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Private Vs State School??? in Bath, Bristol area

5 replies

ProseccoOnSafari · 01/03/2021 12:59

We have been living abroad, in Africa for 10 years. I am considering returning back to the UK with my 2 children next year - (they will be 10 & 13), as the senior school options are not that great, where we are.
I would love to continue private schooling but have been horrified by the fees!
We are looking at the Bath, Bristol, Somerset areas, where I know there are some exceptional private schools. Both my children are sporty and do well academically, so we are focused on a school with above average sporting focus. We have looked at Millfield, Monkton Combe, Kings Bruton & Cheltenham College.
Does anyone know if these schools would be:

  1. a good fit for mixed children that have lived abroad for a while
  2. worth the fees - we would struggle to afford this range
  3. exceptional pastoral care - they are both very sensitive (shy) but fun loving children

As a back-up: would I be able to get a similarly high standard of education in state / grammar schools in the area? I would love some suggestions for State schools, as I'm really struggling to make a selection, based on excellent academics and ideally, good sporting facilities.
I am really looking forward to your suggestions and answers.
Thank you!!!

OP posts:
FudgeSundae · 01/03/2021 13:30

I know the area a bit although don’t live there any more and you have picked the more expensive schools - what about King Edwards or Royal High (girls only)? These both are top picks in the Good schools Guide but are cheaper than the options you mention.

You’ll get better responses on a local Facebook group - try Mums in Bath.

ProseccoOnSafari · 01/03/2021 14:39

@FudgeSundae

I know the area a bit although don’t live there any more and you have picked the more expensive schools - what about King Edwards or Royal High (girls only)? These both are top picks in the Good schools Guide but are cheaper than the options you mention.

You’ll get better responses on a local Facebook group - try Mums in Bath.

Thanks for the insight. I will have a look at those suggestions now.
OP posts:
thetell · 01/03/2021 15:01

I wouldn't send sensitive children to Millfield, it is enormous. I would vote for Kings Bruton I know people who have DC who have been very happy there - sporty and academic enough, but more all round and happy than the others you mention. Monkton Combe would be second based on your criteria. In terms of Grammars Stroud have some decent ones, Cheltenham has an incredible one - Pates, and also a very good comp which has just won a huge accolade -

www.gloucestershirelive.co.uk/news/cheltenham-news/cheltenham-school-named-one-best-4741247

ProseccoOnSafari · 01/03/2021 15:33

@thetell - thank you for this. Richard Pate looks interesting, but unfortunately only goes up to Y6. I will certainly look further into Balcarras School. I have been warned of the same regarding Millfield, so good to hear it on this forum.

OP posts:
thetell · 01/03/2021 15:36

Whoops - wrong Pates - this is the one I meant. Very difficult to get in to, but friends have happy DC there and sports very good.

www.patesgs.org

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