Best schools (state and private) around Swindon and Cirencester??

[Sjhar]

Hi, jw if anyone can shed light on primary schools - debating between state and private at the moment. Currently looking at Pinewood,possibly Rendcomb for private. For state - Wanborough / Ashton Keynes / other village school recommendations? Small classes, focus on child's individual needs / abilities, outdoors time preferred. Any advice pls - preferably on personal experiences or friends / family? Thank you

I am secondary teacher so not best person to respond even though 15 miles from Swindon. However I have friends who have used both private options. One set through Pinewood, 4 children. All sporty, very happy other than getting charged for every single intervention suggested. Other set, 2 out of 3 children (less academic than sibling) through Rencombe, again both sporty and well supported. Only real issue I know of was that at GCSE level Maths classes, though reasonable size, had a wide range of ability which meant individual needs not really met so a Maths tutor used for support for both.

Not sure about Pinewood, but Rendcomb does seem to be increasingly popular amongst my friends. Forest school and masses of open space to explore, small class sizes and lots of support in place. Would recommend visiting the schools to get a feel for the places though - I am a great believer in the gut reaction - especially when you meet the teachers and see the children in school.