Looking into which secondaries seem very happy/ not too stressed in south west!

[Happyschool]

We are keeping an eye out for schools for DS and especially hoping to find somewhere pupils seem reliably happy as I worry how much pressure exams can bring in contrast to primary years.

We love Godolphin in Salisbury where DD is and it is a very positive and supportive school where girls also seem to do very well . I’d love to hear of anywhere like this whether state or private as so often one learns more from current parents. There seem so many good options but a happy atmosphere / good mental health awareness seems a good place to start
Thank you !

Dauntsey's is a lovely relaxed fee paying school, Malmesbury has an outstanding and happy comp and Balcarras is fabulous comp in Cheltenham which just won a big award. I hear the Marlborough Comp is wonderful but don't know anyone there myself.
Marling Grammar in Stroud is nice (all boys) but stay away from the Stroud High (all girls) it has an awful pastoral reputation. Neither are that difficult to get in to. Kingswood in Bath is lovely fee-paying all rounder.

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

Thank you so much and encouraging to see some recommended already . We are further south than some of these and towards Dorset but it’s useful to have a wide idea and helpful , thank you !

[quote Aboutnow]Dauntsey's is a lovely relaxed fee paying school, Malmesbury has an outstanding and happy comp and Balcarras is fabulous comp in Cheltenham which just won a big award. I hear the Marlborough Comp is wonderful but don't know anyone there myself.
Marling Grammar in Stroud is nice (all boys) but stay away from the Stroud High (all girls) it has an awful pastoral reputation. Neither are that difficult to get in to. Kingswood in Bath is lovely fee-paying all rounder.

www.gloucestershirelive.co.uk/news/cheltenham-news/cheltenham-school-named-one-best-4741247[/quote]
First time poster but long time lurker... I just had to create an account to respond to this

I am a mum of girls at Stroud High School and have found the pastoral system nothing but first class. It is a caring, nurturing, supportive community and I am absolutely astounded at the comment made by @Aboutnow. I would say that as a parent with children at the school, my experience is quite the opposite. Other parents that I know with experience of the school would say just the same. Their support and care has even more amazing over the covid situation and lockdown. My daughters are happy, settled and well supported, as are their friends.

Clearly not all children are unhappy at the school but I know three who have left due to anxiety and eating disorders and Wycliffe College scoops up a fair number between year 7-11. It really doesn’t have a happy reputation but perhaps posters like you can prove that the reputation is unfounded!