Independent schools recommendations pls Ripon area

[lea422]

Hello everyone, Im looking for an independent school for my 3 children, my oldest boy is 9 yrs old, younger boy is 6 yrs old, youngest girl is 3.

My options are:
1, Brackenfield school Harrogate
2, Belmont Grosvenor Harrogate
3, Queen Ethelburgas York
4, Ashville Harrogate ( no nursey)
5, Ladies college Harrogate
6, Queen Mary's ( alot more expensive after year 3)

I been to see Brackenfield last week, its a very small school, only one class each year, and been to QE was very impressive!! But seen a few of the post here.......so ......
Could anyone give me some advice pls thank you very much xxx

Sorry, I don't know much about the private schools, but I went to Ripon Grammar School and it was lovely.
This was 20 years ago mind.
From what I hear, it's still a good school, worth a look.

Yes, I know it is but my children are too young for it, thank you x

Hello - I think you need to think where would be the best fit - I live locally and don’t really know anyone who would choose QE as first option... but have you looked at Cundall? Or possibly Aysgarth (though that is just boys) - might be both worth having a look at - let me know if you have any more questions

Could I pm u pls? Thx

Of course - more than happy to help

QE does not have a good reputation for lots of reasons... I would be wary of it. I worked at Cundall for a bit; nice school. Not particularly academic though, so if your dcs are super bright I would maybe say look elsewhere.

Boss, please could you elaborate on Cundall being 'Not particularly academic', thanks.

lea422, are you tied to moving to Ripon itself?
If so I'd consider the 'best' primary then hoping that your DC can get into Ripon Grammar. Save the money for other things.

I'm more aware of the schools on the East side but less so the Harrogate side.
You also have good options in York.
QE may be an option if your DC are very bright and sporty.

Also, personally, I'd look at schools to 16+ for continuity.

We are living in Ripon, my oldest is only 8.5 yrs old.

lea422, a bit more info may help us advise.

Are you wanting Independent just for Primary, then, say, go for RG? You say that your DC are primary age, but your plans for Secondary are relevant.

I assume there is an issue with your current Primary. Is there an option to move to a different one.

If your eldest went to Brackenfield, say, then they would have to 'move' again in two and a bit years and possibly start all over again with making friends.

I am not sure they will be going to RG or private secondary yet.

I just think private school is much better than state school, I wasn't happy with the school they were at before, I have sent my boys back to China 6 months ago to learn the language as we are Chinese from Hong Kong but my boys born and bred in England so they could not speak Chinese!! I think it's time for them to come back now so I am looking for a private school for them.

I think you need to consider a few things:

• what type of school would suit your children best - are they more suited to traditional academic school or more sporty etc.
• where abouts you think they will end up for secondary school - tbh if they are academic then the grammar school may be a good fit - you need to see where leavers from the primary/prep schools end up. Likewise if you want to aim for public schools certain preps may be better suited than others

Also think outside the box for state schools - they are not all the same and it may be worth looking at others in Ripon or at some of the small village schools - they may fit the bill and very few are oversubscribed

Ah, sorry. The only school name I recognised from your list was QE and I didn't realise they took primary age children.
In fact, despite growing up in the area, I didn't realise there were so many independent schools around.
Apologies I can't offer any advice, but good luck with your search.

All the schools you have listed vary very much from year to year - it seems to me that it is the luck of the draw with who else is in your year.
None of the schools round here (except St Peters) have more applicants than places ........ If you want more academic kind of extension etc, do have a look at St Peters / Olaves (its junior school), York. That's the school that people are prepared to travel to.

I would recommend visiting, and then let your child have a trial day (not possible at Peters a couple of years ago as too many!) so they can see the year group they would be going into.

The York schools are great - OP just be mindful that they would be over an hour each way in the morning and potentially at pick up...

As chococappuccino says though would be worth looking - if you are happy to travel that time grammar school at Leeds and ampleforth would also be within reach...