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Opinions on Oxfordshire Independent Primaries? Chandlings, OHS, The Manor…

2 replies

CuriousParent2025 · 21/09/2025 22:13

DD is 2 and a half, outgoing and bright. We are keeping her at her lovely local nursery due to year round care, but from reception have decided to take the plunge and go private. It’s a stretch for us but as she is our only we want to give her the best.

We recently went to the Chandlings open morning and were very impressed. Literacy and the arts are important to us, and the library was well stocked, up to date, the art was individual. The outdoor learning and grounds were phenomenal. Compared to OHS, facilities were brilliant, we liked the holistic focus as opposed to purely academic (though hope DD will be academic as well as happy!)

Came on mumsnet to check what people think, and found mainly out of date threads about it. Does anyone have current or recent impressions of Chandlings? Especially in contrast to OHS or The Manor (going to their open day next week), or even St Swithuns (our local state). Any insights on the new head, or the takeover by the Radley Group?

I know it’s very much ‘how long is a piece of thread’ question, but any opinions or insights welcomed.

For context, we have no interest in her boarding. We want her to be encouraged creatively and in sports as well as academically. We are both successful, Cambridge-educated creatives so are ambitious for her but not to the detriment of her happiness. If she has the ability, we would be aiming for SHSK or OHS at secondary.

thanks so much in advance!

OP posts:
Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
Dancefloortragedy · 21/09/2025 22:27

We sent our child to Chandlings and couldn't have been happier. There are some truly fabulous, skilled and supportive teachers there and In my opinion it's a wonderful, happy place. By all accounts the new head is a great, solid choice and will carry on with the previous ethos.

Mossie123 · 21/09/2025 22:27

Hello from a St Swithun’s parent 👋

I have a child in Y1 and a daughter who has just started Y7 at SHSK on an academic scholarship. I really recommend St Swithun’s. Feel free to PM me x

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