Independent (or very good state) schools for 3 children in Wilmslow area.

[ConstanceMummy]

Hello, we are moving into the Wilmslow area and I have three children. I am moving my eldest DD (15) during her GCSE year which I don't really want to do but DH's job means we have to. He has taken a new position at RMCH as an orthopaedic surgeon, so commuting to schools in Manchester could be an option.
I know it is rather late to apply but hoping given the circumstances they may take them.
My second eldest is 11 so would be going into year 7. My third eldest is 8 and so will be in lower school.
Any help will be greatly appreciated.

Hi I don't know the area so can't help on that, but is there any way you can avoid moving the oldest? Moving at the start of year 11 is a real nightmare; English books may be different, or done in a different order; history topics ditto; same language may not be offered etc.

Could DH do a weekly commute for a year or is there someone the 15 yo could stay with in the week? Seriously I would look at all possible options first.

Lots travel from wilmslow to Stockport grammar and cheadle Hulme school

But wilmslow high isn’t bad either!

I agree, don’t move the eldest. Could you not stay in Manchester for 12 months and then you’ve got until sept 2019 to sort schools which is better all round?

Just realised you’re not in Manchester but looking at schools there. Still stands though; do you need to move right now?

Withington girls school is the best in the area

I've been talking with DH, we live in Newcastle currently and so he could come home on the weekends. Thank you for your help, the school my eldest is at currently is an amazing independent secondary, and my youngest two attend the prep.
I think the best option is probably to stay for the next academic year. Thank you again.

Sounds like a plan

You do need to know that in terms of state schools, Wilmslow High is significantly over -subscribed and you will be lucky to get a place on appeal. The problem is that in the area, Wilmslow is the only state secondary school, so you could end up living near the school and only getting a place at schools a significant distance away.

I wouldn’t move mid GCSEs, that would be so difficult for your child. Try to avoid it if possibly for another year.

When you do move, look at King’s Macclesfield. It has a very good reputation and is co-ed. Same with Stockport Grammar. You’ll find plenty of Wilmslow children at both schools. For single-sex, he best schools in the wider area are Withington Girls and Manchester High School for Girls along with Manchester Grammar for boys. These schools would require a bit of a commute from Wilmslow though.

What’s made you choose Wilmslow by the way?

Withington, Manchester Grammar and Manchester High all bus children in from Wilmslow if you're looking for private.

Also, if you're willing to consider state, then the grammar schools in Trafford (Altrincham Girls and Altrincham Boys) bus children in from Wilmslow. Do some research as it involves taking entrance exams in Year 6 for a place in Year 7 (places do become available occasionally in later years).

Of the indies mentioned above, Withington Girls is very well regarded and has quite a stretching entrance exam. Manchester Grammar for boys is similar - Manchester High / Cheadle Hulme also have an entrance exam but not as difficult. I don't know about Kings or Stockport. My point is that its not quite as simple as choosing the school - quite a few are selective indies so your children will have to sit and pass the entrance exams.

Yes I would stay until the GCSEs are finished - most people would not move a child in GCSE year. I was at independent schools in Newcastle.
Withington Girls for her sixth form may be the one to move to and Manchester Grammar... ah I see people are saying the same. As with most private schools they choose you not vice versa so best to sit exams for quite a few to be on the safe side.