Looking to move into Exeter - question about state and independent schools and bursaries and good areas where to move

[Martina10]

Hello, my husband and I are looking to move into Exeter soon, and we have two kids, one 2 years old and another one of 6 months. I am looking to maybe buy or perhaps rent for one year and buy later in an area where schools are good (at least Ofsted 2) and be near shops and amenities. I have seen St Leonards that looks nice and St Thomas but only one block that seemed a little bit dull (I am sure there are better places though within St Thomas). Then I have seen at Heavitree online and the only state school I've seen was categorised by Ofsted as 4! All the rest where independent schools..... Could anyone advice me where would be a good place to rent/buy thinking about the kids' school?
Thanks in advance!
Martina

Does it need to be Exeter itself? There are lots of villages within commuting distance which have small primaries. Eg Thorverton, Silverton and Bickleigh. Could you think about finding a good primary then using private for secondary?

I'm not sure about the independents. I know Maynards (girls) has quite a good reputation and there is also St. Margarets and there is also Exeter school which I think is boys. If you were prepared to go out towards Tiverton, there is Blundells which has a good prep.

You're better waiting until someone who still lives in Exeter comes along I left in the mid 1990s so my knowledge is a bit out to date

Sorry I forgot there is also Exeter Cathedral school and there is one in Heavitree called Bramdean

Thanks Dilemma456... my husband prefers to live downtown Exeter, I would not mind to live in the villages, seen a really nice house in Silverton, so we actually need to go and check it out better. Thanks for the data, I'll check the info of these schools online. Right now I prefer to have all state education, I do not know if we'll be able to afford the independent ones (I have two boys!) Thanks again for your help! :)
Did you like living in Exeter?