Schools in Chester and Northwich

[concernedgran]

My eldest son is moving with his family to the UK from Singapore in March this year. He has four sons. The youngest three need places in Year 9 and in Years 3 and 4. The family are looking for a non-selective mixed school. I'm afraid we haven't a clue. I have been researching for days now, but, as I live in Bucks, I don't really know what schools and areas are like beyond what is written about them.

I wondered if anyone could advise me about Weaverham High School in Northwich and Chester Catholic High in Chester?
St. Nicholas RC is oversubscribed as are all the top schools in these areas.

As the boys have never lived outside Singapore, we feel that a friendly school with supportive staff who might help them to settle into a different culture is the most important at this time.
An emphasis on the performing arts would be a bonus. The child looking for a place in Year 9 is not sporty.
Thank you for your help.

Hi, I've sent you a message with some information about what we did.

@concernedgran

Hi Concernedgran, I live in Hartford and commute to central Manchester albeit part time. Davenham is a lovely place. I can understand your son wanting to go to Frodsham in view of the travelling. All the high schools around here have a large intake of students (several classes within a year) I have never known a child to be turned down from attending one. I have also seen a cross over of children, so you will get children from Weaverham going to Hartford and vice versa. This is not the same for primary schools where the intake is much smaller and is dependent on where you live. May I ask did the boys go to private school in Singapore? What were the class sizes there? You must be getting excited for them moving to the UK.

Leftwich is the closest secondary school to Davenham and is a well regarded school. Sir John Deane's college in Kingsmead 16-18 is local and is also very well regarded. I enjoy the area round there but would prefer Chester as there's more to do for teens and young people.