My MIL friend runs Pooh Corner and it seems very popular and in nice grounds. I sent my DD to feldglings and took her out after 4 months, she really did go into her shell and it did nothing for her. She was such an outgoing girl before sthe started but became so withdrawn whilst there. As soon as we removed her she was back to being her happy noisy self again. I can't say 100% that this was fledglings responsibility, perhaps she justwasn't ready for nursery but I wouldn't recommend it.

Hi,

I'm new to this post and have been hooked reading through it for about the last 30 mins - so much great info. Thank you! I've got a little one of 13 months and hoping he goes to Stepping Stones in Sept 2011. I'd like to start him somewhere else before 3 though and I'm just wondering where would be a good place and anyone else doing this? (currently living in Kings Langley but hoping to move to Berkhamsted by next year)

Thanks!

I went to school in berkhamsted, but as i am 33 my info is probably out of date. I went to berkhamsted school for girls, which merged with the boys school to become the collegiate school. It was ok, but i struggled a bit as it was very sporty and I am not! However, if you have youngsters, I would certainly look at Haresfoot school - it was founded by a couple of teachers from edgerton/rothchilds (the 2 other main schools in the town). My brother was one of the first handful of children that went there and he had the most marvellous time. It was very big on pastoral care and in a beautiful location.

Now I need nanny help!

Anyone know of a good nanny free who could help me 2 days a week?!!

BTW teetering: where do you live in Berko? We're in West Road. Well, we moved there last week and spent a total of 3 days there before moving to Munich for the summer...

Hi! DS1 is in SS2B. Which class is your DS1 in? It would be great to meet - we just moved to Berko last week, but we're spending the summer away. Back late August. My email is sj.blakemore at gmail.com (I hope you can work that out! trying to avoid spam)

I don't know about Pooh Corner but Fledglings seems very popular as far as I can tell.

Drsej sorry only just seen this. And to everyone else, well, I've just come up for air!

DS1 has 2 new children in his new class for Sept (one is a boy) so I wonder if that might be your little one. He has been very sweetly concerned about the 2 newies, and clearly remembers what it was like for him as the newie 2 mths ago!

If you like, let me know your details and we can email.

Hope everyone's well! Totally loving Berko!

Wow, Teetering, this has been the most useful email conversation I've read in a long time, even if it did take me the best part of an evening to get through it! I found it by googling berhamsted school uniform.

We're moving to Berkhamsted this summer and our DS1 (age 4) is going into Stepping Stones 2 in Sept. Teetering: is your DS1 going there too?

I don't know the area at all (but have loved it every time I've visited). However, a couple of people recommended Pooh Corner Nursery (for my DS2 - aged 22 months). The great thing is that they do pick-ups from Berk School, which is very handy if both parents work. Does anyone have views on Pooh Corner?

We go to the place on Lower Kings Road too, we're also private but we really like it there.

Berko school used to have a shop, which sold old uniforms, but I think that's closed now and there is a website - I'll try and dig it out for you.

Certainly all the standard stuff - white shirts etc., we get from M&S for the kids.

(congratualations, BTW - your DS obviously did well on the assessment! )

Well, I go to the Berkhamsted Dental Practice, Lower King's Road, coz they're all lovely there, but it's mainly private. My kids are still NHS, but only coz I pay privately for me and DH. Also, we've been going there since they opened years ago (as Clare Rogers was my NHS dentist at another practice before that) so I don't know if they're still taking on new NHS kids. You'd have to phone and ask, I guess.
They're really into preventative care, but that may be standard nowadays.

Brill, thanks! Now got all the GP stuff sorted.

Can anyone recommend (or warn against) a local dentist?! Filling in all the school forms makes me realise all the things I need to get sorted!

I have a school uniform question! Little one needs his Stepping Stones uniform. As it's Easter the shop (and school!) are closed and I can't check whether we can buy easy stuff like grey shorts and socks, white polo shirts etc from M&S etc. I am hoping so otherwise it's going to get pricey buying them from the regulation outfitter!

That's the one.

Slightly concerning about the long distance to A&E. I hope the ambulances are fast! Good A&E is only 5-min drive from current home. We needed an ambulance with DS1 when he was 3 days old, and nearly needed it with DS2 and I guess it's just reassuring for 'just in case there's an emergency'. Oh well...

Is this the Doctors Commons Road surgery you have mentioned?

www.miltonhousesurgery.co.uk/

Yeah... I guess so??

I was directed there for an out of hours appt for my son.

didn't strike me as any sort of A&E, just general GP / triage sort of service.

What, in addition to the GP out-of-hours service they've already got on site?!

I've used the urgent care centre at Hemel.

it's basically a GP out of hours service.

Def. not where you would go in an emergency!!!!

There is an 'urgent care' centre at Hemel Hospital (West Herts) but no idea what that means, unless its just a sop to stop us whingeing about the fact that they've closed A&E. Only happened a couple of weeks ago, and I only realised when someone spraypainted out the road signs to A&E.
The (fabulous - new) maternity unit at Hemel closed, finally, a year or so back. So people now have to trek down to Watford and just pray that they don't go into labour on a busy Saturday afternoon in the run-up to Christmas when Watford are playing at home. The towncentre is then gridlocked.

Hi,

Just a quickie. Hemel A&E is now closed so, yes, nearest A&Es would be Stoke Mandeville or Watford (Luton is slighly further away but larger)

I'm currently 21 weeks PG so can tell you for sure that the only NHS places you can book in for birth are Watford or Stoke Mandeville.

I'm going back to The Portland to have the baby and thet local midwives don't want anything to do with me!!!

Have a lovely SUnday!

HM

thanks so much! i have asked for a quote through that cleaning company.

i will call those surgeries asap to find out more. huge help.

it's not immediately obvious to me where you would go for your nearest A&E?! NHS website says stoke mandeville, luton, watford etc.

are they really the closest?! and where do most people go to have babies locally? though i am not planning on any extensions to the family in the near future, i have to say...!

thanks again. haribo once i have settled in it would be great to meet

Doctor's Common Road (forget the surgery name) is excellent. I used to be there until I moved too far out, and a friend is a GP there. Lovely.

I use these cleaners and have found them very professional, though I also know Molly Maid operate in Berkhamsted.

As for Drs., I could recommend Manor Street or Doctors Common Road Surgery (Don't have a website for these guys - sorry!).

There is also a little pharmacy on the High Street - Forget what it's called at the mo, but an olde worlde type place and the pharmacist there is great. I often pop in when I have a question re. DS which isn't seriously enough to warrant a doctor's visit!!

Glad the assessment went OK! IS your DS planning to start in September?

HM

Haribo thanks. It went well! I never thought my 3 year old would need to do (or pass!) a formal assessment so early in life! I was emotionally drained afterwards and needed a lie down

Can anyone recommend a local cleaner, and give some idea what the local going rates are?!

Also, we'll need to register with a doctor's s surgery. If there is any local advice on good surgeries you're happy with, or places/particular doctors to avoid I would be grateful!

Thanks all!

Teetering,

hwo did the assessment go?

HM

Wow! COngratulations, Teetering!!!

GOod luck with the SS assessment - I am sure it'll be a breeze.

Berko is a very friendly / sociable place but once you are sorted, if you fancy a coffee, give me a shout!!

HM

Wow, we've reached 200 posts!

Thanks for the walk/ride tips.

We've secured a house and are definitely moving I can't quite believe it!

So, let's just hope the Stepping Stones assessment goes OK

Wendover woods are great - def. where I'd recommend with bikes.

The canal is lovely, but it's narrow and can be busy.. but you can cycle to Tring station (or Hemel the other way) and then get the train back which is always quite exciting for kids!!

Also, agree with Clam about Whipsnade. I've just bought one for us.. Surprising good value!!

Or you could go to Wendover Woods - cycle trails, walks, BBQ and picnic areas and a 'Go Ape' course (although will be a while before your DSs are up for that!)
Ivinghoe Beacon. Windy, however!
Or Whipsnade Zoo. Worth getting a family annual pass. We did that for a good few years and it was great to go just for a couple of hours on wintry afternoons when the place was almost deserted. The more you go, the cheaper it is, if you see what I mean.

Hockeridge woods are ok, and you can walk to them from Berkhamsted. There is also a nice Bridlepath that goes along the side of the bypass by Hockeridge to start, I remember there was a little ruined church in a really sweet meadow at the end of that track!

And the obvious-canal and Castle moat walks

There are loads of walks around Berkhamsted, that is something I really miss (well the bridlepaths really!). It is far better for walking and horseriding there, than where I am now in Devon.

Are there other areas for walks that you'd recommend? Also, any idea about mountain bike trails?! A certain someone I know is a bit of a fan of the crazy sport!

Fab - thanks for lcal wisdom! Can't wait to go trekking!

Up at the monument there are some established walks, and we've managed those with fairly normal pushchairs and also one of those sit-in cars with a long handle at the back. But the best parts of Ashridge are "off-piste," in which case any sort of pushchair would be useless. A back-pack would be preferable, I would say.

Personally, I'd recommend a backpack.

I walk my dog up there pretty much everyday and it's not that pushchair friendly (there are some OK tracks, but you are limited to where (and how far!) you can go.

Plus, it's working farmland, so there are lots of styles (SP? You know what I mean) and gates to stop animals wandering and they can be a nightmare with pushchairs....

I have a Karrimor backpack for DS and he loves it in that. I use it far more than I use the pushchair (which I only use for going into town)

Thanks.

I've a silly question about Ashridge walks. We've yet to go there, but just trying to work out whether to hold onto or sell a virtually unused hardcore offroad pushchair.

