Epsom.

[TinyTemperamental]

How is Epsom in general? Anyone know about the schools there?

DS goes to reception next year and we are looking for properties around the catchment areas of 2 schools- Stamford Green and Southfields Park Primary.

There’s one property that we really liked in the new Noble Park estate. It comes under the Stamford Green catchment (0.7 miles) and is 1 mile from Southfields Park Primary.
If we do move to this estate, what are the chances of DS getting Stamford Green?
I have read that because of the new developments, there are now more families living around the catchment areas and at times you may not get the nearest school. If DS ends up in the waiting list, any idea how soon would he get a place in that particular school?

[TinyTemperamental]

Anyone?

[Rabel17]

No idea about the schools but the surrounding area is nice. Lots of traffic in the centre and just starting more roadworks unfortunately. Ashley Centre parking is annoying! Trains are quite good.
Hope someone else can give you more helpful info.

[PatriciaHolm]

Southfield Park have an actual catchment area which you would not be in which takes precedence, so I think it's unlikely you would get in as it's not your nearest school either (Surrey general admissions use "nearest school" as one of the criteria after siblings).

Stamford Green have gone to three form entry now because of increased local demand, so their effective admissions area (they have no defined catchment) has got wider, but as it would be your nearest school you should be fine to get in under that criteria.

One thing to also look out for in the future is Secondary. You are unlikely to get the more in demand boys (Glyn) from there, though I appreciate that is a while away!

Noble Park is a bit on the outskirts of everything - it's a 20 min walk to the nearest mini Tesco for example -but if you are OK with driving everywhere it's fine.

[TinyTemperamental]

Thank you for your replies, very helpful.

I agree with the Ashley Centre parking, was a bit annoying especially with the one way system but I guess if you frequent it often, you might get used to it.

We really liked the Noble Park development with its green and open feel and it’s proximity to the parks. But yes, it is a bit further away and that was something of a concern as currently I walk down to drop DS to nursery, grocery shopping etc.
Perhaps bike or bus (bus stop on the estate) could be an option instead of driving around every time?
Thanks for mentioning the secondary schools, something to think about if we plan to live here for a good number of years.

Also looking at Livingstone Park now as it’s in the middle of Southfield Park Primary (closest school) and Stamford Green catchment plus for immediate stuff, Tesco Express is nearby so walking to these places is an option.
I think Livingstone Park is older compared to Noble Park but it seems alright, of what I could see on street view!

[ILiveInEpsom]

We looked round both schools and much preferred Southfield. It does have a strange catchment but if you live on Livingstone Park or Clarendon Park you will almost certainly get in. Park View and Noble Park aren't in the Southfield catchment.

We live on Livingstone Park and it has a great community feel. Every morning all the children walk through the local park to school which is nice. Plus it is handy having the bakery, Mini Tescos and dry cleaners just round the corner!
We love living in Epsom. There is so much green space - parks, the Country Park, the Common and the Downs. Plus it has enough shops, restaurants, cinema to be fun. My husband commutes to London and it has trains to Victoria and Waterloo which is handy as even if one route is delayed the other is usually working.

[TinyTemperamental]

Thanks! Some very useful information you’ve mentioned, ILiveinEpsom.