Boring ... soz ... BUT NE Aberdeenshire secondaries advice please?

[NoMessNoFuss]

Hi there,

Potentially relocating for OH’s job to Aberdeenshire. Office in Fraserburgh but looking at areas within a 1-ish hour commute as we need a secondary school for our son.
I know from the League Tables which are ‘better performing’ but we just want a nice welcoming school community with good sporting facilities and maybe any that you would suggest avoiding at all costs.
Local football club for teen son would be a deal clincher.

So I’m looking for honest feedback re Ellon Academy, Turriff Academy and any others north of Aberdeen. Meldrum? Inverurie?

Don’t want to be too rural but house prices will dictate where we can settle too.

Any advice welcome.

Thanks v much!

Sorry have very little knowledge if schools in the north of the shire. Think inverurie would be preferable to Turriff but not sure what the commute would be like to Fraserburgh from there. From a commuting POV ellon might be better. Hopefully someone who knows more will come along.

Thanks very much @readsalotgirl63 ! I'm thinking Ellon Academy might be a good option. And I'm definitely not influenced by the fact that Johanna Basford went there!!!

Banff Academy is very good, strong leadership from the new HT has totally turned it around.

Oh, wow, that's interesting! Thanks, @Blurberoo

Yes did think about Banff if you wanted more rural/seaside