Steeple Clayton Bucks secondary schools

[Babybel10]

Husband has job starting in June. Nightmare as we currently live in Surrey, have DD (15) taking GCSEs this summer and DD (10-rising 11) who is academically able but never been tutored in her life. Of course we would look to move just after GCSEs are finished. DH and I both worked throughout pandemic whilst I underwent 3 operations plus DH helped elderly in-laws. We desperately want to get rid of ghastly Surrey mortgage and relish the opportunity to move to Bucks, slice £100,000 off the mortgage and have a fresh start but I’m panicking as I’ve read threads (quite dated ones though) saying it’s grammar or independent only! Neither would be an option for us. We’ve missed 11+ and can’t afford independent. Elder daughter wants to do A levels and younger one thrives in a focused classroom. It’s a long shot but we’re keen on Steeple Claydon / Winslow area. Can children get the Thomas Fremantle School there as that seems to be the best around? If not, where are secondary aged pupils going? Any help/ advice gratefully received as buyer for our home is setting deadlines.

There are Upper Schools as well, where the majority of children go - many of them aren't great, but some are good. Grammar schools also have 12+ entry (& 13+, I think), so there is the opportunity to join later, but of course there is no guarantee of a place if they are full. Are there 6th form colleges within a commutable distance? There is also 6th form entry into the grammar schools.

I live locally, honestly it’s not all Grammar or bust!
Yes Thomas Freemantle is accessible and has a good reputation. You would also potentially be in catchment for Waddesdon school which has an excellent reputation. Lord Williams in Thame is also good with outstanding pastoral care. Take a look at Cottesloe School too. Best of luck

Thank you so much for these comments, really helpful. It’s so hard to juggle trying to do the right thing by everyone in the family and re the 12+, I shall look in to that. Feel awful about moving the children as so many mums just won’t do it but when needs must I guess the best we can do is offer the very best we can and you’re right that pastoral care is incredibly valuable. Hadn’t thought of Thame either!

Would agree that it's certainly not grammar or bust. Have you looked at this: www.buckscc.gov.uk/media/4516548/allocation-profile-2021-final.pdf which is a quick guide to how close you needed to be this year to gain a place in Y7 - gives you an idea of how popular the schools are. Of places already named Waddesdon has a very tight admission range, you might also consider the Buckingham (upper) School though. Do consider Lord Williams's for VI form; being such a big school it has more options than Thomas Fremantle (although TF is a good and very popular choice) and no 'blocking' of options so you can pretty much choose any combination.
As an aside, don't know how rural you are used to, but obviously do consider transport for your teenagers - Steeple Claydon possibly quite limiting for them getting about under their own steam.

Will have a good look at this-the transportation of senior school aged children was something on my mind especially as having worked all through their primary years, I certainly wasn’t looking to be doing school runs twice a day due to limited transport! Yes the A level options were rather limited at TF school in Winslow-thank you, your advice is very useful.

I’m local to the area, have one at RLS in Buckingham, one is private. Buckingham secondary is ok, just an average school. Don’t think it’s any worse than the Fremantle school tbh which I have heard mixed things about. The Fremantle is very small, half the size and has no outside space at all. It’s also quite tough to get into if you don’t live in Winslow - from Steeple you may find a place at Buckingham much easier to get. Waddesdon you’re too far away from unless you’re regular church goers, and Cottesloe is probably too far.
If I were in your position I’d go for Buckingham- it’s larger, better subject choices, has better facilities Buckingham is a nicer town than Winslow which is very small & pretty rubbish.

Gosh you’re quite right-nothing ‘wrong’ with Fremantle school but Buckingham Upper and Lord Williams certainly have more encouraging GCSE grades and A level choices. Feel much better about it being not ‘grammar or bust’! Neither DDs wanted to be perceived as ‘not capable’ just because of timing of the relocation. I’m already looking at transportation-thank you -so helpful.