Reloaction, relocation, relocation

[bensonandhedges]

We're actively exploring the possibility of moving from Nottingham out to either Long Eaton or Newark. The decision has been brought about by needing to find a house more suited to our needs, which we can't possibly afford in our current area. I won't bore you with details.

The prospect of Newark warms my cockles a bit more, but the (secondary) schools really do seem to be a problem, and I have three primary age girls. Long Eaton scores better (on paper, at least) in this regard, but I'm not so attracted to it as a place. And, we have seen a really great house there.

Although we are quite old folk, we're first time buyers, and I'd just welcome some thoughts from out there about which particular bit of my instinct to trust more. So the dilemma in a nutshell is: Newark: like the place, houses not so much what we need but ok, schools dubious on paper. Long Eaton: schools ok, houses good, just don't quite love it.

Advice please!

[Badders123]

Jesus
Newark
Long eaton is a dump

[bensonandhedges]

Please elaborate!

[Badders123]

If you like charity shops and greggs you will like the town centre
The schools aren't great, despite what ofsted may say - do go and visit a few and see for yourself
The people are unfriendly and - frankly - very racist
The one way system and traffic lights every 20 yards is stupid
It's just...horrible

[bensonandhedges]

Uh-huh. I know it isn't exactly chocolate box, but then, where is? Have you lived there?
Any ideas about Newark? Trouble is, the secondary schools there appear to be dire. I was hoping for some reassuring posts from mn'ers but there's been stony silence.

[Badders123]

There just isntbsnything good to say
Sorry
Got family who live in Newark...I like it

[butmumineedit]

A lot of children from Newark go to secondary schools in Grantham as they have excellent Grammar schools so that could be an option for you .

[Nan0second]

Grew up in long eaton. I think the post above is a bit harsh.
It's not a perfect small town but the schools are alright and the town centre is thriving. Access to Nottingham and Derby is good and the buses are regular. Crime is low overall and housing is very affordable.
It's a bit 'white' (but I now live in a multi-cultural city so notice it more) but no more racist than any other white area in my observation.

(Can you afford sandiacre though - bit nicer given the choice?!)

[bensonandhedges]

I didn't know you could send children across county boundaries to school. Is that a real option? Re Sandiacre, don't know about prices there. I did check out Friesland Sch and liked it. Not sensational academically but I don't know... how good is good enough?

[berylfreak]

I don't know Long Eaton but with regards to Newark schools, you're right- the local secondaries have had a bad reputation for a long time. However, there is an excellent choice of schools accessible by bus if that doesn't bother you; not only the grammar schools in Grantham and Sleaford but also some excellent secondaries in Bingham, Welbourn and Tuxford. There are also plans for a Free school in Newark and one of the failing secondaries has recently been taken over by a local trust that is responsible for many successful schools (the same trust that plans to open the free school). Hope this helps.

[OliviaBenson]

Isn't HS2 going near long eaton?

[ToastByTheCoast]

I think you get great value property in either compared to Nottingham/suburbs/villages and it is a brave move to make that jump. Children from Newark get into Minster at Southwell (but might be churchgoers). I think Minster is in a partnership with Magnus school in Newark now so maybe that will improve. For general historic feel and vibe around town centre I prefer Newark to Long Eaton but socially both might feel a bit 'small town' in outlook. Transport links in Long Eaton are probably better esp. now tram goes to Toton. Newark has the lovely fast new A46. Doesn't your commute to work point to one or the other though as they are on completely opposite sides of the city?

[Nan0second]

When I was a teenager, Friesland school was where everyone's parents wanted them to go (if you weren't in catchment for George spencer!)
Having said that, my wilsthorpe friends are all gainfully employed (including one doctor) so I wouldn't write it off! (This is 20 year old data and I wasn't schooled locally though)
Yes HS2 will come to toton / long eaton. The new tram is apparently great.
Sandiacre still counts as notts in terms of postcode of that helps?!

[bensonandhedges]

Thank you everyone, very interesting. DH works in Bilborough (thus Long Eaton makes loads more sense), and I work mostly at home with visiting clients - hence the need for space that we can't afford in our current Nottingham suburb. I wouldn't choose to leave here - I love living here: it's a great place, schools are fantastic etc - but we really do need to buy soon because of our age.

I really didn't know about the possibility of travelling further afield to a state school, because here, school places are so hotly-contested that every centimetre from your preferred school counts, you have slim to no chance of getting into a school that isn't your single catchment option, and undersubscribed year groups are isolated.

[bensonandhedges]

And ps a heartfelt thank you to everyone who has pointed out that HS2 is probably going to LE. Was totally unaware and that really does put quite a different complexion on things.

[Badders123]

If I were you I would look at breaston and Risley