What kit would you use on those walks? DS1 can walk but DS2 is not quite 2, so could go in a backpack, or pushchair. I can't visualise the terrain. Thanks!

I have heard that about a silly time for the asssessment for the little ones. I'm sure many turn up grumpy wanting a nap, I don't know what actually happens though...

Good luck!

That seems about right....

The entrance exam for the senior school is 8:45 until 12:30!!!!! and (I'm not being rude, just truthful!) my DSD2 isn't the most academic of children and she didn't find it too stressful...

I think there is a lot of time devoted to settling the kids and not expecting them to perform on demand, IYKWIM.

It's likely (though I'm not 100% sure) that there will be a few different types of assessment so the school will have to allow time to move from one activity to another.

I think, as long as you tell them about his sleeping patterns, they will take that into account. My DSD1 was almost an hour late for her assessment into the prep school (That's a long story - DH's EX had to get her there!! GRRR) and they took that into account.

Oh dear - please help - those of you with experience of the 'assessment' at Berko Prep School. DS1 has his next week for Stepping Stones 1. Apparently it is very low key and play based, but the appointment is from 1pm - 2.45pm which seems MEGA long for a 3 year old, to me??!

DS1 is also normally asleep at that time (they could not do a morning and I have to get this done this term while we are in our normal routine rather than once we've moved to Berko and he's feeling unsettled).

Can anyone tell me what to expect?! I will of course ask them directly, but any inside tips would be fab!

TIA.

Congratulations Teetering!!

Let us know when you are sorted - be lovely to meet up for coffee somewhere when you have time!!!!

Good luck with the move!!

Ooh, good luck getting into Greenway, I really don't think you would get more if you were paying, than you would get at Greenway.

And good luck with all the general moving stuff!!!

OMG it's a major newsflash!

WE EXCHANGED!!!!!!

Berko here we come!

We are viewing 2 houses on Sat. It's quite nuts having two young kids yet no actual home to go to just yet! But I'm not panicking

FOREVEROPT are you out there?? I called Greenway school today. The Head will call me back but the woman who took the call said that places were just being finalised but that there might still be some Reception spots left?! Must be the low birthrate you referred to!

Teetering!!

I went to see that house. It has FABBY views and is a really nice space.

Downsides (IMO) are the garage (ugly flat roofed thing) and the steps up to the door (but hard to avoid in Berko)

Nice area and (IMHO) the house is open to offers. Was up for AGES last year at £650K with no takers!!!

HM

Hall Park area is nice. But quite a hike into town on foot, though. And would it not be a pain unloading shopping/stuff from the car up those steps? Drive quite a way from the front door..... But fabulous views and it looks like it has a lovely 'family' feel to it.

Looks a very nice house! I hope it works out for you!

My horse's farrier thinks I should change my rl name to Manatee, I trhink that would be crazy...but as a screen name I like to be different!

Clam thanks for asking. Last week was some form of torture with our buyer playing every game in the book. Buying and selling houses is ugly when it brings out the worst in people! Anyway, sounds like it was just their solicitor not passing on our messages to them! So, we'll see how this week goes as we're to exchange any minute!

Manatee (most exotic name on mumsnet?!) thanks for that info.

Still hoping that we can move and secure the rental property we like. Another house has just come up for sale which looks good. It's good to know there are houses which are A) in budget and B) we would be happy to live in! It is in the Hall Park area I think

www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-21586045.html?locationIdentifier=OUTCODE%5E1095&maxDa ysSinceAdded=3&pageNumber=1&backToListURL=%2Fproperty-for-sale%2Ffind.html%3FlocationIdentifier%3DOU TCODE%255E1095%26maxDaysSinceAdded%3D3

Hmm, all my typo's are maybe NOT giving a good impression of Berkhamsted state schools!!!

(But I got in to Exeter University...honest!)

I went to school at Greenway in Berkahamsted and LOVED it, it was fantastic!!! My Mum is still a teacher there, and the school does really well.

I had friends at collegiate, and they did ok, but when I was there Asjhlyns used to do just as well in GCSE results!!!

Middle school was an issue, I wen tto Bridgewater and loathed it, far too pushy, but the state alternative, Thomas Corum, is too relaxed!

Ashlyns seems to vary year on year.

If you are paying I would suggest Collegiate over Edgerton, I won't say why for fear of offending anyone!

As for shopping...avoid Hemel and Watford if at all possible! St Albans is fab and I love it, worth a few more minutes in a car!

I don't live in Berkhamsted anymore, but I do feel privaledged to have grown up there (Far better than Tring!!!) .

Any developments?

How odd!!!

The weather is LOVELY here today. Ds and I have been out in the garden all morning enjoying the sunshine!! Berkhamsted is lovely, but especially so when the sun shines!!

Withdrawn person was advertising some cr*p schools website - she/ he had posted on a zillion different threads.

Oh yes, my friend went to one yesterday and said it was great... Or maybe it was Sat???

I am not sure about the 'withdrawn' person! They posted that link on several threads. Maybe they were trying to push their own advertising for a website, or school, or something....no clue!

Are there NCT Nearly-New Sales in Berko? Is there decent stuff?!

Hmm.. Anyone know what the 'message withdrawn' thread is all about????????????

Maybe it's just a thinly-veiled threat to keep them all on their toes, then.

Message withdrawn

Message withdrawn

Sorry, forgot to mention, my DSDs do alot of after school activities and they both enjoy them immensely.

I think it's a testament to the school - as DSD1 is very sporty and DSD2 is very arty and creative, but there are activities for all the kids.

Exactly, teetering. That's what we've been told too. Though in the (only!) one case I know of it was far more a case of attitude than intelligence, IYSWIM.

Fingers crossed for your exchange date - it's soon, yes?

Straight from the Head's mouth as we were there last week: the school will flag up with parents well in advance if they think a child will not pass the school's own exams to pass into senior school. Everyone can them make arrangements to get into most appropriate school. He said only 3 cases in the 10 yrs he's been there of kids not getting into the school they have chosen. Most do stay and go on to the senior school.

I've read about Beechwood Park Sugar, and it sounds an excellent school but I would prefer not to be flogging 1 hour plus each day in the car, with DS2 shouting all the way with impatience at chasing after his brother everywhere!

Haribo I think the SS breakfast club is only for SS2 and above. And I think after Yr 3 they can stay on for after school activities? How do you find that?

Clam - I know all the kids have to sit the entrance exam, but I've honestly never heard of a kid being asked to leave for purely academic reasons.

In fact, I don't know of a case where a child has simply gotten a letter from the school declining a place - AFIK, the school will talk to the parents prior to the exam to address concerns....

All kids from the prep school are allocated a place in Senior school and are given priority...
We transferred the DSDs to the prep school as we felt it was easier to get a place rather than wait to transfer at senior school (but my DSDs went straight from Victoria, they never went to middle school)

SSH - Where is KingFisher Montessori? 15 minutes is quite a way out of Berko!!

I don't think your place at the Collegiate is necessarily assured all the way through. My nephews had to do well in their Yr8 exams in order to be able to stay on in Yr9, as there were people waiting to transfer after middle school. They were fine, but some people are asked to leave!

Haribos - have you thought of Kingfisher Montessori? not IN Berko but 15 mins drive. Friend's DD goes, it's apparently very small and caring - i think she said it's not open for very long hours tho

I agree with SSH - Stepping stones is very central and, if you can cope with GreenWay and SwingGate lane, you can cope with Stepping stones.

Mums around Berkhamsted do help out though - My DSD1 used to go to a friend's house some mornings for breakfast / walk to school and we often pick up / drop off DSDs friends.

But, Berkhamsted do run breakfast clubs and after school clubs which are open to the Prep school - My DSD2 often used the after school club - I picked her up on my way home from work before I stopped work to have DS.

yes, i thought to myself perhaps the childminders don't list independent schools... maybe because it's a council list or something? i don't know....

p.s.
have just read your OP! better late than never. in the light of your OP, have you thought of Beechwood Park prep? v. nice, and lots go on from there to Berk. colliegate and plenty of other independent schools, boarding & otherwise. Beechwood is about 15-20 mins drive from Berko,and people do go there from Berko.

Sugar I definitely see your logic! Maybe they do not list it as it's a private school - but that seems strange...

i mean, in between........ not in the middle of IYSWIM

i would say SS is right in the middle of Swing Gate and Greenway! so if they can go to both of the above, they can def. do SS.

Thanks. I will ask them specifically, but not one of the however many on the main list have it specifically listed whereas they have Swing Gate, Greenway etc down...

surely any Berko childminder would drop off / pick up from Stepping Stones, as it's pretty central?

I have a dilemna and would welcome advice. DS1, as you know, is due to start in Reception in September. After almost 4 years of being a SAHM I returned to my old work in January, working just 2 days a week. I feel like a new person as a result and am totally loving the fresh perspective it gives to all aspects of life.

What on earth do people do when their kids start at 'proper' school? Does everyone stop work, have a nanny, or have the luxury of family nearby etc?! Most childminders will only drop off and collect from certain schools close to them.

Ideally DS1 would start in Stepping Stones 2 in Sept, and I think their day doesn't start til 8.50am.

I can't believe I am the only person who would like to continue working after the kids start at school. I need to get the 8.15am train from Berko, and I just wonder what on earth other people do? Are there other mums at the same school who end up helping out?

Your thoughts are welcome!

Thank you. Forever - you could be an educational consultant (unless you are one already!). So helpful!

