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Original poster

Welham Green, Hertfordshire for teens/pre-teens?

4 replies

Heartwood90 · 14/10/2026 10:23

We're looking at a potential move to Welham Green from St Albans, and we would like to get some local insight. We have kids aged 8 to 13, so we are trying to figure out how the transition will treat them as they grow up and how the daily logistics work. Does anyone live in or around Welham Green and their kids still commute into St Albans for school, if so, how is that morning school run by car or public transport? Or has anyone moved from St Albans schools to schools that are closer? We'd also love to know what the area is really like for teenagers and pre-teens in terms of independence—we've heard great things about the North Mymms Youth Project. Do they mostly end up travelling out of the village to socialise? Any pros, cons, or general advice for a family moving in would be amazing. Thank you

OP posts:
MNHQ
BeckyAMumsnet · 15/10/2026 10:40

Hello @Heartwood90 we've moved your thread over to Secondary education - it might get a bit lost here.

NightsDrawIn · 15/10/2026 17:02

My DC are now in their twenties. We've lived in WG for almost 30 years, and it's been a great place to bring up children.

WG is on a train line between Welwyn Garden City and King’s Cross/Moorgate. Most DC around here go to school in Brookmans Park or Potters Bar (Mount Grace/Gracewood Academy or Dame Alice Owen), so that works out well for independently meeting up with friends, or going into London. However, transport to St Albans isn't so great. I haven't known any children go to school in St Albans, so can't comment on that.

My DC loved NMYP, which was mainly children from WG and Brookmans Park schools (WG and BP make up the parish of North Mymms). I don't have any recent experience, but back in the day, they went every week, and did all sorts of fantastic indoor and outdoor activities. However, they had a lot of school friends who also went. Your DC might find it more difficult if they were shy and didn't know anyone. Also, by 14 or 15, my DC tended to do other things.

Have you posted on the local Facebook groups? People there could give you more up-to-date information.
WG www.facebook.com/groups/208030496542251
BP www.facebook.com/groups/500965523343858

All in all, it's a lovely area, with lovely countryside, nice walks, etc although (like everywhere near London) there are plans for new houses.

Original poster
Heartwood90 · 17/10/2026 22:54

Thanks so much @NightsDrawIn, that's really helpful. It sounds great and we really love the countryside setting. Ideally wouldn't move them school as they like their current schools but not sure how practical that is going to be.

I had seen about some of the housing plans which is a shame.

Have you found any issues with antisocial behaviour or is it generally quiet?

OP posts:
NightsDrawIn · 18/10/2026 09:42

We personally don't have problems with antisocial behaviour. It's very quiet in our road. I notice on Facebook that people have complained about off-road bikes in the woods near the school, but I think that's pretty localised.

I like the fact that we're really in the countryside, with plenty of walks, but equally there are lots of facilities and a train station. We've loved living here, and when we upsized a few years ago, we stayed, although we're not originally from the area. Which part are you looking at?

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