advice on Taunton secondary schools

[underwatermummy]

Hi, can anyone give me any insights into the state secondary schools in Taunton? I'm thinking Castle, Bishop Fox and Heathfield. And Richard Huish. I know ofsted requires a pinch of salt but saw that Heathfield dropped from outstanding to requires improvement which seems quite a shift. Currently in Wells, the Blue currently rated good (one child already goes there but we're looking to sixth form options, other child still at primary but year 5). We like Wells but may need to relocate (I know Somerset well so don't need general area advice) And any areas of Taunton nicer than others to live? Both kids are bright, aspirational is fine but emotional wellbeing the main thing as they're both quite shy (and the 'vibe' of a school is hard to gauge from ofsted/the outside) Tentative research at this stage!

Heathfield is awful, the students are out of control there. Bishop foxes is ok I think though and the Castle is bad too

Bishop foxes has a good reputation but I’d try to stay at the Blue school if possible. Sorry, not helpful.

Heathfield has sadly really gone down hill, castle and foxes are both meant to be good and I have friends with kids at both schools who are happy.

Depends on if you want rural or closer to town re areas? Galmington, trull and bishops hull are all nice and in the Castle catchment.

Taunton state schools generally not great these days. Richard Huish has massive class sizes and is a bit of a machine. Taunton itself a bit of a dive -I live there and think you’ll find it a bit of a shock to the system compared to Wells.

Thank you for your advice (and sorry for late reply - first time posting on mumsnet!) Wells is lovely and if the schools in Taunton are not especially fab I guess we'd be better off sticking to the Blue (at least we know it) Thank you for responding!

My husband teaches at castle. It's in the top 5% in the country and is very very good. Albeit with the issues that face every school. I also went there. The management systems is excellent.
Sister works at bishop foxes and is also very good. Both nephews go there and like it.
Heathfield is absolutely awful, we know lots of parents with kids there and something like 70% of the teachers have left.

My DC was at Castle ( left in 2017) It is great if your child is academic, but not so good for the average ability child. I would definitely go with Bishop Fox's for a good all rounder.

That’s absolutely not true about Castle. Not sure where those stats come from. Also some serious bullying issues.