Good schools for art, drama, music that aren't cathedral schools - south west (within 2 hours of London)

[changer22]

Considering a house move and want to pick up where I feel our current school fails the children.

Just as Millfield is known for its sport, I was wondering which schools are good for the arts?

I don't have a problem with cathedral schools (although I think DH might...) but they are few and far between!

What sort of school?

bedales

Bryanston used to be fairly strong on arts, but not sure if it fits the 2 hours from London criterion.

Ah - that sort of school. Won't weigh in with my exhaustive knowledge of Kentish state schools then!

It doesn't have to be private. It's just that I'm not sure with the National Curriculum being what it is state schools have the opportunity anymore to give much time to the arts.

My state primary had its own swimming pool (rare I know), we all did sewing and country dancing and still about a third got scholarships to independent schools in Manchester.

My DC have half an hour of music a week and only seem to do art if the teacher 'likes' it. I don't think there is any drama.

Isn't there a theatre arts school in Chiswick?

Bedales school is amazing. I have family there and the theatre and library are out of this world (as are the performances)! The children have achieved so much and are wonderful and very down to earth. I wish we could send ours there.

You call your teachers by their first name, there's no uniform and you can bring a pet to school. It all works very well!

They offer scholarships to Bedales (music etc). The music department and teaching is also excellent.

Music at St Swithun's in Winchester is great. But gals only dahling..