Moving for good secondary schools - where?

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We live in London but aren't rolling in it. DS1 is in year 5, bright and capable boy.

Are considering moving - only for the schools really, but also want to go somewhere we'll be able to make a life for ourselves, make friends etc.

DH works in London (London Bridge). I am currently a SAHM but would like that to change! Younger DSs are 4 and 5. Faith schools not an option.

We have had Harpenden suggested to us - the prices are all stratospheric but we'd do what we could (including renting initially).

Does anyone have any suggestions? We like living in London but would consider anywhere within reasonable communting distance which is nice, has good state schools, friendly.

I know, I know, us and everyone else. But still - I have no idea where to even start finding this stuff out!

Barnet or Muswell Hill.

Muswell Hill. Very pricey in Fortismere catchment, although there are pockets of relatively cheaper houseing. More affordable housing within Alexandra Park School catchment. On paper, APS's results aren't as good as Fortismere's but it is very well regarded locally.

Kent, and lots of Surrey have connections to London Bridge (DH used to do it every day in about 1 hour from Guildford).Kent is grammar school land, so you need to consider that too.
I would go for a country town in either county.

Kent - grammar schools and cheaper property. Surrey good comps but more expensive property. But it's all relative if you're moving from London.

Anywhere specific in Kent/Surrey? If there are excellent state schools then presumably we'll have to move pretty much on top of the schools in question?

Langtree secondary,langtree.oxon.sch.uk/ one of only 2 Outstanding secondaries in Oxfordshire. Famous school orchestra, rugby teams etc - lots of stuff to do, very good academic results.
South Oxon villages are loooovely, if you live near Pangbourne station it takes 40 min door to door to Paddington.

OP if your oldest DC is already Y5 you?ll have to get a move on if you?re considering Kent grammar schools ? the tests are about this time of year and your DS would need to do some practice papers as the 11+ includes topics which aren?t covered by the National Curriculum.

I think Hertfordshire is a good suggestion ? reasonable train lines into London and lots of excellent comprehensives.

Have heard that Weybridge is good - some of Ds's friends moved there recently for that reason, and trains good into Waterloo.

Some great secondary schools in Winchester - Kings and Perins and Peter Symonds 6th form College which is one of the top in the country.

We have spent months on this exact scenario and are now busy house searching in Winchester. And we looked EVERYWHERE!!! Some great places, some great schools but for us Winchester and Alresford ticked ALL the boxes. Good luck.

Oxted (NE Surrey), good school, 30 mins to London Bridge. Has a feeder primary school thing going though, so you could be slightly limited in where you lived.

Winchester and Chandlers Ford, Hampshire both good options.
I'm a SAHM and my husband commutes to London daily, we live in Chandlers Ford and LOVE it. It's a very family friendly place.

West Kent towns are all on the line to London Bridge and most of the schools are really good. 11+ is in September of Y6 so you still have time.

If you are considering Harpenden you should also consider St Albans - quick, direct trains to London Bridge, good secondaries (and primaries). House prices similar to Harpenden. Nice market town, loads of families, Check the price of a train season ticket though whereever you look - you might be shocked!

Watford is the poor-man's St Albans - only 15 mins away from St Albans but house prices massively cheaper, some excellent secondaries (including state, 100% selective boys' and girls' grammar schools and other good, semi-selective state schools.)

We used to live in St Albans and now live in Watford in order to get up the property ladder! DH teaches at one of the very good secondaries here.

A colleague of mine lives in Wadhurst on the borders of Kent and East Sussex. Direct train connection to London Bridge, 56 minutes.

Their children went to the village primary school and on to the comprehensive school (Uplands Community College) on the edge of the village, which has a thriving sixth form. They have done very well and it sounds like a close, happy community. Her children would probably have passed the 11+ but they all preferred the local school. Her eldest got top grades in everything and is now doing a hard course at a Russell group university.

No idea what the house prices are like but they must be reasonably affordable as this is not a particularly high income family.

Good luck!

Remember Kent is all grammar, so it's best to have a back up plan if the DCs don't pass the 11plus.

Yeah, grammar school areas strike me as risky - so binary. DS1 is capable but we have the younger DCs to worry about and I hated being hothoused for the 11+

Lots to think about here, thankyou everyone.

I wish I could get Kirstie and Phil to tell us what to do :)

Muswell Hill but I am biased. I agree Alexandra Park School is very good. Don't bother with Fortismere.

Depends what you want. Harpenden is very expensive and the annual season ticket is outrageous.