advice on secondary schools exeter please

[judeathome]

Thinking seriously about moving to Exeter (St Davids Hill area), and will need to find secondary school for bright, creative, though somethat sensitive daughter. Probably state school but might consider independent school if funds stretch to it. Have looked at all school websites, but would really welcome advice or tips from real Mums! Very many thanks.

[thetasigmamum]

What year is your DD in now?

[applesandcider]

Maybe post on the Exeter mumsnet page? What year is your DD in? What year would you want her to start in?

I only have experience of the independent schools - Exeter School - academic co-ed - a bit boy orientated IMO, Maynard very very academic and very selective girls school, St Margarets, girls school, not so academic, but still a good school. There are a couple of others around Exeter, Blundell's - co-ed (where my DS is in the 6th form) which is a great school for him, but wasn't so good for my DD who went to a different school for 6th form, and Stover School, which I personally never warmed to, but may be worth a look and may be good for your DD.

[judeathome]

Thanks for the advice. My DD has another year of primary still to do: would start secondary in Sept 2012

[thetasigmamum]

You need to tell us more what you're looking for, really. What primary school would you expect to send her to? A posh one? Or a state one? St Davids would be the nearest to St Davids Hill, but that feeds into St James which, you know, you might not fancy for her. If you are planning a state school progression, you need to consider such things as is she very very academic? Colyton might then be an option. Are you church goers? If so, St Peters might be an option. Otherwise, from St Davids Hillyou might well be looking at St James or St Lukes both of which would be a bit of a schlep (although so would St Peters). QE in Crediton might be an option too, a real schlep but I think there is a direct bus from St Davids hill to the school. Exeter school, the Maynard and St Margarets are all walking distance from St Davids hill, but obviously the fees and the extras come to hefty amounts.