Marlin Montessori looks good. I see you can do a long session in the afternoon or morning, or have them in from 8am-6pm. We've met a lovely childminder, but it's so hard to make things work when you have to drop them off at 8am, get to the station, and to work, and do the same in reverse, yet do a full working day! I've never left mine in an all-day nursery before (childminder always), so the thought freaks me out a bit, but it would certainly make my life easier dropping them off and collecting them by the station!

We're due to exchange this week, so can't really sign any rental agreements til then! Fingers and all other parts crossed!

Haha!! The elder two are my step daughters!!! I'm not biologically responsible for ALL of them!!

FO - thanks for the information on nurseries - that is what I'm looking at for DS... I was looking at Moor End (that's where my DSDs went) but will look at Marlin Montesori (is that the one at the back of the station?)

Teetering - I have no clue why DSD1's friend comes from MK, I just know she gets the train backwards and forwards each day!!

Oh my goodness Haribo I take my hat off to you!

teetering the state schools do have nurseries attached, I am sure there will be places available if you want to put ds in for a term.

Because stepping stones don't take children until after they are 3 a lot of people put their children in pre school for a year and then transfer to SS. If you are thinking of doing this I would definitely consider Marlin Montessori, don't be put off by the lack of outdoor space they are always going for walks and they are right next door to the castle grounds where they often play ball games and have picnics.

Still no luck on the property search?

OMG Haribo that is hardcore! You must be very organised with such a bustling home.

Why on earth does that kid come all the way from M Keynes for school?! That is a bit nuts!

Yes, 2010 makes sense for your little one!!

And, yes, we have a 14YO, an 11YO, a 9 month old and 5 month old 'bump' (who, to be fair, isn't much of a bump yet!). Oh, and a crazy chocolate labrador!!! It's a madhouse here most of the time!!

Thankfully, our house is pretty big so we don't trip over each other!!

When will you make a decision on moving?

Haribo - sorry, made a mistake and my DS2 can start in Stepping Stones 1 in Sept 2010, not 2011. Doh.....

Haribo - so you have 2 under 1, so to speak, and 2 a good bit older at big school! Wow!

Forever - thanks for state school tips. Your DS is in the year above my DS1, then. And Haribo, my DS2 is about to go on the list to start Stepping Stones in Sept 2011 too! It annoys me slightly that they can't do entry there before Sept 2011 as he is going to need some more stimulation: he is 2 next month but is ridiculously interested in learning - miles ahead of his poor big brother and knows most of his letters (recognises them anywhere and in weird fonts, not just in fave books etc) and numbers etc.

Forever - if we move to Berko in April then we will, as you say, be late applicants for Sept entry into Reception in state schools. Do the state schools have nursery departments attached to them, and could DS1 go to a free nursery on arrival or are they all full? I need to call the council but am holding off til I have an address from which to apply!

the time does go fast doesn't it?

DS is 9 months now and I just look at him and think: What happened to my baby? You are a little boy already!?

But I'm a glutton for punishment - No 2 is pitching up in August this year!!!

So, if you still have a craving for a newborn, you can always come and see mine!!!

My ds is 4 and a half and has just started in Reception. It is amazing how quickly the time goes, I can remember thinking that it would be a million years before he went to school and now we are nearly at the end of his first term! Now I want another one so I can do it all again!

Thanks! He's due to start at Stepping stones in Sept. 2011, but you never know!!!

How old are your DC?

Haribo, your ds would be due to start at state school (reception) in January 2013 which means that you would need to apply in October 2011. If you want to apply for a nursery place you will need to apply in October 2010. You should automatically be sent the application forms anyway.

ForeverOptimistic - Bit of a hijack here... When do you need to apply to state schools?

My DS is only 9 months now (so I'm probably not in too much of a rush!) but I would like to consider state schools too, just in case!

thanks!

Teetering, yes if you do apply for a state school place I would advise that you have your closest school listed as one of the three options.

Is your ds actually due to start school this September? If so you have missed the boat for applying as places have already been allocated. You will need to go on the waiting list, Swing Gate have places but all the other schools are full for the next intake. Last year there were loads of parents who applied for Greenway but actually ended up sending their children to private schools so you might be lucky to get a place on the waiting list at Greenway.

Both my DSDs started off in Victoria and transferred to the Prep to secure a place for the senior school, but lots of DSD2's friends (she is moving to the senior school in Sept) are moving to other schools and, likewise, lots of kids from other schools have taken the entrance exam to the senior school.

I think it's fair to say it's a little easier to get into the senior school if you are coming from the prep, as you have an allocated place... transferring in (AFAIK) is a little more difficult.

Your plan is certainly what we have in mind for DS and new baby... They will go to SS and then the prep and we'll re-evaluate at age 11... But (FWIW) my DSDs differ widely in academic ability - DSD1 is very academic (without trying according to her reports ) DSD2 is not gifted academically but is very arty, but the school caters well for both of them, IMO.

Also, when we put DS down for SS (he won't start there until 2011), we were FAR from the first. I was a bit at that!!

Thank you Forever. I can't believe that DS1, due to start in Reception in Sept, could acually be in a year of low birthrate as in our current local area it is a heaving birth year and, wait for it, more boys in his year!!!! Is the advice for applications to apply to the one closest to your home, in order to be (more) sure of a place?

Haribo (and others) I have a question about Berkhamsted Prep School. DH is thinking along the lines of: no idea at age 3 what academic ability the DC will develop, so it's a good contingency to start them off at Berko Prep for a more or less guaranteed place into their Senior School so you at least have that as an option when the time comes. They can always still sit the tests for St Albans School, Bucks Grammars etc if they show promise of flourishing in that environment. The Prep Head did not seem to look unfavourably on students leaving the prep school for other schools (and cited example of 6 girls sitting for Wycombe Abbey tests). Any thoughts?

I forgot to mention that a lot of children in the Gravel Path area tend to go to Potten End first school.

Whether you get into a state school really depends on the birth rate for that particular year.

Children who started Reception in 2008/09 academic year would not have stood a chance at getting into Victoria or Swing Gate if they lived in the Gravel Path area (unless they were regular churchgoers). Last year 33 children were not given a place in Berkhamsted as the birth rate was so high. Eventually the council rectified this by opening an additional classroom at Westfield School (the other side of town). For children starting school in 09/10 the birth rate was much lower and Swing Gate is actually undersubscribed for the coming year so you just can't tell!

Greenway has an excellent reputation and I know many parents who are very happy with it. They are also extending and will be admitting 60 children per year from now on as it is traditionally oversubscribed. I hear on the grapevine that the head will be leaving shortly, she was very popular.

I don't think so.

Catchment schools here are Swing Gate Lane and Victoria First... but I can't comment directly, as DS (and new baby) will most likely go straight to Berkhamsted...

I'm not aware of anyone having had problems with schools, but there are lots of new houses here, and I suppose that will put more pressure on the schools going forward...

a friend grew up in berko and her parents still live on gravel path! those houses look great. if only...!!!

if you live on the gravel path side of town, don't you then have an issue with not being in close catchment for state primaries which all seem to be on the other side of town?

this one is on Gravel Path too - but quite close to the (main) road!

I suppose I think the Gravel Path area is the nicest - Meadway is lovely but then I'm biased!!

There are two houses for sale here at the mo:

this one

and this one

but they are both up at £1.2M

The conservation area is lovely too - but parking is more of a problem and Hall Park is nice too - very solid houses there.

I like Gravel path because it's not too far into town (but equally, it's close to open countryside!), it's good for the station and the houses have more space and good parking - and the local pub shows all the football matches (well, I see this as a good thing!!)

ah, yes, that is a bit depressing!

is there any difference to which side of berko you live, ie station side or other side? is one side or area seen as better/more desirable?

haribo - saw a house just on for sale on gravel path but at £1.2m it is sadly out of budget but great views!

Teetering - Any time.. (You too, Clam!)

Don't discount any school because of proximity to the school. If you choose Berkhamsted, then kids get buses and trains in from ALL OVER the place. One of DSD1's best friends comes from Milton Keynes (!?) each day!!!!! We spend most weekends driving the DSDs around to places (though thankfully their friends' parents are equally helpful, so often they get lifts from them too!)

But, go for the school YOU feel happiest with. I could name 6 kids, off the top of my head, that go to Chesham Prep from Berko...

Teetering: It's time to face the music: You will spend the next 10-15 years of your life being an unpaid (and largely unthanked!) taxi driver no matter where you live or where your kids go to school

Haribo thank you. I might take you up on that once it's clear we're moving!

Yes, Westbrook Hay only has outdoor pool, and I am fairly sure the Head of PE told us when we went that they use it only in the summer, and I think only from Year 3. At Berko Prep School lessons are done once a week from Yr 1, just across the road.

Got the prospectus for Chesham Prep. Their website says most kids come from Chesham/Amersham/Chalfonts way, but increasingly more kids from Berko and Hemel area. I think we're going to discount it as surely your kids would end up wanting play dates and tea etc with kids not really from the immediate area, which might be a pain....or am I being inflexible???! Otherwise it sounds a tip top school.

Clam if you recall that school with high turnover then shout!

Greenway school (and the general area) are pretty good....

I know lots of people in Greenway / Shrublands Ave and Orchard Ave. It's a nice area.

I didn't know Westbrook Hay didn't do swimming lessons?

Yes, one real advantage of Westbrook Hay is the outside space - I've heard people (usually mums of boys!) who think the outside space is fantastic! Collegiate have LOTS of outside space, but it's dotted around the place. Again, more relevant for boys, because the boys school is right in the centre of town (though, this shouldn't matter in the prep school... that's co-ed... No... haven't ever heard of DSD2 being bussed to the playing fields - they are just over the road (behind the Knox Johnson sports centre)

I do see lots of boys walking to and from the playing fields at the other side of town (near the station) when I'm walking the dog, and I know that they have more fields (boys school again) at the top of shootersway lane...

