Biracial family looking to move from Barry to Cardiff for the sake of greater cultural diversity and better access to a wider range of amenities.

[Patfola]

We have found a fixer upper in Cyncoed but have been told that area isn’t likely to be culturally diverse. Moving 7 year old from Welsh medium to English school also as she is struggling at school at the moment. Cyncoed move puts us in cardiff high catchment but my preference is a faith school like bishop of llandaff high school even she’s older. Will a move to this area of Cardiff bring a more multicultural school environment? I’m also told Cyncoed is a bit lifeless and not too much to do around there. Is this true? Any other recommendations of areas and schools? We do like Penarth as a Cardiff alternative but is that going to give it s any advantages over Barry?

So far as I know this is one of the most affluent areas of Cardiff. Part of the University is based there. I think you ought to discuss this with estate agents and people with local knowledge. Good luck.

Thanks, I’ve found that the catchment schools are pretty diverse but it’s pot luck for an in-year transfer, which school will have space. I can’t apply till we have a completion date for the house so can’t tell. Would like to visit schools but covid pretty much torpedoes that idea atm.

Estate agents haven’t been much help with this to be honest.

To be honest Cardiff on the whole is welcoming to all, if you want the really multicultural area you'd be looking at the bay of Grangetown neither of which are upmarket, unless you look at the new build flats . I'm a bit surprised that you think Barry is too far from Cardiff to use the amenities.

Hi there, I’ve been in Barry for about 8 years now. We are constantly driving back and forth to Cardiff. It would be a nice change to be based in Cardiff for a change. The main reason though is the kids and the hope that the change will be good for them, in terms of school choices and greater diversity within them, things to do in general, proximity to our jobs and access to shops , restaurants etc that Barry lacks (although that is slowly changing). Mixed feelings of whether A move to Cyncoed can deliver on all these things but reviews for lakeside and rhydapenau schools shows much greater that we currently get in my daughters current school (based on 2019 data from the schoolguide website.

Hi, I’m curious how you’ve got on? I’m currently considering a move from South East England to Cardiff (or just outside) and interested to hear about cultural diversity and if you’ve found it’s matched what you where looking for. I am part of a biracial family too.

Hi there, if you want Bishop have a look at the application form for the school as it makes clear what the criteria for admission is, covering parish boundary, worship etc. You are very likely to struggle from Cyncoed as Bishop is always over subscribed and you are likely to need to move nearer again before you apply for secondary. I would be happy to discuss in more detail, feel free to pm me. Good luck!