the Head Teacher. She is making a huge difference. I prefer it to Altrincham College of the Arts (going by the children I have come in contact with). Ashton is great for sports, but you do need to live very close.

Exams for the grammars take place in September. The are heavily over-subscribed, and it is frightening the number of children sitting exams for 180 places. You need to be in borough, and hit the score for the best chance.