If you ever fancy meeting for coffee, give me a shout on ycbs @ fsmail . net

Why no swimming lessons at Westbrook? They have a pool - although it's outdoor, admittedly.
I'm hopeless with school names and I know that there's one that is experiencing huge staffing turnover at the moment but can't remember which one! Think it had Ofsted very recently though.

Hello! There is someone out there still!

Yes, I do have lots of updates, thanks for asking! We might be moving very soon if exchange goes through! The walk from Shootersway Lane to station was 20 mins downhill. Acceptable! Uphill another matter, but yes, just gotta get over the hills!

Have visited Westbrook Hay, and the Berko Collegiate Prep School. Haribo - I liked the Collegiate Prep School, but slightly disappointed about lack of GRASS outside for the kids! How did you find that aspect of it? Apparently they get bussed to the playing fields?!

Westbrook Hay seemed lovely, esp for the littler children. The French seemed a bit disappointing, and no swimming lessons, which is a shame.

Have seen some houses quite close to Greenway School. Can anyone comment on whether it is any good etc?

Teertering:

I'm afraid whereever you are in Berko, you are going to have to deal with hills... We're the other side of Berkhamsted (Gravel Path) but that's up a ruddy great hill too!!!

North Road is nice - the conservation area is all nice - but no off road parking means free for all.

We looked at a lovely place on Kings Road, but without parking... It's a no-deal for us. Parking (esp. that close to the High Street) is going to be a problem.

The High Street is very heavily patrolled by parking wardens, so people are always trying to park just off the High Street, IYSWIM....

There was a half marathon here last weekend - could be the reason for the extra people? We went to the pub for lunch and the place was HEAVING!!!

Teetering,
have you any news?

Oh no that is not what I wanted to hear! I fear it is going to be too far from town, then. BUT, forever optimistic that I am, we're going to go tomorrow morning to do a proper test run. DH is going to make me do the walk and he insists I do the uphill version FROM the station, while he goes off to assess the street parking for another rental house we viewed on North Road. Very close to town, but no off-street parking (always a flippin' compromise somewhere!), so we'd like to see it mid-morning to see how bad the parking is once people have used it for their free parking to walk to town etc.

Or does anyone actually know North Road, and what the parking is like? www.multimap.com/maps/?qs=north+road+HP4&countryCode=GB#map=51.7593,-0.57209|17|4&bd=useful_informat ion&loc=GB:51.75931:-0.57209:17|15%20north%20road%20HP4|15%20North%20Road,%20Berkhamsted,%20Hertford shire,%20England,%20HP4%203

'Compromise' is getting annoying: does anyone live in the perfect house and feels they have no compromise at all??!!!

Foreveroptimistic - we viewed the house I linked to below which is in Bourne End and then 2 other rental houses. We then went to Tring and grabbed a quick bite to eat, before the kids were on their knees and we thought we'd drive home to let them pass out in the car!

Why was Berko so busy???

Well, you might manage to get into town in 20 minutes, but it'd sure-as-Hell take you a lot longer puffing back up the hill!

Close enough to walk to town but too far for the train station.

I don't have any personal experience of Greenway but it does have an excellent reputation and is usually very oversubscribed. I hear the head teacher is leaving at the end of the year.

Berko was very busy yesterday! We escaped as it was too hectic for us, walked to Ivinghoe Beacon, another plus for Berkhamsted is that it is surrounded by beautiful countryside. What did you get up to on your visit?

And apparently that house is in catchment for Greenway Primary. If anyone has any experience of the school I'd love to know. Thanks.

No I would say it probaly at least 30min if not 45mins the train station is the other side of the town centre.

Made another trip to Berko today. Viewed a house which is on Shootersway Lane, here:

www.multimap.com/maps/?lat=51.76053&lon=-0.57197&zoomFactor=15#map=51.75988,-0.58459|17|4&bd=useful_ information&loc=GB:51.75907:-0.58455:17|lane%20end,%20hp4|Lane%20End,%20Berkhamsted,%20Hertfordshire ,%20England,%20HP4%203

Estate agent said it's a 20-min walk to the station, but would you agree? I would have done it myself but was too tired!

If you lived there would you think it too far to walk to shops, and might as well be in a village etc where you need the car for groceries etc anyway??

Thanks All. Yes, my 2 monkeys are pre-school, but I find it helpful to hear about all these experiences you and yours have had'are having.

Laurie what did your DH do when he left Hab's as top of his year. I am in the process of interviewing some of the country's brightest graduates, and it's fascinating how they got to where they are.

Moor End Farm Kinder sounds really lovely. Check out its Ofsted report though it had 2 complaints against it.

www.ofsted.gov.uk/oxcare_reports/display/(id)/29428

That was 3 years ago so things might be different. And who can trust these reports anyway?!

Swedes thank you for your helpful offer. A friend happens to own an estate agent in Harpenden and he would probably fight you off for our custom!!!!!!!

Very interesting on the 'no tutoring' front. Brave mothers you are!

But I think hers are over one. Anyway, she's clearly thinking and planning ahead!

My DSDs went there years ago. They only take kids over a year old.

But the OP's kids are pre-school at the moment. My two went to Moor End Farm Kindergarten (on the London Road between Boxmoor and Bourne End, just by the Westbrook Hay entrance). This was a few years back now, but it was fabulous, very outdoorsy, way before that all became standard, and they were very happy there. So was I; it was hard not to take my coat off with them and run off to play too!

My dh went to a state primary in Hemel and got a full scholarship to Haberdasher's with no tutoring - finished top in his year

teetering - I am taking a Lenten break from Mumsnet, but if you want to come and look at Harpenden I would be very very happy to show you round. You could come and have lunch with us?

CAT me if you would like to do that. Don't hesitate.

Sorry to run out on you all but Mad Men is on and I am being called.

<races towards Don Draper>

I didn't have either of them tutored and they are both doing really well. I decided if they couldn't pass without coaching then it probably wasn't the school for them. DS1 is on track to get the nec 4 A grades at A level to do medicine next year. DS2 is in the second year and loves it.

I love everything about their school, even the polyester blazers.

Feck!!! I'm a terrible catholic .

thankyou!!

Well, you could have it done just in case but I couldn't possibly comment!!
tho it's probably best to say 'baptised'

Sugarskyhigh: would you mind me asking is it worth having DS christened Catholic? I am catholic, but hadn't really contemplated having DS christened (Not really a church going catholic!!!!) but I'm wondering whether I should... the catholic schools round here do seem to be the ones with much better reputations?

Swedes that looks a lovely school. I have boys, so it's out of the question. Oh, and I don't live in Harpenden (yet)...!

Great that JFK is so good (and there does seem to be a trend for Catholic schools to be 'tighter ships'). I find it depressing when state schools don't do well, as I am demoralised by the inequality for parents who have no other choice but to send their kids there. The whole system is wrong, but that is another debate for another day.

Swedes how did you find yours fared in the entrance exams for St Albans School, having been at a state primary? Any need for special prep like tutoring etc??

I am sure an honest ponce is the best kind

i've heard really good things about Hemel Hempstead School.... we would never have got in there, living in Berko tho!

JFK is great

DD is going to Hemel (the Hemel Hempstead school - 'good' in the Ofsted) in September, it's a good school and she will love being able to walk round the corner to it

teetering - difficult with primaries and preps as they are totally different. I really like this school I know quite a few girls who go there and they absolutely adore school - everything about it. They seem to spend their lives creating art, music, meeting authors and putting on plays. I love everything about it. It was named best small prep school by the Sunday Times last year. However, my youngest (18 months) is a boy and would not be able to go there. I am therefore torn as I would like them to go to school together, because they are in consecutive years. But perhaps that's silly.

Also I think you can get away with not paying for primary but you don't get the sort of thing St Hilda's offers.

I didn't pay for primary for my sons and they went to an Ofsted "Outstanding" primary school close by. To be honest I would take the Ofsted "Outstanding" with a very large pinch of salt.

Oh god, I am turning into a ponce.

yes, i'm afraid it's Catholic. my ds is there. the pastoral care is fabulous. it's a big school but the head of year seems to know my ds very very well indeed (and no,it's not for all the wrong reasons)!!

I don't know anything about the school, but everyone I've ever heard talk about JFK has RAVED about it and said it's great.

is it Catholic?

JFK (secondary, state) in Hemel just got Outstanding

A lot of the state primaries round this area are outstanding in Ofsted reports but I don't know of a way to compare with the independant sector.

Luton is proving an emotive issue! Good for flights, if nothing else!

Thanks Clam, I do hope the traffic won't be too manic on the London Road.

Swedes you are hardcore to have 4 kids, in such diverse age groups with all the respective challenges that can come with them!

I always wonder what OFSTED reports mean when they describe a school as 'good value for money'. No one is paying to go there....or do they mean the taxpayer?!

And thanks for the BBC secondary schools link Swedes. Does anyone know if there is any way of comparing results of private preps and state primaries?! As far as I am aware, it's not possible...

Also, the London Road in Bourne End is significantly quieter since the by-pass opened a few years back. The enarest place for a pint of milk would be the petrol station, but still a hike, depending on which end of the (long) village you live.

Bovingdon Primary School has got 'Outstanding' in its last 2 OfSTEDs. But you'd have to live in the village to get in, and there's currently an issue over where to go for secondary schools from there. That situation might ease in future, however, if birthrates decrease or if they amend the admissions critieria.

