Otley secondary school options: Prince Henry's, St Mary's or Ilkley Grammar?

[foxrobin]

Considering moving to Otley in North Leeds, West Yorkshire but we’re a bit stuck on secondary school options as have heard so many mixed reviews. We’re Catholic so had always intended on sending our girls to St Mary’s in Menston but I’ve since heard that Prince Henry’s in Otley itself is becoming a very sought after school. Then there’s Ilkley Grammar to think about but I doubt we would be in the catchment area for that and the girls would likely go to an Otley primary school so would know more people at St Mary’s or PHGS. Does anyone have any experience with these secondary schools? I believe PHGS was recently voted school of the North? Is it fast overtaking St Mary’s as the place to get into? How’s behaviour etc? Many thanks in advance!

DS goes to Prince Henry’s. In the main we have been very pleased with it, especially as he has ASD and any problems they have been extremely quick to resolve.
He could have gone to Ilkley Grammar as we don’t live in Otley and are in the catchment for it. However, we weren’t keen on it specifically as it is a larger school and hence would have been busier for DS to cope with.
St Mary’s has always had a very good reputation in the area, though attending a couple of sports events I found it quite austere compared to the other 2 schools. However that is just my opinion and of course has no reflection on the teaching!

To be honest though, you can’t go wrong with any of the 3. I have heard of bullying at all of the schools, from personal experience at PHGS it was nipped in the bud very quickly. Also, Primary Schools in the area are all very good.

I don’t think you can do wrong with any of those 3 schools. Which is why this area is such a brilliant place to live! I’ve children also at PHGS. My kids have thrived there. They are both high achievers and have loved the school. If you go onto the local Facebook pages you will see very mixed views, but Otley is a very mixed area. There are complaints for example for the school being too strict - as a parent I’m okay with that. If you’re going to be living in Otley, I think PHGS is the sensible choice

If you live in Ilkley you’re unlikely to get into PHGS and if you live in Otley probably won’t get into IGS on offer day . In Burley you can go either way although officially you’re in the IGS catchment. Traditionally you had to be properly baptised catholic to get into St Mary’s (and possibly at a feeder school) but with falling rolls I think it’s less of a requirement.

Our family have experience of Prince Henry's and have been broadly happy with it. Still have a yp there. I would say it is better for more academic children in my experience but that is probably secondary education in general.

I think all 3 schools are mainly good. We chose prince Henry's over Ilkley grammar but this was many years ago now.
Much easier to get into at Mary's now but I don't know much about it.

At prince Henry's, bullying has been rare and dealt with swiftly. Behaviour generally good.

Both Prince Henry’s and St Mary’s are good well respected local schools. I’d send my child to either. If you are actually going to be living in Otley sending them to Prince Henry’s seems common sense as Friends will be local and they can walk to school

Brilliant, thanks for all your replies - seems it’s a good place to move to! Many thanks :)