North Hampshire Private Schools

[Haggis3]

I'm currently living in North Hampshire and my son is at the local state primary school. We are looking at private schools for his secondary education, but there seems to be a lack of private schools for boys in the area (only interested in day pupil as I don't want him boarding). Does anyone have any opinions good or bad about Sherfield School nr Basingstoke, or suggestions for other commutable schools? Thanks.

There is indeed a dearth of private secondary provision for boys.

Not sure how academic Sherfield is.

Have you looked at Lord Wandsworth - expensive as private education goes?

That said, if you are in the catchment for many of the state schools locally (Robert Mays, Amery, Eggars, Camberley/Fleet schools and others I am sure) I would question what advantage private offers you.

This is really going to depend where in North Hampshire you are. For example the Abingdon bus now starts in Kingsclere. Also what you think you are looking for academic, sporty etc. Most boys who go to private day schools who live in the Tadley, Pamber, Kingsclere, Basingstoke areas travel significant distances each day by car, bus or train and sometimes even a combination.

I'm based in Overton, so in the Newbury, Winchester, Basingstoke triangle. I'm not keen on the local secondary school and with new housing being built I don't think we would get into the catchment for Winchester secondary schools, so looking at the private options. DS is academically bright, but also enjoys rugby and other sports.

Have you looked at Rookwood, is that a possibility?
Is your catchment school Testbourne?

Yes, Testbourne is the catchment school but I've several friends who have children there already and aren't overly happy with it. Do you have any experience of Rookwood? The website looks good, but when I've driven past it looks quite run down - I'll have to organise a visit to get a better idea.

No person experience of Rookwood, but a couple of work colleagues have been v happy, using it for their DCs through from junior then senior.
Just a thought: is Bishop Wordsworth's School in Salisbury a possibility - by train? That has a very good reputation (again no personal experience - but another work colleague is v happy).

Would Perins in Alresford be an option? (State school with specialism in sport) it wasn't oversubscribed last year according to Hampshire admissions and definitely has a few parents from Basingstoke and last year. And if you'd consider Winchester, then it would probably be no different in travel time. Every parent I know is happy especially bright academic ones.