Moving to Exeter for Summer 2017

[Dededum]

We are planning a move to Exeter.

Terrible timing we have two boys one who will be starting GCSE's and the other A levels. Ideally good state sixth form college for eldest and maybe private for youngest, smart but unfocused so probably not Exeter college or state. Don't really mind which.

Any thoughts on good schools either private or state.

DS2 present school has 519 pupils (3-18), in year 9 there will be 50-60 pupils. Think that is ok. St Wilfrids in 2014 had 80 pupils in whole school. That is too few.

How hard is Exeter College to get into? Is it the premier academic school in the area?

Nothing against state, think I will look there?

Exeter college is the main sixth form college in the area and most go there to do A levels, BTECs etc. Very very few state schools have sixth forms here. I have never heard of a problem with places at the college.

Exeter college is now t hard to get into at all!

NoT

I have to say, our secondary state schools aren't great on the whole. You'll also prob find they're massive in comparison to what you're used to. More like 300odd per year group

Sorry I meant Exeter School!

I have nothing against state, DS2 went to a junior state with 100 in a year and would cope, though would probably not do much work.

Oh yeah haha exeter school hmmm. Well ds1 took the entrance exam there when he was 13, he scored in the top 10 but they didn't really want him as he didn't fit the mould. Their loss. He went on to get 10 A*! So yeah you have to be very able academically, ideally a good all rounder inc sports and hopefully music and adhere to some unknown 'type'

But obv that's just my experience!

Well DS2 is a good all rounder but a bit lazy and creative so Exeter probably not for him. And we don't like cookie cutter sort of education.

So choices - very small private, large state if we can find one with places and two year GCSE or stay where he is and board.

That is about it but don't be put off Exeter because it is a lovely place to live. Exeter school is highly selective. I have friends with kids there who like it but they have to work hard. You could also look at Blundells in Tiverton. There is a school bus from Exeter or you can board. It is a larger private school which is non selective.

Don't think Blundells is the right place.

Ok, getting my head round what needs to happen. Next academic year when I am living in Exeter I will go and look at the state schools for DS2, put in an application for Exeter College for DS1.

Thanks for all the advice.

Looking at property prices, selling in Surrey we will be mortgage free! Hurrah!

Great. Feel free to direct message me if you want anymore advice about Exeter.