Chipping Norton?

[Threecouldbefour]

Hi,

We have been looking at several areas in Cotswolds for a possible relocation.

I would be so grateful for any insight into what family life is like in Chipping Norton, schools, facilities, clubs (dd1 very into dance), housing etc. Very important is having lots of places to pop out to - could be farms, parks, NT estates, villages for a potter and an ice cream, lakes etc They don't have to be 'attractions' necessarily. We lack that where we live and miss it dreadfully after moving here 6 years ago. I'm also due our 4th baby next Summer all being well so that's a factor. It's a tricky balance with little ones and bigger ones to cater for. Although thinking Oxford being near by is good for teenagers?

Thanks so much for any info.

Thanks for the thoughts on Oxford. My Dad grew up in Headington and loves Oxford so he would be happy around that area (they would look to move near us.)

My biggest worry about CN is for our older girls. In terms of our younger ones it would be absolutely ideal.

I looked at Sheila Price Dance School which looks amazing but is in Moreton in Marsh which, whilst not far away, isn't round the corner. Although would be fine if just once a week trip for dance classes. I can see there is a Chipping Norton School of Dance but it's unclear from the website when classes are held and what syllabus it follows (I've never heard of 'BBO' which seems to be what they refer to.)

If anyone has a child who does dance in Chipping Norton I'd be really grateful for any information. Thank you.

To be honest you do have to expect to get in the car and travel when you are in a relatively small town. My DD did dance after school and if classes in MM are after school you might struggle. We frequently had tea in the car when DDs were doing dance and piano, orchestra etc. With four you will find this horrendous if you don’t blag lifts for them or live with what you need in the town. I don’t know BBO dance either.

Is this one suitable? Not exactly in CN but does the standard exams. Is the dance school in CN based at the school? BBO seems to be a franchise.

Thank you very much @PresentingPercy That school looks much better on first blush. I have emailed BBO to see if I can find out some more information anyway. It is at the school I think which would be convenient but our dds are at a good dance school now and I wouldn't really want to send them to something that didn't offer the same quality of training. The Spotlight dance school seems to have a few venues but all about 13 minutes away - same as Moreton in Marsh.

I totally hear your point on how it would be awful doing long trips for clubs with little ones. I've been doing club runs for last ten years but all local to where we lived. Really wouldn't fancy stressful trips in the car with food flying everywhere!

Super helpful, thanks x

My DD did ceccetti Ballet and ISTD modern and tap - all with exams. RAD is the other ballet syllabus often taught. So any good dance school will have syllabi they follow and exams for their students.