Somerset and Wiltshire Independent Primary schools

[LBMummy]

Hi, we are moving to the Frome area and looking for local recommendations of independent primary schools within 30-40 mins. Our little one is currently in an amazing down to earth school with outstanding outdoor facilities so I'm fearful of a move. She loves it there :( I'm looking for a balance of outdoor space and activites and passionate teaching without the snobbery or cliqueness that can sometimes come with private education. Down to earth uncompetetive parenting. Is that possible? We are hoping to look at Hazelgrove, Sunny Hill Bruton School, Springmead and All Hallows. All advice and recommendations welcome. Thanks

Have you already got an address? If so this will narrow it down. I don't know if you are coming from a rural area, but if not, don't underestimate how long in takes to get anywhere round here. 30mins travel time will only buy you 10-15 miles behind a tractor.

If location is not yet fixed, definitely consider Sherborne Prep; it is just as you describe. Not commuatable from Frome though and I wouldn't say Hazlegrove is either. I have also heard that at Hazlegrove it is necessary to be good at sport to fit in.

The Bruton schools are popular locally.

Monkton might also be worth a look?

Hazlegrove is way too far from Frome and - on my limited experience - is definitely not down to earth.

Springmead and All Hallows are the most accessible: but a lot will depend on what you are considering for secondary - All Hallows is geared up to the 13+ which pretty much means Downside, Wells or boarding school. It's quite relaxed and this doesn't suit every child (or parent)

Springmead is down to earth - plenty of children go on to state schools for secondary, and it doesn't have the grounds of some of the others but they do loads of outdoor stuff, clubs and general enrichment.

At that distance you could also look at the Paragon and Monkton Combe in Bath as well (KES Pre-prep is lovely but on the wrong side, but their prep school is very accessible).

I really liked the girls at Sunny Hill, but it is very small and just wasn't right for us.

No idea what it's like but Warminster prep?

Thank you all for the recommendations. We've visited 4 schools in the area that varied greatly and it gave us a great comparison. The area is blessed with an abundance of good schools and it's definitely down to the individual and the overall sense of feeling you have of what best suits your childs needs. I appreciate all the local knowledge to enable us to visit the most suitable and make an informed decision. The house hunt begins....

Hi LBMummy, just wondering which school you went for and why? We are moving back from Australia next year with three boys - looking to start in Sept 2018 - and going through exactly the same process. Google can only get you so far... :)

Hi LBMummy - which school did you go for and why? If you haven't decided yet, my two go to Perrott Hill and I'd strongly recommend it. Lots of outside space and not snobby at all. But you're right, there are lots of good schools in this area!