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Connect with other parents whose children are starting secondary school on this forum.

Connect with other parents whose children are starting secondary school on this forum.

Secondary education

Schools in Norfolk

20 replies

muumi · 19/02/2013 10:26

Hi all,

We are thinking of relocating to Norfolk but need to be in commuting distance of London. So far we are thinking about the Sherringham area but schools seem to be a minefield.

We have two children aged 6 and 7 but want to think ahed to secondary time too. They are currently at an 'Outstanding" state primary in North London. Any ideas where we would find similar for both primary and secondary?

Any advice gratefully received as my head is near to exploding!!

Ta muchly.

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lljkk · 19/02/2013 12:51

I wouldn't call Sheringham commuting distance to London.

Wymondham, but you'll have to live in a village to find a local school with places.

GetMeOut · 19/02/2013 13:55

I agree - it's only just about commutable to Norwich. If you are set on Sheringham, then I would suggest Greshams in Holt

muumi · 19/02/2013 14:05

Thanks for your ideas. Sorry, I didn't explain myself very well. We don't need to commute daily. I'll be working in London on one day a week and my ex -husband on maybe four and staying over (he's moving with me, but without me if you know what I mean??!).

It's really just got to be on a train line (Brandon or Downham are possibilities) and close to a good school.

I'll have a look at Greshams but Holt might be just that bit too far out. Wymondham is a good possibility too but again, makes the train journey more like 2 hours rather than an hour and a half.

We've split up and can't afford two flats where we live with the proceeds of our house so are thinking of making the move out of London. It's all a bit complicated!

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lljkk · 19/02/2013 14:30

Oh dear, sounds complicated.

Thetford probably has nice pockets around it but lots social deprivation, too.

What about Bury St. Edmonds? Some direct trains to London.

lljkk · 19/02/2013 14:31

And Diss. Lots of MNers in Diss can advise.

diabolo · 19/02/2013 14:48

Bury St Edmunds is a great place - good schools in both sectors but the direct train to London takes forever.

The villages out near Stowmarket might be better and a much quicker journey time into Liverpool Street.

I wouldn't go much further North than Norwich tbh.

muumi · 19/02/2013 17:33

Thanks for that. I'll check those out too. Does anyone know about the Swaffham area for schools too?

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Fimbo · 19/02/2013 17:40

No way could you manage a commute from Sheringham to London even one day a week. Is it part of the Bittern Lane where the trains will be fairly infrequent too?

Diss or Ipswich would be better. Or even somewhere like Ely. I live in Norwich having moved here from Scotland and whilst it is lovely, it is as someone described to me as being at the end of the road to nowhere. Hopefully once the A11 is dualled properly it will make a huge difference. Wymondham is where you should go if you definately want Norwich. Wymondham has a main trainline station but you would need to change at Cambridge or Ely for London.

throckenholt · 19/02/2013 18:55

In lieu of other more informed Dissites, I will stick in my vote for Diss. It is closer to London, schools have a good reputation and the town itself is nice (albeit very small compared to London).

Otherwise somewhere in Norwich - maybe in the Thorpe area which is close to the station.

I would not want to be messing around changing trains regularly or having an extra long commute - even one day per week.

Going further south the next stations are Stowmarket and Ipswich. The alternative line through Wymondham goes via Cambridge and is slower. Ditto for the line through Downham Market from Lynn.

I am sure some Diss people will be along soon to give you more info.

TomDudgeon · 19/02/2013 20:43

Did you want private or state as you were talking about Sheringham which is state but Greshams is private.
Near kings lynn might suit you. Lynn itself isn't fab but places around are nice

muumi · 20/02/2013 09:12

Definitely state! But an Oftead 'Outstanding' one if possible - for both primary and secondary. Wymondham sounds interesting...

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prettydaisies · 20/02/2013 09:49

We live in south west Norwich and my husband often uses the line through Wymondham to get the train to London. It's not much longer and can be quicker depending on where you want to go to in London. It's also much easier to get to and park at compared to Norwich station. Sheringham is too far in my opinion. Most trains from Norwich are 1hr and 50 minutes into Liverpool Street.

lljkk · 20/02/2013 10:58

You won't get your kids into a school within Wymondham if you just turn up. Well, maybe if you are wiling to go to appeals for years and they are KS2 age (not older or younger).

muumi · 21/02/2013 11:44

I spoke to a lovely lady at the Norfolk Council education dept yesterday who completely bigged up Diss. I'm really liking the sound of it!

Any Diss-ettes who can tell me more? I'll definitely visit it at the weekend.

Oooh errr, I might be getting somewhere!!

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throckenholt · 21/02/2013 11:54

Maybe start another thread specifically with Diss in the title ? No idea why they haven't found this thread - but there are quite a few MNers who are in that area.

throckenholt · 21/02/2013 11:58

I just had another thought - have you considered Beccles - just over the border into Suffolk and east of Diss ? It is on a train line. It is a bit bigger and more bustling in the town centre compared to Diss. Not sure what the schools are like - but might be worth considering.

muumi · 23/02/2013 19:56

Thanks all. We're here at the moment and Diss looks lovely. We also really liked Old Buckenham but the transport links are a bit sparse to say the least. To tomorrow we'll check out Beccles too.

ill start a thread for all the Diss lovelies to get the low-down on life there too.

Thanks for your suggestions

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outtolunchagain · 23/02/2013 22:03

Also consider Framlingham and Woodbridge if you don't mind going over the border into Suffolk.

knitknack · 24/02/2013 20:27

I used to teach at Wymondham High until last year. It's not ofsted 'outstanding' but it's a good school. Diss high school is good but the two best that are very close to Diss are Hartismere in Eye which is fantastic (both in Ofsted's and my opinion!) and Thomas Mills in Fram. PM if you DO decide on this kind of area - I teach in this area, so does my kids' dad AND we have kids at both primary and secondary...

Lissw16 · 28/01/2015 19:03

Hi- know this thread is a bit old but we too are moving from London to Diss. Anyone know the good primary schools in the area- DD starting September 2016

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