Have you put yourselves on the waiting list for the preferred state school? Places do move, even in the weeks coming up to starting in September, even in the ‘preferred’ schools.
Forest: very few facilities. Not even a hall for performances. Know people that love it but primarily people who worry that their children wouldn’t cope in a class of 30. Don’t think their numbers into grammar have been great lately. You may find someone with more up to date info.
What’s your end game in terms of secondary? I realise you may not know that yet! If it’s MGS I’d leave them in the state infants and move to MGS at 7+
If it’s grammar: I’d give your state primary a go. Most of the schools are very good and you may be pleasantly surprised. You can then tutor for 11+ as and when.
APS has a reputation for getting them into grammar...even when they may not be suitable for grammar - ie they cram them and then they may struggle there. Better facilities than Forest.
Hale Prep: hear very mixed things...personally I don’t ‘get’ paying for a school with so few facilities unless they weren’t coping in the state option or if it was really not up to scratch. They do expand numbers in juniors. I’d only do this if I was unhappy with the state option and I definitely wanted state grammar secondary. Know some who love it though. It’s got some with more money than sense (with the plastic fantastic, trout pout mummy to match...), some hard working middle class professionals.
If you think you want private secondary then look at MGS/Cheadle/Stockport/Grange from 7+
If you have a bright middle class child (this area is teaming with them 😁) then they are likely to do very well in any state primary around the area.
Would you be willing to say where you got? Personally, if it were Broomwood or Breadheath I’d look to move. Any others I’d give them a go and see how they do at least for infants.
Good luck!