Hertfordshire

[luckyjames]

I recently started a thread regarding moving to Hertfordshire or Kent. Thank you everyone who left a message, it has been most helpful. I would like to get more informatin on Hertfordshire, what the schools are like (State, Grammar or Private), what areas are good in terms of commuting, schools, local community and ammenities. Myself being Chinese and my partner English, we would like to move somewhere where we all feel comfortable and welcome. Many thanks.

[Tanee58]

My sister lives in Harpenden and loves it. They're a mixed marriage (we're Sri Lankan British, my BIL's English) - with lots of friends of different backgrounds and felt v welcome. She made loads of good friends through her local NCT. The schools are good, (John Lawes in particuarly), good local shops, fast trains to London, lots of nice walks, pubs etc.

[rickymummy]

Great county - I moved here approx 15 years ago, and am very settled.

I know the area around Watford, Croxley, Rickmansworth, Chorleywood etc. It's a lovely area, good schools and facilities, and quite a mix of people, as many people move here to work in London.

Only downsides - housing is quite expensive, and there is currently a shortage of state secondary places, although they are in the process of planning a new secondary.

[Booandpops]

St albans has excellent schools but is expensive. Harpendon also very good. I'm in WGC. We have very good primary but secondary not so great. Knights Templar school in baldock has a great reputation and has the advantage of baldock being a lot cheaper than south herts

[IAPJJLPJ]

rickymummy - where are they planning the new school? Am an ex-watford lass, so its still close to my heart...sob... snifff

[sahs1969]

We live in Bovingdon....Chipperfield, Kings Langley all very nice and quick commute to London.

We are looking at St Albans for high schools but some really good primary schools in our area.

[pinguina]

We are in WGC too and DD1 will start school next year - am in terrible pickle as to where to send her. Any recommendations?

[Booandpops]

Pingina Secondary or primary??

[bubbles12]

IAPJJLPJ - the new secondary school is still in the consultation phase I think.Prposed sites are in Maple cross or one of three sitesin Croxley Green - one near Little Green school, one down the bottom of Baldwins lane and one other that I cant remember!

[IAPJJLPJ]

Bottom of Baldwins Lane?? By the Harvester? Not much room there!!

[bubbles12]

Near there! Opposite the shops at the bottom of Baldwins Lane - it's fields at the moment. I think it is one of the smaller proposed sites but a bit bigger than the Harvester car park

[IAPJJLPJ]

Long time since been down there. I still travel down to get my hair cut in Maple Cross (excellent hairdresser). My Grandparents lived in Loundwater so was down there frequently.

[IAPJJLPJ]

Loudwater even!!!

[rickymummy]

I think they are deciding between one of the Croxley sites and one of the Maple Cross sites. The public survey went for the Maple Cross sites, but what do we know! Just holding my breathe that it is finished on schedule, as that is the yeat that DS1 is due to transfer and there is a terrible shortgage of spaces.

[bubbles12]

ooh - IAPJJLPJ, whihc hairdresser? I need a new one after a disasterous hair cut at my normal place last time!

Interesting about the schools - rickymummy. I hadn't realsied the results of the survey were out. Will go on the website and see what other information they have.

[IAPJJLPJ]

Peter Sawyer. He has a room set up in his house. Been going to him or years. Message me and i will send his phone number.

[bronze]

I'm from Harpenden originally. I don't think theres a bad school there

[PersonalClown]

Another WGC born and bred. Agree that primary on the whole are great. Secondary??? Not so much.

As much help as a chocolate teapot there!

[boram]

I have been given Peter Sawyer's number but wondered whether it was genuine. Does he cut hair from home in Oakhill Road, Maple Cross? Please could you let me have his number to be sure I have the right person.