Moving to Wiltshire

[MummyMast]

We're a UK/NZ family of 4 who have been living aboard a sailboat for the past 3 years- travelling, working, homeschooling. Now looking to settle on land near inlaws in Kent. Kent, Sussex & Hampshire all seem a bit too expensive for us right now so we're looking at Wiltshire but know nothing about it. Can anyone give us a rundown of cities/towns etc, the good, the bad, the ugly?
Our kids will be 10 and 12. Not interested in grammar schools. Would ideally like to be semi rural, on the outskirts of a town with easy access to after-school activities. Looking to rent initially, budget of around 1500 pcm but less would be great! Will be moving in March. Any insights would be much appreciated

Pewsey Vale school is a hidden gem. Great SEN and really good vocational.
It saved my daughter when she'd been bullied elsewhere.
It is always compared to the Marlborough academy but they don't want the sen or slightly alternative kids.
My DD eventually went to Oxford afterwards and is off the Cambridge this year for her next degree.
However Pewsey is very white and gossipy. Some pretty houses.

Last Pewsey Ofsted was Requires Improvement in 3 parts and last year only 25% of kids got grade 5 or above in English and maths.

On top of that behaviour at Pewsey Secondary has always been poor IMO and the range of subjects they offer is minimal, there is no 6th form. Everyone who cares about academic attainment gets their child into Marlborough IME - and Pewsey has the rest. You can put your child into an academy Primary just outside Pewsey and they will likely get into Marlborough if that's what you want - but it's too late for the 12 year old obviously.

Pewsey is fine to live in though, countryside is lovely and has a train station.

Hum I don't agree.
St Johns is tough if you need support.
It's a FIFO school. In the days of Dr H it was excellent and I think the academic attainment statement is rude. I cared very much about my DC. Both are successful adults. My DD had been to the Marlborough academy and was attacked. It could have ruined her life as they did sod all.