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Original poster

Commute

36 replies

yoga123 · 07/06/2023 16:03

Hi All
My husband has been offered a job in London and we are considering making the move over the summer. DD has been offered a place at St Helen's for 6th Form and DS a place for Yr 6 at St Martin's Northwood. We are looking to live around Beaconsfield. I wanted to ask if the commute was doable . I wont be working but not sure as i dont know that part of town too well . DH will be in Oxford. Any advice would be helpful.

OP posts:
Original poster
yoga123 · 08/06/2023 06:58

I sort of like Beaconsfield but the commute is clearly not viable. So either I go further in towards Northwood etc or look at different schools. I have spoken to Berkhamsted they may have a spot for my son at yr 6 but waiting to hear for my daughter for 6th Form. I have reached out to Beacon School but no reply. Davenies does not have a place. Crown House does and Caldicott does but we dont want him to board.

OP posts:
TizerorFizz · 07/06/2023 19:59

@yoga123 13 plus places are very rare. The Dc are admitted in score order but mostly no spaces. Bucks have info on their web site.

For me, and I’ve lived in Bucks all my life, I would look to live around Buckingham. Or Winslow. The new Trainline to Oxford isn’t that far off opening. This gives you some choice with Winchester House at Brackley, MK private schools or Swanbourne House near Winslow or Ashfold House school near Brill. You also could have Stowe as a day school at 13. They might even have 6th form space. You can get into London from Bicester quite quickly if you are nearer there, or go from MK. Yes, not as easy as Beaconsfield but schooling has a few options without ludicrous travel. Beaconsfield to Northwood is a pretty awful journey! Even if there is a coach from Waitrose.

DibbleDooDah · 07/06/2023 19:49

Have a look at The Beacon (prep to 13) and Berkhamsted (all through nursery to 18) for your son. Both have school transport from Beaconsfield and are much better commutes.

If you want both children in the same direction then Merchant Taylors would be a good bet and, again, has school transport from Beaconsfield.

LIZS · 07/06/2023 19:37

13+ grammar entry relies on there being an occasional space, which is not a given. Unless you are regularly working in London there are fast train services from further out which would meet your needs. Do you know the area?

Original poster
yoga123 · 07/06/2023 19:00

Husband has been asked to move to the UK with his current company. His office will be between Oxford and Bicester. I like to be within commuting distance of London so Beaconsfield looks like a nice option.

OP posts:
xyzandabc · 07/06/2023 18:55

You've said your husband has been offered a job in London, but then also DH will be in Oxford. I'm confused.

Will he be working in London or Oxford?
Are you looking at him commuting from Beaconsfield to London or Oxford?

If London, which area?

Todayiamkitty · 07/06/2023 18:44

How about Amersham and at least you have the option of the Met Line? Driving would be a real slog though.

Original poster
yoga123 · 07/06/2023 18:40

There is a coach from St helen's to the Waitrose for DD which can work but i do hope we can find something for my son. Thorpe house are open to having him but i am not sure if its a good school. DS is decently academic. Looking at trying for Grammar schools at 13 Plus if that is possible. I never prepared him for the 11 plus as moving was never on the cards and we dont have an address right now for Bucks.

OP posts:
TizerorFizz · 07/06/2023 16:40

@yoga123 A local Facebook group won’t help. No one would ever commute to Northwood for schools from Bucks.

Traffic jams are likely to be huge. If you look during good traffic its 35 mins. Rush hours (hours in the morning and starting at 3 in the afternoon) it’s awful. Why not see what’s available around Beaconsfield or Gerrards Cross? What are your plans post primary for y6 DC? Bucks is a grammar school county so are you planning private all the way? If so, where? Why not look at Beaconsfield area preps to 13?

I imagine Bucks 6 th form grammars are full. However I would never ever contemplate that commute. You will be looking at 45 mins to 1 hour each way.

LIZS · 07/06/2023 16:14

The drive looks shortish but traffic around M40/A40/M25 is a nightmare. There a good schools in Bucks if you want to live there but also a very expensive area.

tennissquare · 07/06/2023 16:06

Why don't you try a local Facebook group?