StThomas More RC primary in Berko just got Outstanding from ofsted

Re the schools thing. Well I think you should ask yourself if you want to move again before your child is 11. I have 4 children (17, 13, 3 and 1) so in some ways I have similar concerns to you. Even though my two big sons are already at high school.

Re Luton - There are several miles of open countryside between Harpenden and Luton. I don't see why it would bother anyone at all to be honest. I quite like it - it has intergrity.

Sorry, Swedes - I'm not a fan of Luton - I lived and worked in Dunstable for years and just didn't like it.

Teetering - I don't think you can really. I mean, I have the school I hope DS will go to picked out, but who knows if that will be right for him?

If not, we'll just have to re-evaluate when the time comes.

If you're picking independant schools though it doesn't matter where you live

A question for those of you (like Swedes) with children further down the education track: how can you choose where to live, and send your kids for secondary, when they are only tiny (3 and 1 in my case). I don't see how you can make any grand education plan work, eg get in to St Albans School, when you cannot predict where their talents will lie (assuming there will be talents!), if they will get through entrance exams etc etc....

I think being not too far from Luton is a benefit.

Yes, Swedes is right. Harpenden is nice too... Close to Luton though!!

Also I think Harpenden's three state school secondary A level results are very similar to Berko Collegiate in fact Sir John Lawes is higher and not selective in any way other than by house price in the catchment although it's by no means the most expensive part of Harpenden

The three Harpenden secondary schools are:

Sir John Lawes
Roundwood
St George's

Bourne End, Bovingdon and Hemel are cheaper for good reasons. Berko, St Albans and Harpenden are expensive for good reasons.

I would opt to live in Harpenden and send my children to St Albans School (boys) and St Albans High School for Girls (girls). My children take less than half an hour to get to school door to door and they use the train. But the children would need to be reasonably bright in order to pass the entrance exam.

Teetering - Just read your post - Chesham Bois isn't far from Berko.

My DSD1 has friends in the collegiate from Milton Keynes!!!!

Winky - that comment was sort of tounge in cheek, the fees are not cheap!!! But, yes, I do think it happens.

WHich school is HABS? I think the Collegiate is pretty competitive!!!

Habs is a very very very competitive school. I wouldn't send my child there. I have friends who went there who got A*s for their GCSCE's but still managed to beat themselves up over getting 'only' 96%!

So it's the Collegiate you send your kids to if they fail the 11+?

Teetering - Yes, you can walk along the road or along the canal - you can walk all the way to Hemel (or to Tring the other way) along the canal.

I like the comment about Failing the 11+. My DH's ex was worried we wouldn't stump up the fees for the collegiate so 'organised' for us to be told that DSD1 had failed the 11+.... so I think there is more than a little truth in that comment.

Winky - I think we will view it this weekend. Must assess noise of being on the London Road.

Haribo - you WALKED to Bourne End?! I guess that means there must be a footpath, at least!

NK1 thanks for Whipsnade tip. Friend in Boxmoor is always inviting us to join them when they go (same friend that also likes Bourne End!!!!!).

I've a friend in Harpenden who grew up there and went to Haberdashers Askes Girls School (Elstree, I think) from age 7. Involved a 40-min minibus twice a day! Would anyone consider sending their kids at that age so far away?!

Also, the Beacon School (Chesham Bois) confirmed that they do have kids on role from Berko! So it amazes me the distances some people do to go the school of their choice....

Teetering, that is a lovely house and quite close to WH. Bovingdon does have a prison and a market.....I do not think either are to be reccomended.
St Albans is lovely for a day out, nice park, Cathedral and museum. I like the Kodak building, or I did before they started to mess around with it. A fine example of the period in which it was built. Do not forget if you decide on anywhere in the area you are also close to Whipsnade. A yearly pass is good value and you can nip up for an hour or two whenever you feel like it.

ForeverOptomistic, that is interesting about A Level results for Chesham High and Ashlyns. The GCSE results are very different. Did Ashlyns have a bad Ofsted a few years ago? If so it probably means it is really going to improve in the next few years.

Re the 11+, many years ago someone told me that if you fail you go to Berko Collegiate (as it was then). I assumed that it was a tongue in cheek remark and that is how I took it.

Bourne End has the Great Outdoors shop ... We nearly bought there, and I walked there recently - it's really quite a walk to Berko or Hemel....

Personally, I like St Albans (they have Wagamamas!! and the waffle house!!)

I don't really like Bovingdon, but lived in CHipperfield for a short while and found that a lovely place (not Berko I grant you!!)

I do agree with the others though, If you can afford it, go for Berko. It's lovely. I wasn't keen on it before we moved here, but wouldn't swap the place now. It's really cool.

That's a lovely house, teetering.

Bourne End has nothing in it in terms of retail. But Berko and Hemel aren't far away - five mins in either direction - but you'd need a car.

Are you going for it?

I like Bourne End, it feels more Berko than Hemel. Only problem is there is nothing there, not even one shop! There are a couple of pubs and a hotel, you would not even be able to get a pint of milk without using the car.

The highrise building that you refer to was previously the headquarters for Kodak, bit of an eyesore but the new part of Hemel isn't the most attractive of places anyway.

St Albans is great, even though I love living in Berko in some ways I think I would prefer St Albans as the demographics are more diverse, Berko is very white middle class, St Albans is more mixed. On the downside it is much bigger as you say with lots of suburbs and as Winky said the traffic is horrendous! St Albans does have some nice shops although its big stores (M&S etc) are not quite big enough and it does not have a department store. It can get a bit rowdy at night, my friend is a police officer in the St Albans area and she said that anti-social drink related arrests are higher than you would expect. St Albans is definitely worth a visit, it is very pretty, lots of history and fab restaurants.

Doh I forgot the link:

www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-19782364.html?locationIdentifier=OUTCODE%5E1095&sortB yPriceDescending=false&minBedrooms=4&minPrice=500000&displayPropertyType=houses&radius=0.5&secondary DisplayPropertyType=detachedshouses&oldDisplayPropertyType=houses&oldSecondaryDisplayPropertyType=de tachedshouses&includeSSTC=true&_includeSSTC=on&pageNumber=1&backToListURL=%2Fproperty-for-sale%2Ffin d.html%3FlocationIdentifier%3DOUTCODE%255E1095%26sortByPriceDescending%3Dfalse%26minBedrooms%3D4%26m inPrice%3D500000%26displayPropertyType%3Dhouses%26radius%3D0.5%26secondaryDisplayPropertyType%3Ddeta chedshouses%26oldDisplayPropertyType%3Dhouses%26includeSSTC%3Dtrue%26_includeSSTC%3Don

Quickie question: I've just seen this house for sale, which says it is in Bourne End. Can anyone comment on the location? If you click on the map it shows that it is right on London Road, so I guess traffic noise is an issue. It seems to be 1.2 miles from Hemel station and 2.2 miles from Berko station.

Is there anything in Bourne End at all? Shops etc? I imagine it might be a house where you have got to use the car everytime you leave the house...

Winky I had to LOL at your summary of Bovingdon! There was an odd atmosphere that I could not quite put my finger on, but you have!

Yes, Debenhams seemed really empty, as did most shops in Hemel, until................I went into a pound shop (half of Hemel was in there!)! I must confess I had brilliant fun in there and DS1 loved the massive pack of glitter pens I bought for him in there for 99p!

I love Berko. It's an amazing place. We couldn't afford to live there so we live nearby. But we're often there, visiting friends, toddler groups etc.

St. Alban's is ok. Traffic is absolute hell there though and I think it's got quite a different feel to Berkhamsted. If your heart is set on Berkhamsted, then go for it. It's a lovely place to live. Really family oriented. I wish we could!

Bovingdon gives me the heebie jeebies for some reason. It's like a deserted place to me. I don't like it at all. Nothing going for it IMO.

That new high rise in Hemel - I can't decide whether it's going to be a monstrosity or a refreshingly clean piece of architecture. We'll have to see. It's to tempt London commuters, I think.

The shops in Hemel are ok. Too many pound shops dominate the high street though and I suspect Debenhams really struggles. I wish John Lewis would open up in Hemel!

We have spent virtually the whole weekend exploring the area. Today we tried Chesham and Bovingdon. Probably adequate village shops in Bovingdon. Chesham did not 'capture my imagination', shall we say!!!

A family member is determined to have us live in St Albans. What does everyone think of it? Seemed like a bigger version of Berko. And what a nightmare getting to grips with all the different 'suburbs' of such a big town...

Does anyone use it for shopping as it seems to have some really decent shops.

Leverstock Green also did not get the heart racing. It was an amazing house but would need total redoing (rewiring, new roof etc) so I think we have to discount it for faint-heartedness/budget reasons.

We parked at Riverside carpark in Hemel and found that end of the centre pretty decent! WHAT is the deal with that massive highrise being constructed in Hemel - how on earth it got planning permission I have no idea....!

So, it seems Berko still has my heart. I just need more rental properties to come up, p-l-e-a-s-e!

Chesham High's 'A' level results aren't actually that much better than Ashlyns.

I'm afraid to say, I'd steer clear of Chesham. I don't like the town centre at all, there is nothing there. the outlying areas are OK, but only if you drive.

Chesham High is good, but only if you pass the 11+. If you fail (and you live in Berko) you'll go to Ashlyns. To be fair, I know loads of people who think it's an OK school, but I don't. I don't know about Chesham though.

DS will follow DSDs to Collegiate.

If you are thinking of state schools, then Victoria First school in Berko is good, as is St Pauls in Chipperfield - I suppose the usual rules apply - smaller comunities are better for small, happy schools.

