Good secondary schools

[Jemmima07]

I am looking for a good state secondary school for my son and daughter, within 1 hour commute into London for my husband. We would like a small town or access to nice countryside, any ideas would be appreciated. Many thanks in advance.

Ascot ?? Charters is a lovely school. 1hr to Waterloo and very green. It's more affordable than you think !

George Abbot in Guildford

If what you are looking for is a state school where a high proportion of leavers go to Russell Group universities, Watford Grammar Schools and Parmiter's meet this requirement.

It's possible to live within the academic catchment of these schools, be on the tube line for London and be close to countryside (Rickmansworth, Chorleywood etc).

You'd have to be pretty confident of your child getting an academic place though. Or move to within 200m of one of the schools.

Dame Alice Owen is also a very good state school.

Read this report and scroll down to see specific schools.

Ooh I'll be looking at that tomorrow!

Winchester. 55mins from Winchester to Waterloo. All Winchester secondaries are 'outstanding' and the local sixth form college is one of the very best in the country (according to their website in 2011 41% of students gained places at 'highly selective' universities)

www.perins.net/school-information/ofsted-report/ my son goes here, fantastic school. About 15 mims to Winchester station.

ThreeBeeOneGee's report needs to be taken with a small pinch of salt, as in some areas it is very common for students to have a Gap year, and they aren't classified as going to University (even if they have a firm place for when they return).

The grammar schools in Essex at Chelmsford and Colchester are good - Colchester is 55 mins away on the train and near Constable Country.

St George in Harpenden, Hertfordshire. Does quite well in league tables despite not being a selective. 30min fast train into St Pancras. You need to be 'of faith' though.

Hi. It depends on how old your son and daughter are. If they will be in Year 7 from September, you will find it difficult to get a place. If you are looking for Year 7 from September 2013, you will probably have to be living in their catchment by the end of October 2013. You will get this information from the local authority website, or directly from the school. I am an educationalist, and I really do recomment www.how-to-choose-a-school.org/ because it is impartial, not for profit, and tells how to choose, rather than anecdotally which is the best. Good lulck