Hampshire schools

[GC1979]

Hi everyone. We are moving back to the new forest after living in Dorset for 7 years and I’m trying to find a secondary school for my 13 year old. The only places with spaces are Testwood school and Romsey school and I’ve heard bad things about both. Does anyone have any experience with either? We are moving to Ashurst and she’s a bright, well behaved girl but a little lazy and has to be reminded to do homework (although that’s improving). She’s not a girly girl who’s into boys and makeup so won’t fit in with the popular kids.
I just want her to be happy and do as well as she can. Does anyone have any opinions?

Mine both were at Romsey pre covid.
It's a good school.
My younger one struggled a bit but I don't really think that would have been different elsewhere.
Good pastoral care.
Would happily recommend.
Bit of a trek from Ashurst though?

Edit to add:
I also know various parents whose DC have just left y11 and they seem happy.

Biggest issue seems to be lack of flexibility over GCSE choices/ dropping for less able kids but I'm not sure many schools are great on this due to progress8 etc measures.

Have you looked at Southampton schools? They might be more doable from Ashurst than Romsey? Even Bournemouth might be easier by train

Mine is starting year 7 elsewhere locally in September so no experience of either, but we viewed Testwood - we didn't visit Romsey as too far out of catchment to get a place. Romsey School was oversubscribed for year 7 entry this year, if that's any comfort, and has been for the past few years. Testwood wasn't...
Friends who viewed Romsey for year 7 entry this year said good things about it. It's a trek from Ashurst, and your daughter wouldn't have many friends in school living nearby (they'll all be at Hounsdown) though Romsey is in a MAT with Oakfield Primary in Totton so a few Totton children from Testwood catchment go there through that link.
Romsey do a 2 year GCSE course with options chosen during year 9, which might give valuable breathing space for someone moving at 13. Testwood currently teach a 3 year GCSE course with options chosen in year 8 - they're moving to a 2 year GCSE course in the future but not sure how that affects children further up the school. They're v flexible with subject choices and combinations though.
If you can do the Romsey commute, I'd visit both ASAP and go with your gut.

Highcliffe school might be a choice. Not sure if the school bus goes as far as Ashurst but the train would be easy.

I'd also recommend Romsey. When children are bullied elsewhere or their schools can't meet their needs parents fight to get them in there. I think there is a bulge class in at least one year. Strong on care and mental health support.

Have you considered a train commute to St Anne's in Soton? I've heard rave reviews of Cantell recently but it might be too far.

Population in local school years dropped significantly after current Y11 cohort so hopefully you can soon find a space.

Thanks everyone. As mentioned oakfield in totton is catchment for Romsey and Romsey is only a 15/20 minute drive from our new home. She’s currently at a Wimborne school which would be a 45 minute commute and I imagine the Bournemouth schools would be similar. She has friends at Hounsdown and it’s our catchment school so it’s frustrating that it’s full. She’s on the waiting list but I don’t want to move her twice so if nothing comes up before September I won’t want to move her again.

What bad things have you heard re Romsey? From how many people? Just interested.

Both mine went to Romsey & a few friends now have children there, no complaints from anyone.

Unlikely anyone at Oakfield actually lives in catchment for Romsey, they'll mostly be in Testwood catchment, but get admissions priority for Romsey as out of catchment applicants at a feeder junior school.
But that said, if you can drive her, Romsey isn't a drama in terms of journey time. If she has to travel independently, though, it's a 45+ minute train journey (doable, of course, but a pain), whereas for Testwood she'd presumably be eligible for school transport (?) as it's your closest offer, or she could cycle in 20 mins, so independence would be easier.
At the end of the day it's about finding the best fit for your child, so the only way to choose is to look at both with open minds and then make minds up.
Crossing fingers Hounsdown comes through for you with a place and you don't have to decide!