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Secondary education

Connect with other parents whose children are starting secondary school on this forum.

Original poster

Where to live in the uk that has excellent state schooling?

62 replies

Shark74 · 26/03/2013 06:54

We may be moving back to the uk from living abroad for the last few years. Two daughters age 8 and 6 so am more concerned about secondary schooling. We do have a house in the uk but we will simply sell and move anywhere in the south of England as we have family there. Any advice/opinions would be gratefully received.

OP posts:
MrsExcited · 26/03/2013 10:28

Pates in Cheltenham is a state grammar and is one of the best schools in the country (independents included) it offers more than just a good academic mix it has a lot of ex curric going on, again though Cheltenham is an expensive place for a house!! Also very competitive to get in, there are other grammars in Stroud and Glos, and some very good non selectively all around the Cotswolds.

Personally you will find good schools all over the country, I think you need to set a more localised search, then look for the best schools in that and go from there.

ISingSoprano · 26/03/2013 11:13

Another vote for Winchester. Excellent secondaries and a sixth form college/FE set up which is outstanding.

MarjorieAntrobus · 26/03/2013 12:01

Personally you will find good schools all over the country, I think you need to set a more localised search, then look for the best schools in that and go from there.

Yes, exactly what MrsExcited said ^^.

minesawine · 26/03/2013 12:10

London is not south, I know. But Ealing schools are really good at the moment. Wink

Befuzzledagain · 26/03/2013 14:31

This reply has been withdrawn

This has been withdrawn by MNHQ.

Befuzzledagain · 26/03/2013 14:33

This reply has been withdrawn

This has been withdrawn by MNHQ.

Karoleann · 26/03/2013 14:38

Buckinghamshire, good primaries and grammar (although the alternatives if you don't get into grammar aren't great).

We live near beaconsfield

dumbelina · 26/03/2013 14:41

Wokingham has across the board a good standard of both primary and secondary schools

ISingSoprano · 26/03/2013 15:22

befuzzledagain Surrey is like Hampshire in that they have a system of 11-16 schools and separate sixth form colleges.

lateSeptember1964 · 26/03/2013 15:26

I can't get the link to work!

holidaysrcoming · 26/03/2013 16:01

That is not correct about Surrey schools having separate sixth form colleges. There are a few but most are schools. George Abbot, Howard, St Peter's Gford, St Bede's Rehill all have sixth forms.

ISingSoprano · 26/03/2013 16:10

sigh ok - most Surrey schools do not have sixth forms but some do.

malinois · 26/03/2013 16:25

befuzzledagain A lack of sixth form is nothing to worry about. Godalming, Farnham and Farnborough Colleges are excellent and seem to produce more mature and independent students than many school sixth forms.

JenaiMorris · 26/03/2013 16:31

I know bugger all about Surrey but I do know that an awful lots can change in 8 years, befuzz so I wouldn't even begin to start thinking about sixth forms!

re Bath secondaries, there were four single sex but now one each of the boys and girls schools have become co-ed, so there are now (at last) 3 co-ed non-denominationals, one boys, one girls, one co-ed RC and one co-ed CofE (these two have recently come together and will share a brand new sixth form - this was finalised ever so recently just to add weight to my opening comment re a lot changing in a few years).

JenaiMorris · 26/03/2013 16:33

And as mal says there's nothing wrong with sixth form colleges.

Lulabellarama · 26/03/2013 16:35

Horsham has an amazing girls secondary, Millais. And a great mixed school, Tanbridge House.

I'm a bit perplexed about the Ealing comment. Drayton is good, but not sure where else would be considered 'excellent'?

mummytime · 26/03/2013 16:51

Not all of Surrey is 11-16, Waverley (Godalming Farnham is), Guildford isn't, neither is Reigate I think.

mumsneedwine · 26/03/2013 18:09

Ascot. All good primarys and a great secondary. It's not all silly expensive. Forests, space and good transport links. Well, I like it !

Mendi · 26/03/2013 20:27

Just to point out re the Surrey 11-16 thing: Farnham is in Hampshire hence follows the Hampshire protocol of 11-16 then separate sixth form. Farnborough is also in Hampshire rather than Surrey.

All the schools I know in Surrey go through to 18 but then I only know about Guildford schools.

daisydoodoo · 26/03/2013 20:31

Wokingham borough. Mostly very good/excellent schools. A good choice of secondary as well.

TCOB · 26/03/2013 20:39

North Cotswolds - three outstanding primaries and two outstanding secondaries I. about a fifteen-mile radius. It's the only reason we pay through the nose to be here Smile

twooter · 26/03/2013 20:45

Solihull

mummytime · 26/03/2013 22:57

Farnham schools are Surrey. Godalming schools also go to 16. I think most Woking schools are also11-16.

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