Buying a house 8 miles from school, am I being unrealistic?

[W8]

Hi,
We are thinking of moving from central London to Surrey. Our son got into a private school in Cobham which we like (although it's the only school we visit and it happens that we like the school). However, we found a house in Richmond that we like (long story), but it is about 8 miles from the school according to the website. Is that possible to do a school run (by car) everyday? I fear that our sons (age 2 and 4) will be a little too tired for the journey. Or is it a done thing these days??? Help:)

[diabolo]

Well, although I'm in a significantly less crowded part of the country, we are 7 miles from DS's Prep and most other parents are much further away. It's 10 minutes each way and has always been fine.

[RatherBeOnThePiste]

It would be a very long journey in busy town traffic for sure, I shudder to think how long it would take at that time of the day, you'd have to go through Kingston and Esher I imagine

[Riveninside]

You will find it a total pain, day in and day out for years. What if car breaks or you aresick?

[annh]

Richmond to Cobham every day sounds like a nightmare school journey to me. According to google maps, it should be 30 mins but there is no way you can realistically do it in that time at morning rush hour. That means over two hours a day in traffic for you and your two year old. If you have only looked at one school, you don't really have any comparison points. Surely it would make more sense to look at some schools inRichmond. You will probably find at least one there that you like just as much.

[Decorhate]

Where I live 8 miles wouldn't take more than 15 minutes. However I suspect Ricmond to Cobham could take hours... I wouldn't really...

[iwantavuvezela]

do a trial run for a week that should give you a fair idea of what it feels like

[littlemissboden]

we are 14 miles from our eldests school, it takes 20 minutes in and about 1/2 an hour home.

[stillfeel18inside]

Have a look at King's House in Richmond or Tower House in Sheen - both good private boys' schools - or there's The Mall or Newman (sp?) House in Teddington - all much nearer than Cobham! It's not just the long journey each day, which would be hideous, it's also the fact that all their school friends will live miles away which will be a massive pain when it comes to parties, playdates etc. Assuming you're looking for private schools, but there's also the Vineyard school (state primary) in Richmond which is meant ot be good

[titchy]

Not a chance in hell you should do this journey - I live locally. The traffic will be a nightmare. You will spend at least an hour each way. Then an hour back home. Then the whole thing again in the afternoon.

Why on earth have you only looked at one school in Cobham if you're going to live in Richmond? Either move to Cobham, or nearby. Or find a school in Richmond. Eeryone in the private schools in Cobham will live within 15 mins or so of school. The kids socialise together - but yours won't be able to. The parents socialise (if you choose to do so) - expcet you won't becuase you'll be so far away.

[Madsometimes]

Your children are still only babies .

If you want to move house, then find them a local school. Given that you are looking at private schools, this should not be too difficult. Travelling 8 miles to school may work in rural areas, but not in London. I would not consider this for secondary, never mind nursery or reception.

[grovel]

Sorry, W8, I think you'd be bonkers.

[thestringcheeseincident]

I live locally too and this would be AWFUL every single day.
Move to Cobham or surrounding areas. You probably get a titch more house for your money in this area too.

[HSMM]

My DD yr7 travels 10 miles a day on the bus on quiet roads. Even though the journey is generally trouble free, it is a problem in bad weather and as far as her school social life goes, it would be better if we were closer.

[quirrelquarrel]

I know a family who drive their 8 year old to private school for 45 mins-1 hour each way.