Move to Derby - Ashbourne, Derbyshire ?

[Relocation4us]

Hello we are considering a move to either Derby itself or Ashbourne / surrounding area of Derbyshire and not knowing this area, apart from what we have seen on visits, we would really appreciate some guidance on areas etc We have two teenagers aged 14 and 16 so good schooling / 6th form is important but would also like an area that has good transport - accessible for them to get into town.
Please could anyone assist - I have seen a number of similar posts on here but unfortunately they are several years old. Hopefully those who did ask for guidance made the move and if they did I'd be really pleased to hear from you too, to see how you settled.

Thank you.

[Bogeyface]

Bit of a late reply but.....
Ashbourne is lovely but a tourist area which means it is a fecking nightmare on bank holidays and very busy during the summer, it is also a fair whack away from Derby.

There are some really lovely villages on the South Derbyshire side that are still within easy reach of the Derby, and Burton on the other side. There is a Villager bus that runs through most of the villages that is once and hour from Burton to Derby and back again.

Findern is lovely, Littleover and Mickleover are both bigger and much closer to Derby, Hilton and Etwall are both reasonable sizes but further away. John Port is supposed to be a good school which covers Etwall, Hilton, Willington, Repton, Milton and Newton Solney. Repton and Willington are very busy with traffic, Repton especially busy due to the school. Milton is very nice but quiet. NEwton Solney is really lovely and very friendly but expensive property wise and there is no shop within a walkable distance.

[Bogeyface]

@Relocation4us

[ILiveHere]

I agree with what Bogeyface said. Ashbourne hasn't got the best but service either for getting into Derby for your teenagers. That said, it does have a good school. There are also some lovely villages around the Burton on Trent area, so might be worth looking there. Have you got work lined up that you need to be within a certain commuting distance to?

[ILiveHere]

Bus, not but

[Bogeyface]

Ilive are you in Burton?

[ILiveHere]

No but in a village about 5 mins or so from Branston. Are you in Burton?

[Bogeyface]

Indeed, on the other side of the river and up a very steep hill!

[Bogeyface]

Although we are strictly speaking a village too, which is quaite naice :o

[SeriousSteve]

Used to live in a village on the outskirts of Burton some 15 years ago, some lovely villages on the centre of Burton was ace, though believe it's deteriorated in recent years. Look back on my time in the area very, very fondly, and still return even now.

[SeriousSteve]

Calais Road fish and chips are amazing and massive portions too! Might have a drive down this week....

[TheBadgersMadeMeDoIt]

Considering how far we are from the sea, Derby does have some outstanding fish-and-chip shops! Pretty spectacular cake shops too (drooling at the thought of a Birds' caramel doughnut...)

Seconding Mickleover/Littleover. Convenient for everything - the A38, the hospital, access to town, local shops, good schools. Can't fault it really.

Allestree also very popular but more pricey - largely due to catchment area for Ecclesbourne school which has a very good reputation.

[TheBadgersMadeMeDoIt]

Oh and I moved here from down South because of a job opportunity. I was very apprehensive but settled in quickly. I've been here over 10 years now and feel quite at home.

[Bogeyface]

Mickleover Birds is nearly as nice as the Burton one :o

They have Little Used there too which is a brilliant nearly new clothes shop, some absolute bargains there, mainly for kids but they also have womens stuff too.

The owner lives in my Burton side village FYI :o

[SeriousSteve]

Hmm, I've forgotten where Birds is in Burton, pray enlighten me so I can slather myself in yumminess when I go down for my fish on Friday! It's DWs birthday so she'll enjoy the Burton visit.

We also still travel, hours drive, to Burton hospital for they have an excellent department for diabetes. They did lose a wonderful DSN a few years back, though...

[Doveridgelass]

Hi, i live in Doveridge and my kids go to Qegs in Ashbourne. We are very close to Uttoxeter. It's got a great primary school and my older two have thrived at Qegs.

[Nightpig]

Ashbourne is lovely and the Secondary school is excellent. I think the bus service is only twice in an hour. Trent Barton run and Hourly service but I'm not sure about Arrival.

Littleover, Chellaston, Ecclesbourne and Woodlands all have very good 6th forms. There's also Landau Forte which is a very good academy and 6th Form, it takes students from all over the city.

The Joseph Wright college is in a good location but we were put off by stories of lack​ of cover for teacher absence.

The good schools will be over subscribed but there's a few students who leave at year 10 to study at the Technical academies.

My eldest attended Littleover school and 6th form. The staff are very supportive and she really enjoyed her time there.

[MelliMeldrew]

We are relocating to Ashbourne/surrounding area in the summer. Don't know the area at all, other than from a quick recce in Feb, so we are hoping we have made a good choice! We are from another touristy seaside area, so used to very busy bank hols/summer hols etc.

I have a DS13 who is very excited to be going to Qegs - we had a tour in Feb and it seems great. A really lovely and helpful transition leader there if you did want to ask any questions about the school. The estate agent we spoke to had older children at Qegs and said that, although she lived in one of the more rural surrounding villages, her children used the bus service or their bikes to get to Ashbourne to visit friends etc. Not sure about getting into Derby itself though.

Anyway - sorry I can't offer any guidance - but I find it is usually nice to know there is someone in the same boat

[Doveridgelass]

Your DS will love Qegs. The children there take great pride in my the school and there is an opportunity for them to get involved in so many things. I have one in year 10 and one in year 8. Message me if you have any questions about the school if you like

[MelliMeldrew]

Thank you Doveridge, that is good to hear! We have only just found out he definitely has a place, so can't think of any questions at the moment - but as September approaches we may well think of some, so I will message you - thanks

[opera48]

Hi, I'm sure after visiting a few times you will make the right decision for your family. I think knowing where you are moving from will help. If you are used to London then you will be disappointed by Derby city centre as it was spoilt years ago, and it also depends on what sort of activities your teens are into...clubbing, cinemas or orchestra or climbing walls and sports.
Derby does have excellent music groups and sport so being near a bus route will help. So something on or near the A6 will help. The best school to try for is Ecclesbourne without a doubt (you just have to check out the sites to buy or rent in their catchment area), and living in Duffield or Allestree village will mean it's easy for them to get to town without you being mums taxi. Schools do evolve though and a visit is best getting a feel for the mood in the school. Both Allestree and Duffield have coffee shops etc but Duffield although small will have stuff going on for you too. Allestree has a little '70's style shopping centre with the basics. Belper is bigger but outside Ecclesbourne catchment, Quarndon is smart but quiet and Ashbourne is lovely but very busy indeed in the summer. Good luck!

[ednclouda]

am moving to alfreton derby please give me any tips no kids just a dog