I really want to know that too

My mistake about Lockers. I was told it was Catholic. Soz for misinfo.

What school, NK1, do you go to if you fail the 11+?

Just to say, Lockers is not a Catholic school and honestly there is no 'divide'( but I understand how/why you may feel that there is.) I am sure you will make the choice that 'feels' right and that you will be very happy.
Chesham is good, easy to get to lots of places from there.

The 11+ pass mark for Bucks is 121, if you live in Chesham you would be OK for Challoners, single sex, or Chesham High, co-ed. Challoners very popular, you can find their catchment on Bucks CC website. Chesham High always takes a few from Boxmoor, Bovingdon and Berko. The High has a new Head who is intent on making the school a co-ed alternative to Challoners as opposed to the school that you go to when you do not get into Challoners. (I won't say where it is said that you go when you fail the 11+!)

LaurieCupid thanks for that on Chesham. That is a really cracking house! Thanks for the link - I am sorry it's out of budget!

Thanks Winky for that. Yes, their website looks very busy and fun, and the new facilities seem amazing. We're going to the Open Day in March and I am desperately hoping I like it! Is your DS in the Swallows bit at the moment? They said that DS2 could start in Sept 2010, after DS1 has been in Reception for a year.

I am leaning away from Lockers Park. We're not Catholic (but that would not put me off in an 'inclusive' Catholic school). My concern is the potential for a divide between boarders and day boys. A friend with experience of a similar school said that the boarders were seen as the 'cool' kids, which struck me as a bit sad, really

Some lovely roads on the outskirts of Chesham, check out how nice Chartridge is - a friend's house is on the market here:

www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-11720415.html?locationIdentifier=REGION%5E6085&sortBy PriceDescending=false&pageNumber=1&backToListURL=%2Fproperty-for-sale%2Ffind.html%3FsearchType%3DSAL E%26locationIdentifier%3DREGION%255E6085%26radius%3D0.0%26displayPropertyType%3D%26minBedrooms%3D%26 maxBedrooms%3D%26minPrice%3D%26maxPrice%3D%26maxDaysSinceAdded%3D%26_includeSSTC%3Don%26sortByPriceD escending%3Dfalse%26primaryDisplayPropertyType%3D%26secondaryDisplayPropertyType%3D%26oldDisplayProp ertyType%3D%26oldPrimaryDisplayPropertyType%3D%26oldSecondaryDisplayPropertyType%3D%26newHome%3D%26r etirement%3D%26auction%3Dfalse%26partBuyPartRent%3Dfalse%26x%3D90%26y%3D18

schools are good - Chesham prep good, Dr Challoner's good.

Chesham was yuk ten years ago, now it has a perfectly ok town centre - the outlying areas are lovely

It's not as nice as Berkhamsted but youet more house for your cash and you are only ten minutes from Berko

My DS is starting Westbrook Hay in September. It's smaller than the collegiate and has just got new lower school facilities. I was very impressed with it. He'll go to Berkhamsted Collegiate when he's older.

Locker's Park is a Catholic school. Don't know if you are Catholic....

Honest opinions please! What does Chesham have/not have going for it?! Property seems slightly cheaper there.

Thanks 'guys'.

Haribo - they are quite small! DS1 is 3.5 yrs and DS2 is 22 mths.

What is the deal with the grammars? Do they prioritise state students? Are there catchment issues?

What are your plans, everyone, for secondary for your own DCs?

Should you decide on LG have a look at Abbot's Hill School. It takes boys from 3 to 5 and I have heard that it is lovely. Many of the boys go on to Lockers while their sisters stay at Abbots. Have you looked at Haresfoot ? That is quite popular I think. As has been said, Berko is lovely and with that part of Herts (Berko, Boxmoor etc) you have the Bucks grammers on your doorstep.

How old are your kids, teetering? I'm guessing quite young, as you are looking at Nursery /prep schools....

There is a nursery between Chipperfield and Bovingdon called Old Macdonalds Farm which I would recommend. it's lovely.

I agree. If you are looking at Westbrook Hay school, look at Boxmoor, Felden, Bovingdon / Bovingdon Green and Chipperfield (assuming you don't want to live in Berkhamsted)

They are on the 'right' side of town for the school. The traffic IS busy around there and it can take a while to get through the lights coming up from Hemel.

Personally, I'd recommend Berkhamsted town - it's got everything you could need... We are half way between the town and open countryside and it's just lovely - but still within walking distance of the town and mainline station.

I am sure another local can give you more and better info but I think that you would have to negotiate the magic roundabout - which may be busy. There might be away around the town but I do not think that LG to Westbrook is an ideal journey.You would however be going in the opposite direction to the industrial area ( but not when you are trying to get home!) Come and live in Boxmoor, we are minutes from Westbrook!

Wow - impressive local knowledge! Yes, you are right: the agent said they had a buyer last year but took it off the market when the sale fell through. It's being sold by the son of the late owner. Apparently it's quite near the M1 so we will make a decision based on that, and general feel of the village. I've kind of got my heart set on Berko so it will have to be an amazing house to swing me!!

Multimap tells me it takes 15 mins to drive from Leverstock Gn to Westbrook Hay school. Would you agree and would the route be horrendous through/round Hemel in rush hour??

I think this house was on the market last year. You may want to check on all the new building that MAY be going to happen in LG. According to the local paper the tennis club was one of the places identified for new housing but I do not think anything has been decided on yet.

My friend has details on that house. She said it is a lovely house but didn't really like the area.

Leverstock Green is one of the better areas of Hemel Hempstead but it is still Hemel hence the price. My friend said that the house wasn't quite in Leverstock Green so it might be worth a look. It does look lovely.

Forever and Haribo - thanks for the tips re station noise and Marlin. Will do more research...

Calling all you reluctant Hemel-ites - do you know what Leverstock Green is like on the very outskirts of Hemel? Check out this amazing house that is on the market!

resources.knightfrank.com/GetResource.ashx?id=a5336ce3-c664-403c-8812-1c6785929ddc&type=1

I recommend Marlin Montessori Nursery (next to station) the staff there are wonderful. They do offer day care and have a minimum age of 2 years.

it IS really pretty here - and there are some great places to eat too!

We've never had an issue with the boarders... We use day boarding facilities but haven't used the flexible boarding options - primarily because DH and his ex both live here (as do I, and I'm a SAHM at the mo) so there is always some one about to look after the kids, and get them to school. I did think my DSD1 would be itching to stay but it's not come up yet.

Hope you get somewhere sorted to rent (sorry, I missed the first part of this thread!) - My only advice would be to steer clear of anywhere too close to the railway line... it's busy and VERY noisy... We live about 1/2 mile away from the line, maybe a little more, and up a BIG hill, so we don't hear it, but I don't know how people who live next to the line cope with the sheer volume of trains travelling at high speed!!

Hi All we had a great trip to Berko today. Even managed a Valentine's meal in Cafe Rouge with the kids in tow

We looked at a place in Priory Gardens to rent but was not quite right, so we will keep looking. I've called loads of childminders, which is a hard exercise when we don't have an exact address yet! If anyone can recommend any childcare (nanny, childminder, day nursery etc) please share! I'd need to be able to drop the kids off and get to the station fairly easily.

Thanks Haribo for the Collegiate info. Good to know. How do you find the atmosphere with some fo the students boarders, and this option to 'flexi-board'??! Surely they would lvoe to try it out and decide they want to board more and more?! Have you ever used the boarding facilities (I am amused that they even market them as 'Parents may take holidays in term-time without disrupting their children's education'!!)

Clam we parked at the pay and display near Waitrose and the kids enjoyed the park and the walk over the canal. Seems really pretty.

teetering - The assessments are really informal and friendly.

The kids do them at any point a child enters the school and then when they pass from the Prep to the Senior school. DSD2 has just taken her Senior school assessment, but (she is moving from the Prep school) she has a guaranteed place in the senior school, it's more about streaming.

For entry into the Prep (which includes Stepping Stones), the assessments are very age appropriate, and much more focussed on play and interaction. There is a £50 non refundable deposit to pay to go on the waiting list to join the school and the assessment is taken around 6 months before the child would start at the school, so those timings you mention sound correct.

The school is goal / results oriented and there are lots of extra curricular activities... the opportunities are really super. There is a fully eqipped gym which is open to families as well for extremely competitive rates.

Class sizes are small and personal.. I'd say there are 14 kids in DSD2s class and between 17-20 in DSD1 (not 100% sure exactly)

THere is a new principal there now and he's changing the name from Berkhamsted Collegiate to BERKHAMSTED (I think it's supposed to make it sound a bit like Eton!!!) and he's going to standardise the uniforms so that the girls will wear white and blue too (instead of red and green)...

Have you been to look around? DO you live in Berkhamsted?

Fab, thanks for the walking tips Clam.

Haribo - great feedback on Collegiate. Can you tell me any more about the 'assessment'. They are asking to assess DS1 for his 4+ entry (he is now 3.5 yrs).
Also, how many children are in the classes of your DSD??

Ta.

Ashridge is lovely. There are lots of "off-the-beaten-track" places to park, where you can just wander off (you'd stand a better chance of seeing the muntjak deer that way), but there are more 'civilised' areas too. Best bet for a first trip is to head for the Bridgewater Monument. (see a map. You can get to it via Northchurch and turn North up the hill.) There are loads of places to park and there's a tearoom and ice-cream van usually, although unlikely in February. The pathways are less muddy than elsewhere, too.

Sorry, rocked up here a bit late.

My two DSDs go to Berkhamsted Collegiate and LOVE it. It's agreat school. DS is already signed up for stepping stones.

