Outstanding state or independant secondary schools outside london....

[needahol]

Looking to move in the next few years or so, realise things can change, but interested to see what our choices are as we have no idea as to what towns these schools are in, has to be commuting distance to London.

We have 2 boys so boys schools fine

TIA

There are plenty of excellent independent schools and state schools within commuting distance of London. You have to consider whether you want to live in a grammar school area (e.g. Bucks or Kent) or one of the almost stand alone grammar schools in counties where most of the provision is comprehensive (e.g. Reading School, Colchester/Chelmsford).
If you don't mind comprehensives there are areas with very good comprehensives - e.g. in my area, Bishops Stortford, NW Essex and S Cambs.
And if you prefer an independent day school, you'll find good schools in many commutable towns - e.g. RGS Guildford or Perse Cambridge.
Though I'm not keen on the concept of League Tables, looking at league tables for both maintained and independent schools will give you some idea of where the good ones are.

Tonbridge has a great boys grammar school. Easy commute to London. Tonbridge itself is a dump, but there are lots of nice places to live around and about.

Lots of grammars in Essex (Chelmsford, Colchester, Westcliff,Southend) and a fair few good state comps too. However the Grammars are fiercely competeive so not to be soley relied on unless your DCs are very bright.

Some very good independents-New hall (in Chelmsford) and Brentwood. All within east commuting distance of London. Both take boys and girls but teach them separately.

best choice is Essex. Great grammars. Some very good maintained schools. Wonderful independent school in Chelmsford - New Hall; really strong for boys and sport. 30 minutes by train from central London. House prices are good, given promixity to London and your money goes much further than in other home counties.

My daughter is at Leighton Park in Reading. Huge grounds, great sports and lots of activities. They can stay as day boarders until 9pm at night. Three very good meals provided - it really is a lovely school. Although fees are high - there are scholarships and bursaries available.....

don't really know if commutable but winchester turns out delightful individuals and is a top tier school

Canterbury. Outstanding boys grammar, and a choice of private schools too.

Hampshire has lots of excellent schools.
Westgate and Kings in Winchester and Romsey and Mountbatten in Romsey produce "delightful individuals" for a fraction of the price
And there are NO GRAMMARS in Hampshire - yippee.

Hello

As you are considering both state and independent options I would suggest looking at George Abbot and St Peters RC school in Guildford (state), both are good but the latter is outstanding. Competition is high for both and finding property the catchment area is also quite a challenge.

Cranleigh (independent) is good and they have quite extensive scholarship and bursary schemes.

You might also have a look at the state boarding schools (which also take day pupils) in the area such as Alexander and Albert in Reigate and Gordon's. I know parents of ex pupils at Gordon's and it's very good indeed.

www.sbsa.org.uk/

Hope this is useful!

I think it depends on what 'outstanding' means for you. Do you want outstanding academic results, or very polite and considerate pupils, or excellent music opportunities, or a school with a farm, or a school where young people are encouraged to set up businesses, or a school where pupils are given quite a lot of pushing, or a school where pupils are expected to be more self-motivated...

ButterflyJane: St Peter's is only an option now if yo are Catholic (Christian won't do any more) or go to a feeder. I would also definitely describe George Abbot as Outstanding. Both schools have lovely Sixth Forms now.