Bassett and schools, advice needed please!

[Turquoisegirl73]

Hi there, (my first time posting!).
We have just moved back from overseas, I am originally from Chandlers Ford and wanted to live there as it's close to my parents and friends. Plus we were keen to send our children to Thornden School. However it seems we cannot afford to buy there as we both work from home so need a reasonable sized house.
We are now looking at Bassett, but I know nothing about the schools, are there areas to avoid in Bassett? What primary and secondary schools are good. I have heard of people sending their children to schools out of the area eg Mountbatten and Kings in Winchester? What is Cantell like? If there are any local mums, that could offer their thoughts and local knowledge I would be very grateful.
Thanks!

I don't know that Bassett will be any cheaper than Chandlers Ford? Historically Cantell has had a deservedly poor reputation, has been in special measures etc, but I gather it's improved a fair bit recently. I grew up in Bassett (one of the roads off Bassett Avenue) and I don't know anyone locally who went to Cantell. They usually went to Thornden or Mountbatten. I don't know anyone who went as far as Winchester for school until sixth form when quite a lot of people went to Peter Symonds.

In terms of areas to live, there's all around the university (there's a big council estate, some bit ok but mostly not), Highfield, roads off Glen Eyre Road, any of the roads backing onto the golf course/sports centre and off Winchester Road. Basically it's mostly all ok round there away from the flower roads estate, but even then I don't think it's particularly terrible round there compared with some areas.

Most Bassett children go to Hollybrook primary I think. Otherwise there's Highfield (historically v popular but no idea what it's like lately!)

Thank you, I'm just not sure that Thornden would take children out of catchment from Bassett. I know they take Toynbee catchment. I guess it depends on the year intake. Is Cantell the only secondary school near to Bassett?

There's Upper Shirley, also two catholic schools - St Anne's for the girls (although that's in town really -Bedford Place) and St George's for the boys.

Have you looked at North Baddesley? Not far from CF but would put you in catchment for Mountbatten I believe.

Bassett would put you in catchment for Bassett Green primary, the staff are lovely but they have some very difficult children to deal with. There are Mansbridge or Swaythling primaries too.
Secondary would be Cantell. Bitterne Park would be a possibility and that is rated outstanding. Unlikely to get into Thornden from Bassett.
We moved from Bassett to Eastleigh because of the schools. What about Winchester or surrounding areas? Or Romsey?