It's alovely place to live, close to London but still a bit different.

I love it.

NK1 The bumpf for Lockers Park has arrived and DH really rates it. I feel somewhat nervous about the prospect of sending my little one there. My big question is about all these temptations to 'try' boarding if you are a day boy. Surely if they try it (as their mates are boarders etc) they would end up loving it and wanting to do it full-time??!

Did you find it a showy school? Would a parent rocking up in their trusty Fiesta look out of place?!

Thank you Clam. Big help.

ForeverOptimistic says we must go for a walk in Ashridge. Is there a particular point to park the car to do such a walk?

Thanks!

Yeah, that's the main sports' centre in the town. The one in Hemel is bigger, with a variety of pools (and another AquaSplash complex towards the M1) but the Berko one is perfectly adequate. There is also a large pool in the Collegiate Girls' School, but you need to be a member of the club there and there are restricted opening hours.
There is a small park with swings etc.. just over the canal from the Waitrose carpark, by the tennis/squash club. There is another carpark over there, but you need to navigate a bit to find it (down Lower Kings Road from the traffic lights, round the wiggly bend, over the canal and turn left into a sheltered housing sort of place. Follow the road round lots of bends (turns into a sort of driveway) go past the tennis club, and park).
But easier to go from Waitrose, frankly.

Can anyone recommend a park with swings etc to take the kids to when we visit Berko again on Saturday?

And we were going to take them swimming to check out pool facilities. How about Sportspace http://www.sportspace.co.uk/sportspace/default.asp?step=6&id=2

is that the main pool or are there others?

Ta.

Shooters' Way! If you're very wealthy.

Is there anywhere in Berko itself where you would particularly love to live, and anywhere that you would particularly avoid??!

And the teashop place on top of the antique shop is called the Attic Tearoom and does lovely home made cakes - I go nearly every week

Clam- yes, it's on with Hamptons but I didn't know it had an open day.

The fleas are in the Rothschild offshot of the Natural History Museum in Tring.

And in the interests of inclusivity Boxmoor primary (as is Pixies Hill and Southhill primary) is fabulous and Hemel Hempstead secondary school is perfectly good (though very focused on music and academic subjects)

My friends son has just left Chesham Prep and gone up to Challoners - they have been really happy so far with their choices.

What are these FLEAS??!!!

Rex Cinema looks really fantastic.

I seem to be mentally moving to Berko already.....!

Good news is that 2 of the schools can take my boys - YAY! But DS1 has to be subjected to an 'assessment' which fills me with DREAD. Doesn't seem right for such young children to be 'assessed' even if it's just casual observation. Anyone have experience of these 3+ assessments?! Are they just formalities to make sure they won't tear the place down?!

Ooh, and the nice teashoppy lunchy place at the top of the antique-y shop. The one you need oxygen masks to get to on the top floor. Opposite Oakleys estate agents...

Sorry to hijack - but I lived in Berko (well Dudswell to be precise) til I was 14.

Foreveroptimistic - I loved those fleas!!! That was always a weekend treat to go to the museum.

And The Rex - I saw my first film there - Bambi!!!!!

Hijack over ........ sorry don't know anything about schools there now.

Gawd, I really wouldn't fancy driving from Berko to Chesham Bois in the rush hour .

How about Chesham Prep? That's the right side of Chesham for you?

What I'd really like to know, NK1, is what you observed at Westbrook Hay that you weren't so keen on? Was it general feel, or something specific?

Hello,
It was a general feel, nothing awful I promise! It was just not my cup of tea. Some of it was little things such as the very young pupils being allowed to spoon on as much ketchup as they liked!This was about 6/7 years ago and no doubt it has changed alot. Good luck, Berko is a really nice town.

PS No one has mentiomed The Rex cinema,

http://www.therexberkhamsted.com/
worth moving there for that alone.

Sadly out of budget slightly but this would have been a cracker! 5&sortByPriceDescending=false&minBedrooms=4&minPrice=700000&displayPropertyType=houses&oldDisplayPro pertyType=houses&includeSSTC=true&_includeSSTC=on&pageNumber=1&backToListURL=%2Fproperty-for-sale%2F find.html%3FsearchType%3DSALE%26locationIdentifier%3DOUTCODE%255E1095%26radius%3D0.0%26displayProper tyType%3Dhouses%26minBedrooms%3D4%26maxBedrooms%3D%26minPrice%3D700000%26maxPrice%3D%26maxDaysSinceA dded%3D%26includeSSTC%3Dtrue%26_includeSSTC%3Don%26sortByPriceDescending%3Dfalse%26primaryDisplayPro pertyType%3D%26secondaryDisplayPropertyType%3D%26oldDisplayPropertyType%3D%26oldPrimaryDisplayProper tyType%3D%26oldSecondaryDisplayPropertyType%3D%26newHome%3D%26retirement%3D%26auction%3Dfalse%26part BuyPartRent%3Dfalse%26x%3D41%26y%3D7

I note that Berko has a Hemel postcode!!!

Thanks for all the shopping advice. Now I am officially in the know!

We'll have a look at Boxmoor (I love pound shops, really!) as it's good to know the area. Pretty decent houses, Laurie, that's for sure!

Sadly out of budget slightly but this would have been a cracker! http://www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-21811232.html?locationIdentifier=OUTCODE%5E109 5&sortByPriceDescending=false&minBedrooms=4&minPrice=700000&displayPropertyType=houses&oldDisplayPro pertyType=houses&includeSSTC=true&_includeSSTC=on&pageNumber=1&backToListURL=%2Fproperty-for-sale%2F find.html%3FsearchType%3DSALE%26locationIdentifier%3DOUTCODE%255E1095%26radius%3D0.0%26displayProper tyType%3Dhouses%26minBedrooms%3D4%26maxBedrooms%3D%26minPrice%3D700000%26maxPrice%3D%26maxDaysSinceA dded%3D%26includeSSTC%3Dtrue%26_includeSSTC%3Don%26sortByPriceDescending%3Dfalse%26primaryDisplayPro pertyType%3D%26secondaryDisplayPropertyType%3D%26oldDisplayPropertyType%3D%26oldPrimaryDisplayProper tyType%3D%26oldSecondaryDisplayPropertyType%3D%26newHome%3D%26retirement%3D%26auction%3Dfalse%26part BuyPartRent%3Dfalse%26x%3D41%26y%3D7

I would agree re Northchurch being a bit too far to walk to station; my dh will do a fair size walk where we are now, but that was too much for him.. miss Berko terribly having been relocated by work to Surrey. Have friends there still and going to a wedding at the Collegiate School where two of them attended, so can vouch for the staying in touch bit..

good luck - it's worth holding out for. I'd move back like a shot if it didn't mean a slog round the M25 to work

LOL at Boxmoor folk pretending we don't live in Hemel! But true!
Go to David Doyle's estate agents or Castles for Boxmoor properties (although they also have offices in Berkhamsted.
Laurie, is that the house that had an open day? Up with H's?

For our big shopping we tend to go to Brent Cross, it is further than Watford but takes about the same length of time to get there as Watford has traffic issues and at Brent Cross you don't have to worry about finding a parking space.

Beaconsfield is not too far and has good clothes shops, Fat Face, White Stuff etc and High Wycombe is only a 20 minute drive away.

I think it is a good plan to rent for 6 months and see if you like it. Most people I know rented at first and have ended up staying. Why don't you come back for a longer weekend and see how you find it? Make sure you go for a walk in Ashridge and have a drink at one of the canalside pubs before you make up your mind.

The school run to the Beacon School would be fine, it is on the Berko side of Chesham, even in the school rush I don't imagine it would take long.

Have you considered Haresfoot School? I don't know much about it, I know of someone who sent their son there and they were happy with it.

Just in case you haven't ruled out Boxmoor

www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-18858763.html?locationIdentifier=REGION%5E65129&sortB yPriceDescending=true&displayPropertyType=houses&oldDisplayPropertyType=houses&pageNumber=1&backToLi stURL=%2Fproperty-for-sale%2Ffind.html%3FlocationIdentifier%3DREGION%255E65129%26sortByPriceDescendi ng%3Dtrue%26displayPropertyType%3Dhouses%26oldDisplayPropertyType%3Dhouses

And I notice that my favourite house in the whole area went on sale yesterday (gutted that I can't have this as I was only drooling over it last week when on the Moor in the snow)

www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-24506591.html?locationIdentifier=REGION%5E65129&sortB yPriceDescending=true&displayPropertyType=houses&oldDisplayPropertyType=houses&pageNumber=1&backToLi stURL=%2Fproperty-for-sale%2Ffind.html%3FlocationIdentifier%3DREGION%255E65129%26sortByPriceDescendi ng%3Dtrue%26displayPropertyType%3Dhouses%26oldDisplayPropertyType%3Dhouses

I'm in Boxmoor too and we very much like to pretend we're not Hemel. It's better for shopping than pound shops though. Apart from Debenhams which is very good considering the nearest is Luton or London for a Debenhams there is Monsoon (with helpful staff that will order stuff) and Laura Ashley, 2 Waterstones, H&M, HMV, Next.

The main advantage Hemel has over Watford is the parking for the shops, it's a fifth as cheap and most importantly at Christmas you don't get trapped on the Watford ring road for 3 hours unable to park and unable to get off it.

Berko's lovely and we nearly bought there two years ago but the size of house swayed us (you don't have that problem with your budget obviously)

Best news, Ocado's deliver so you don't have to actually go to Waitrose except for 'bits'.

And the organic butcher is the best in the universe imo

sort of cut off. weirdy like league of gentlemen.

