Menston or Skipton?

[Meljayfair]

Hi there,

We're having a dilemma at the moment about where we should move to in order to give our son the best chance at secondary school.

We currently live in Haworth and although my nieces thrived at Parkside, we don't feel it is right for him. Oakbank currently doesn't have a great reputation but that might be all it is - a reputation!

We're looking to imminently move to either Menston or Skipton. Ermysted's would be ideal and our ds would have a shot at it. However, if he didn't get in, we're a bit unsure of where else would be in the catchment area?

On the other hand, if we moved to Menston, we understand that Menston is in the priority 2 area for Ilkley Grammar. Might be being a bit dim, but what does catchment 2 mean?! We are Catholic and so a back up could be St Mary's in Menston.

Any help/advice/thoughts/encouragement would be so welcome! What a minefield this secondary school business is!!!

🤗

Are you purely basing your decision on schools? And is there any reason you are only thinking about Ilkley Grammar or the Skipton grammars? I’m guessing it’s because of exam results but it’s worth looking round the schools. I personally would move to Menston as you might also have the option ofPrince Henrys.

Priority 2 means they fill up with all the applications from priority 1 first.

But I think you might still have a good chance at Ilkley Grammar from Menston - my DC has friends from outside either of the admission areas.

I think Menston is too far from Ermysteds though, you’re very unlikely to get in from there.

St Mary’s Menston is having a bit of a plummet in popularity recently, from what I’ve heard.

Prince Henry Otley is good. You could go there from Menston.

Or you could move to Burley in Wharfedale and have a better chance for Ermysteds and a backup place at either Ilkley or Prince Henry’s. More expensive though.

Have you considered Silsden? In area for Ermysteds, South Craven as back up?

@Meljayfair might have been a fluke year, or maybe low number of applicants, but there are a few boys coming in from Menston to skipton (Ermysted's).
However, I would really take a look at schools and select the ones you really prefer then move. If skioton, there is skipton academy and south craven (I don't know much about these schools).

Is there a reason not stay in Haworth and sit for North Halifax?

I think Menston is too far from Ermysteds though, you’re very unlikely to get in from there.

I think they mean Menston would put them in the catchment for Ilkley Grammar.

Thank you all very much for taking the time to post - given me some food for thought!

I’ll let you know what we decide! 😊