Chester/Great Manchester LATE ENTRY help

[Mia8588]

Hello all,
We are relocating from New Zealand at the end of this year. My husband will be working around the Runcorn area, so would prefer something within 20 miles or so. Also, he would commute and we'd like live near to school.

We have 2 boys, looking at January 2025 start and Years 3 & 8. At this point, we prefer an independent school to make life easier. My main concern is coming from NZ curriculum and trying to gain admittance - every school seems to have an entrance exam. Does anyone have any experience or knowledge of non-selective independent schools? We are not interested in a high pressure, highly academic school. Instead looking for a more wholistic approach. Aside note, boys are keen football and cricket players. Elder son is very gifted in visual arts. We're not from the UK and appreciate all help - Thank you!

[Pieceofpurplesky]

Local independents around are The Grange, Kings in Chester, Abbey Gate or Cransley. Of these, Cransley seems to fit your criteria.

As an aside there are excellent state schools in the area. The Grange and Cransley are nearer to Northwich - you could look at villages like Kingsley, Kelsall or Hartford for living

[Mia8588]

Thank you so much Pieceofpurplesky. Cransley didn't come up in my initial searching - I will definitely have a look now. Of the other schools you mentioned, Abbey Gate was the most intriguing as King's and Grange seemed more academic (I could be wrong?).

[Pieceofpurplesky]

I have friends who have kids at Cransley and they love it. It's a small school and the kids seem quirky. My DS did state and I have no issues with his education, it was excellent.

Places like Kings/The Grange are great for those who are sporty - especially rowing. They are academic though.

I don't know that much about Abbey Gate other than a friend who went there years ago and loved it.

[Celt78]

Runcorn itself has the very nice areas of Sandymoor/Daresbury/Moore. Good state schools at Daresbury and Moore (primary) and Sandymoor itself has a well regarded high school. It's also possible to access the sought after Bridgewater High in Warrington. Area wise it's situated in the old Mersey forest and directly next to the beautiful Bridgwater canal with miles of walks possible along the canalside and through the many Woodland Trust managed wooded areas. Stockton Heath in Warrington is nearby and an lovely accessible walk along the canalside via Walton Hall and gardens. In terms of private/independent schooling, there's the Hammond and King's at Chester, which is about 20 mins drive away. I hope this helps.

[Bartholomewphilipswasrobbed]

Would look at King's (very academic), Abbeygate and the Grange.

[Mia8588]

Thank you Celt78 and Bartholomewphilipswasrobbed. All of your information is helpful. The area sounds beautiful and a few more choices for schools to check into.