Hello, it's pretty quite on here, probably better trying the main education section - you may have done this already and have answers but I'll help as much as I can.
I don't live in Dunblane but I do have 2 boys aged 14 and 13 at the school via placing requests. We are not local so cannot access the limited transport available.
There used to be 2 school services and a lot of the local children used them and paid as they were not the requisite 3 miles away to be able to qualify for free transport. Sadly I think that facility is gone or at the very least only runs part of the year, those in catchment and more than 3 miles do get free bus transport. The rest either walk or get lifts by car. Living outwith catchment does not seem to be an issue if you wanted a place. You could move to Bridge of Allan and use the Train or Public bus which takes you within a reasonable walk of High school.
My children attend the High school because the eldest had bullying issues at primary, thankfully we have had no issues at high school. It seems to be fairly rare but i have heard of incidents and the parents have not been happy with the way it's been dealt with, but to be fair I think it is rare for anyone to feel that it has been handled well.
As far as I know from friends etc, all the primary schools are good - Dunblane primary is the closest to the High school, St Mary's is a very small school that is linked to the church I think and is fairly difficult to gt into to, Newton Primary is at the opposite end of Dunblane from the High School.
I can't really comment on places to live as I don't live there, but it is fairly expensive though there are some ex council houses as well.
The school is fairly academic and I find it quite clique (or however you spell it!) The parent council is like some secret service for those and such as those. It does however suit my children well, they are happy, have some lovely friends, and appear to be doing well (currently 3rd and 2nd year). There seems to be a fair choice of after school sporting activities that my children have declined - I'd say it has a higher "geek" quotient than most high schools but seems to do well from a sporting point of view too. there seems to be music groups too (also declined by my boys!)
The 3rd years are about to choose their subjects for National 5 so it would be worth getting information about that sooner rather than later if you are fairly sure you are moving there. Though maybe your son is a young 4th year already?
I hope this helps - I know a couple of other people on here with children a similar age as your eldest so feel free to message me if you want more info or if you'd like me to give them a nudge to your question.