Good all rounder state secondary schools

[tamarsf]

Hi all,
Thank you so much for looking into the following, I really appreciate any advise...
We are moving into the Burnham area due to dh job relocation. We are coming to the UK in-year with 3 kids in primary (9,7,5). We are expecting difficulties in getting our 3 to good primaries in the area and will probably have to compromise. That in mind we can still make it into the right catchment for a good secondary. We have bright kids but they don't speak English yet and also we don't want to pressure them (as if moving not stressful enough) to get into a grammar school. So we are looking for a good comprehensive/high school which is non selective. We will be renting first.
Would love to hear from you...panicking....many thanks again

[Agggghast]

I believe Buckinghamshire still have the grammar school system so pupils have to sit the 11+. So that might be an issue particularly with your 9 year old.

[tamarsf]

Thanks for the quick reply:) I agree, it would be an issue for him. Is the 11+ compulsory in south bucks or can we decide not to follow that route?
We are thinking of renting (if we find a house) in one of these areas: Marlow (great marlow school, got a good Ofsted), chalfonts (chalfonts community college, got a good Ofsted) or to cross over to herts...Chorleywood (st clement danes, outstanding Ofsted). We don't know these areas at all (only google and Ofsted research) and we are looking into a long term relocation, so hoping to find a nice community feel, family oriented place. Dh will be working in a Burnham and I will be working from home. Would love to read your thoughts? Many many thanks!

[Agggghast]

I believe it is a choice but the system creams off the most able, not always a bad thing. My knowledge comes from a close friend working at Waddesdon which I gather is a lovely school to work at but nothing more. Lovely part of the world though.
I would suggest checking numbers of EAL because that could indicate the support your children. Also check the Data dashboard on OFSTED, good luck.

[snice]

I would advise reposting this with the area you're moving to in the title-I'm sure you'll get more replies

[tamarsf]

Thank you Agggghast.
Snice, thanks I posted, as you suggested, on the local board as well.

[MumTryingHerBest]

tamarsf Chorleywood (st clement danes, outstanding Ofsted) This school is part of the SW Herts Consortium. Many looking to gain a place at this school sit the SW Herts 11 plus exam. You do not have to sit the 11 plus, however, I would advise you to check how many places are allocated under the distance only criteria. All of the SW Herts consortium schools are heavily over subscribed so you may find that to be in with a chance of gaining a place you will need to be living very close to the school.