New to Folkestone and mumsnet - please help!

[Thestarsshinestill]

Hi Mumsnetters

My family and I (Daughter3, Son9months) are just completing the purchase of a house and relocating to Folkestone. It's exciting but nervewracking as we don't know anyone. Particularly worried the effect that Covid and restrictions will have in getting to meet people.

Would really value any help or advice.

We have to apply for Primary Schools for our daughter in January and I'd reeeally appreciate the inside scoop from parents rather than Ofsted.

We're going to be close to Folkestone West train station so nearest Primaries will be Morehall, Sandgate, Folkestone and Harcourt Primaries (we don't want any religious schools). Any experience of these would be really appreciated.

Also nurseries/kindergartens/playgroups etc for my son.

And is there a Forest School in Folkestone?

Thanks so much!

Hi, did you make the move and get schools sorted?

Conventional local wisdom for primary schools would be Sandgate, Folkestone Primary Academy, Morehall and Harcourt in that order. I am out of touch with nurseries but both Sandgate and Harvourt have private nurseries (not run by the schools) in their grounds and Folkestone Primary Academy has a kindergarten run by the school. These nurseries all used to have great reputations and I assume they still do. Welcome!