Blenheim V Epsom and Ewell Surrey

[feetupandrelax]

We are currently going through the stress of trying to select our first choice secondary school in Surrey. We are close enough to both Blenheim and Epsom and Ewell to be likely to secure a place - but which one is better?!?!? Currently unable to do actual tours so we are currently basing our opinions on results and the website. Any more practical insights would be greatly received!

First I should say that I've not had DC at either. But have lived in the area a long time, did the school tours/open evenings/days three years ago and know lots of DC (and a few staff) at Blenheim and a handful at E&E and would definitely say put Blenheim first. I wanted DS to go there but DH wanted him to go to Glyn so we let DS decide and he chose Glyn "because there's no girls" and because, in my view, DH pressured him into it (but that's another story). DS really regrets it and wishes he had gone to Blenheim (but doesn't want to move as struggles with change) and DH now wishes he had too.

The head at Blenheim who has now been there 3+ years is excellent. He has high expectations of staff and pupils, stamps down on bad behaviour but treats the pupils well. They seem to cater well for children of different abilities. What impressed me most at the open evening was actually that he spoke to the children rather than the parents (unlike at other schools). I know several teachers who currently teach there or used to and all sent their children there, as do several primary school teachers I know, which I think is really positive. The only people I've heard bad-mouth it are either ones remembering what it was like 15+ years ago or teachers who left because they didn't like the changes he was making (and their gripe essentially seemed to be that he actually expected them to work hard and not just give the same lessons over and over again).

E&E is fine. It had a few issues in past (as did Blenheim) but has definitely improved. We're lucky in this area to have many decent schools so in another area it would probably be thought of as a good school and if you get it then sure it'll be fine but Blenheim better in my view.

Which school is better Blenheim or Epsom&Ewell? We have recently moved to UK. Need urgent help!