How true! But Boxmoor (and I should know) justs like to pretend that it is not in Hemel Hempstead. No one would move from Berko to Boxmoor unless they had to,there is nothing in Boxmoor apart from the moor and the railway station. The worst thing about Berko is Waitrose on a Saturday when all the men are sent to do the shopping,waiting it seems for Boden Johnnie to do his catalogue shoot. Berko is lovely for day to day shopping, it has a lovely organic butcher plus Waitrose and a small Tesco. Do you listen to 'Ed Reardon' on Radio 4 ? It is set in Berko. Nice canal to stroll along and good train connection to London.

Teetering, at first Saturdays were tiring plus the longer school day but after a couple of weeks it was not an issue . One thing to bear in mind is the long exeats which can cause problems if you work. My experience was that there was always someone willing to help/pick up if you needed to work, everyone was very helpful. Day boys were treated the same as borders and sometimes it was good to know that they could stay for supper if you needed them to. Also if there was room they could stay for one night at a reasonable cost, sometimes easier than a 'baby sitter'. At the time my son was at the school you could not be a prefect/headboy unless you were a border/flexi border. I think they have an open day coming up, worth a visit. I do not regret sending my son to the school, it was a great learning experience for him even though we were not the typical prep school family. Good luck.

DH has asked 'if you wanted to be in the area but not live in Berko, where would you go?'!!!!!!!!!!

He is thinking that if we were to rent in Berko for 6-12 mths and decide that we (he!) don't like it, is there an obvious alternative place to be in the area??!

LOL! One estate agent grew up in Berkhamsted and now lives in Boxmoor, and was very forward in saying that he really dislikes Berko, saying it's 'neither fish now fowl'. I think that the shop issue might be the only downside that I can find. Not insurmountable though!

berkhampstead is a really odd town i think, sort of cut off. weirdy like league of gentlemen.

Rather than trek into London (and lug it all back on the train, even if it is only 30 mins) you could drive to Milton Keynes (up the M1. Or Brent Cross, (down the M1).

Watford, probably. Has a good range, and a big John Lewis. Although I have managed to get it all in Hemel one year. Aylesbury is not brilliant, adequate. Normal provincial town, really.

A question re shops! If you were after a bigger shopping fix (and at Christmas time etc), where would you go? Watford, Aylesbury (what's there?!), or into central London on train etc? Thanks for heads up on Hemel pound shops!

Think LP does a fair bit of preparaion for some of the heavierweight public schools common entrance. WBH does a fair bit, but lots go into Bucks and the grammar system too.

NK thank you. Lockers Park seems a real heavyweight - very impressive stuff! How do you find school on a Saturday morning? Aren't they exhausted by then?! Their website says they admit 5+ from last September but I am not sure what that means for Reception kids from 4+. I will have to ask them. And are day boys left out/stand out in any way?

What I'd really like to know, NK1, is what you observed at Westbrook Hay that you weren't so keen on? Was it general feel, or something specific?

WBH is mixed to Year 6, then boys only for Y7 & 8, although I did hear that they were accepting girls at that age a year or two ago. But there weren't many, and the few that might have been interested were put off by possibly being in a minority. A couple of years ago, they had to expand Y7 & 8 when the (good) state schools were all massively over-subscribed and they went to 2-form entry. This made it better for filling sports' teams. Don't know about numbers lower down, although it may be that people are being credit-crunched and they therefore have space. They've certainly had an ambitious building programme over the last few years.

Hello, these are the thoughts of a 'local'.
Lockers Park is lovely.(I am biased!) It lets boys be boys, they work hard and play hard. Most boys play an instrument and the choir is great. They have a newish Head (with a wife that writes)and now take boys under the age of 7 It is a real 'community' and everybody really does know everybody. At break and lunch the boys put track suits over their clothes and mess about making dens etc. Academic and sporty, quite a few go on to take scholarships for public schools.
Berko also has a newish Head, or 'Principle' and has dropped 'Collegiate' from its name. Would not have suited me as I did not go for the idea my son of being in just one school from 3 to 18! Having said that,it is not automatic that you will be allowed to move from from pre-prep to prep to senior to 6th form but I think most do. Very academic but music and sport also important.
I know nothing about Chesham Bois other than they play Lockers at sport.
Westbrook Hay is in a lovely situation and is a mixed sex school. Having seen it in operation a few years ago I decided it was not suitable for my son. Sorry to ramble, these are just my own observations.

Thanks clam. Westbrook Hay website does look really lovely. I am feeling nervous about it being oversubscribed - any idea if any chance for Reception in September??! I will call them first thing tomorrow.

I also see that they can do full-day childcare!! How refreshing. I called one school in Surrey who pointed out their proximity to the nearest rail station 'in case my husband needs to commute'!!!!

And to Forever, too, would it be feasible to drive kids from Berko to school in Chesham Bois is that became necessary? Murderous traffic etc??!

I'd say the agent's on the level re: the trains. There are always seats at Hemel, so Berko would be fine. Trains fill up at Watford, certainly.
I have to say that I try to avoid driving through the centre when I can. The queues at those traffic lights at the centre seem to take forever and they're not easy to avoid. I would certainly recommend giving yourself the option of being able to walk into town. It's a nice-sized little town - with enough shops to get by (WHSmith, Waitrose, Boots) but you'd need to drive to Watford for anything much more. Hemel, apart from Debenhams, M&S and Next, is full of Pound shops.
Forgot to say before that Westbrook has a lovely pre-school dept - Swallows. And the grounds are simply beautiful - kids can play out freely at breaks.

Ta - good to know it was a bit busier than usual. I will look at Tring too, but I quite like the size of Berkhamsted and that you don't feel in a tiny village etc! Fleas with clothes on??!!!!

Do you know what the morning trains are like to Euston? Are they heaving by the time they get to Berkhamsted or can you still get a seat? Agent said that before Watford you're in with a chance, but again, these agents...!!

It is always busy but today was busier than the norm.

If you are looking for something quieter try Tring, it is a bit too sleepy for me but it is lovely. When I want to escape the hustle and bustle of Berko I take ds up to the Natural History Museum in Tring and we have a coffee there, it is great they even have fleas with clothes on!

Thanks for that. DS1 loves his scooter so managing him on hills would be interesting!

We were driving on the High Street at about 11.30am today and it was heaving. Agent said it was exceptional today as everyone had emerged after the bad weather to get provisions etc. Or is that a lie and it is always really busy?!

The agent said a house has just come up for rent off Chesham Rd, near the High Street. It would be in catchment for Victoria, so that might be a good bet!

The hills are a pain when you have a pushchair and a heavy toddler to transport but the upside of living in a hilly area are the views. Nearly everyone I know has great views over the town.

Northchurch is nice and is a little cheaper than the centre of town but it is too far for my liking. You would have to drive to the station and although it isn't actually that far to walk to town it would become a bit of a pain when the weather is bad.

There is a great community feel in Berkhamsted it is lovely that everything is within walking distance and when you make friends it is really handy to be able to visit people without driving.

It's a fair cop!!!

As we can't be sure where we will be able to live, and as we'll be late applicants in the state system there's no telling what state primaries we'd be offered (despite our preferences) we're having to rely on private options as contingency in case we're not happy with the school we get allocated for Reception in Sept.

How do you find the hills?! Crikey in today's slush and snow it must be treacherous!

As long as we can find a 4-bed decent house, with off-street parking, close-ish to station, and the schools will accept us, then I am going to be happy!

What is Northchurch like?

Are you the OP on the other thread or has everyone been house hunting in Berko today?!!

There are no particularly bad areas and as the town is so compact most places with the exception of Northchurch and Potten End are within 10ish minutes to the station.

State wise Victoria and Greenway are the most popular schools, all the primaries have above the national average SAT results.

Do you have any particular houses in mind?

Foreveroptimistic - No, we we have only been there a sum total of one hour, and that was this morning!!!! So, I don't yet have a particular area in mind but would like to be a 10-min or so walk to the station so to avoid the need to drive in and park.

So, I am very open to advice on where exactly to live!!!

The state primaries are good too. Do you have a particular area of Berkhamsted in mind?

Litchick - I wonder how far afield kids come from to use the schools in Berko, then?

Do you specifically mean that your friends's kids go to Berkhamsted Collegiate School specifically? Or just to schools in Berko generally?

Lots of parents near us send their Dcs to Berko - never heard anything other then positives.Nice mix, great sport, great facilities.
The only down side seems to be the lack of green space. It's right in the centre of town.

Clam - that is great to hear, thanks. An estate agent said that she gets the impression that Westbrook Hay is quite popular and used by lots of clients on her books.

I looked up Lockers Park which is in Hemel and seems to be 7+ so we will keep it in mind if DSs do a state infant school.

My nephew went to Berk. Collegiate Senior school and they were all very pleased with it. He is a very lovely young man and doing well in life. He still keeps in touch with a lot of his school friends and maintains very close connections with the staff and school. I think that always speaks volumes.

SIL and Friend v. pleased with Westbrook Hay. Sis v. pleased with Berkhamsted Collegiate (senior school), tho' don't know about the prep.
Also, there's Locker's Park, which has a good reputation, I believe. And I think Haresfoot has a nursery which feeds into the main school, but don't know much about that one.

Meant to add that DSs are aged 3.5 years and just short of 2 years.

We are moving to the Berkhamsted area and wonder if anyone can give any further insights to: Berkhamsted Collegiate Prep School, Westbrook Hay Prep School and The Beacon School in Chesham Bois? It's hard to get an inside view when all you can do is read a review and do a quick tour etc.

If there are any other schools (state or private) that anyone can recommend, please do share!

Thanks!