Colchester state schools - recommendations please for schools where academically bright DC's won't feel like geeksht children

[piggywigwig]

We're struggling to find back-up schools if DD2 doesn't get in to CoCHS. Years ago, we had a taste of a school that allegedly had a special class solely for academic high-fliers. Within 2 years, 4 pupils left, bullying was rife, teachers left and so did we. We're desperate to know if anyone can recommend somewhere to consider as an alternative. We're well out of catchment for the one we know is brilliant, from DD1's time there. We'd like somewhere that DD2 won't feel like a geeky idiot - she loves to work and had Level 5 at the end of Yr 5.
We'd be so grateful for thoughts

oops, that title should say "geeks"

Is the one you are trying to avoid your local school? Do you know people with children there now? A few years ago it was practically impossible to get into any of the more sought-after schools unless you were in catchment, at least for Year 7, but perhaps things have changed.

We're not going to our local school (there's quite a few from DD's class who won't be going there, either) and the next one geographically, is the one I mentioned above. It's such a huge decision.