bokboy22:
The search function is working again
I don't think anybody is qualified to nominate the three top schools. Nobody really has the insight.
Regarding schools to avoid, there are loads of comments on pprune from people with bad experiences, and just as many contradictive arguments. You will have to research the individual schools you hear about, by using the search function.
Stapleford has a rather good reputation here on pprune, and there are a number of lengthy and positive threads about the school, with the odd negative comment thrown in.
Everybody will recommend you to go and visit the schools you consider. What I did was researching on pprune, then picking four places to have a closer look at, and in the end I made my choice based mostly on location.
The Viking