Active discussions

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Secondary education

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

Original poster

Grammar and primary schools

54 replies

PK1908 · 12/08/2025 00:41

Hi, this is my first post here- so apologies if I am doing anything wrong.
I am currently looking to buy a house in an area which has grammar school for both boys and girls( I have one son and one daughter), and good primary school for boys, good non selective secondary school, and commutable from london , as both me and my husband are working( too many criteria- I know!!!).
We had finalised Amersham/little Chalfont area and actively looking around there.
Some friends suggested Worcester park- as it can be in catchment of both Tiffin’s girls and nonsuch grammar. I started searching but so confused- as KT4 can be in Sutton or Kingston. How does it work- which non selective schools can I apply for in that case. Many schools show distance criteria, but will council be considered too. Eg. If the postcode lies in Sutton, though distance is less for a school in Kingston, will they be considered?
If not, then is it better to get house in Kingston or Sutton?
Also, what about primary schools.
And lastly- any thoughts on Amersham/little Chalfont vs Worcester park?
sorry for such a long post and queries- ChatGPT failed me so I turned to this trusted forum.

TIA

OP posts:
Original poster
PK1908 · 12/08/2025 01:03

Thanks for the detailed response. yeah we were not that fussy about grammar school, and hence got the current house which does not have any grammar school. But we are not liking this area, so planning to move anyways. My daughter is quite academic and doing really well for her age, hence wanted to give her the opportunity atleast to try. Very aware that she might not clear it, so looking for good non selective schools too.

OP posts:
Original poster
PK1908 · 12/08/2025 00:59

Thanks for responding- this really helps.

OP posts:
clary · 12/08/2025 00:54

OP I would ask why you want to live in a grammar area? Are your DC going to be bright enough to get into the grammar?

Because if not, then they will be in a secondary modern by any other name – a school where the brightest have been creamed off (by the grammar). Obviously it depends what % go to the grammar; but is that something you want for your DC?

Many people who like the idea of a grammar area like it bc they think their kids will go to the grammar. But most will not.

You ask about non-selective schools – if I were you I would move to an area with excellent comprehensive secondary options. And live really near the one you like. There are plenty of places in the outer London area, or in London itself (depending on house budget ofc) that fit that bill.

minipie · 12/08/2025 00:45

All I can say is Tiffin is insanely competitive to get in. People tutor their kids for years for the test. I certainly wouldn’t make any house move at this stage on the assumption of going there.

Swipe left for the next trending thread