Cotswolds Secondary Schools

[Felissia2011]

Hi - we're contemplating relocating to the Cotswolds and I would really appreciate some insight into Cotswold Secondary Schools, as I have never lived in the area and don't really have a feel for the schools.

Does anyone have children in the Cotswold School, Burford School, Cirencester Deer Park, Malmesbury, or Farmor's and would be able to share some thoughts with me?

DD is currently in Y7 at a really strong "outstanding" school, and we are hoping to find something similar if we move. We entered her for the 11+ but it wasn't right for her and we withdrew her before taking it.

(Also looking for a really nurturing primary for my younger DD, but Secondary would take priority)

Thank you in advance

I know people with kids in the Cotswold School and Burford. The kids all seem happy and are doing well. Burford is very competitive to get into - people move house to be in catchment.

Thank you for the tips. Do you think Cotswold is slightly easier to get into then?

@Felissia2011 I don't know the area but have you established that there are spaces in year 7 in these schools? It’s really not about "easy to get into" – if the schools are full, you will be waiting for someone in the year to leave, which may happen within weeks, but it also may never happen. And there may be a waiting list which your DC may not be at the top of. Of course the schools may not be full in which case no worries. But I would enquire first before you make any firm plans, unless there are strong reasons otherwise for the move (such as work or being close to family, both more than valid ofc).

Honestly I don't know. Burford is a state boarding school as well so you could look into that. I would think Burford is full and the Cotswold School is well regarded. The people I know that go there have parents that teach there.

I have a child in yr7 in Burford, it's a fantastic school with an amazing ethos towards the arts and tech as well as being academically challenging. However it is also full. I don't know about waiting lists but more people applied for places than got in so i assume there is one.