Secondary schools in Bath

[LovelyBath]

Can anyone help advise me on secondary schools in Bath area please. I'd be interested to know how you find the schools and also about transport arrangements or how your children get to school. We live in the city centre so there's a few to choose from, and I have two boys. I'd prefer them to walk really, driving in Bath is a nightmare anyway and l don't drive. So far we've had a look at Beechen Cliff and St Mark's as I think they are our two closest schools. I liked them both as did my son. Many thanks x

I would suggest you also have a look round Ralph Allen (co-ed) and Oldfield (former girls school (but will be co-ed from Ys7-10 from September) and then you can make a decision on your 3 preferences.
I used to teach in Bath (private sector) and the schools you are considering seem to have good reputations.

Thanks. I think RA might be a bit far from us and need a bus trip and not sure about Oldfield. I hear it didn't want to take boys which puts me off a bit, its tricky to get to too. I agree its good to check out the options too.

I actually think it's good news that you've found 2 schools that you are happy with. I would recommend that you try to have 3 preferences on your form even though it looks likely to be 3rd choice.
Oldfield does now have a new Head so that may mean that it's more comfortable being co-ed as I think it does take a different management style for co-ed schools. Would be intrigued to find out what the girl/boy ratio at the school is like though! Bus service to RUH/Weston would cover Oldfield, I think.

Many thanks for our replies catslife. Yes and I think as St Marks is not over suscribed that would be ok for a second option as would be pretty sure of a place there. I guess the bus might be an option but the bus pass is 16.50 a week so with two kids over 120 a month on top of uniform, trips etc on top of the extra time and stress. So i think I want to prioritise how to get there. Does anyone have any views on the schools mentioned or children there perhaps? Thanks x

Have quite a few friends whose sons go to Beechen and they all seem very happy with the school. It is quite sporty and seems to push the bright boys. Oldfield seems to be more boy friendly now with the new head although it still has a lot of Bristol kids so probably should consider how much of a taxi driver you want to be. Sorry don't have any experience of St Marks

How about Kingswood?