Relocating out of London - where to though?

[MadHatter302]

My OH and I were thinking of relocating our family out of London for a slightly more relaxed way of life but we don't know where! We both work from home so are flexible when it comes to location but we specifically want to be somewhere with good state comprehensives. My two eldest DSs are already at high school so we wouldn't be looking to go private or try to get into a grammar. So where can you suggest? We have already been looking at York, Bristol and Brighton areas - what do you have to say about the schools there?

Sorry - hyjack - TalkinPeace - which are the good comps in the areas you've mentioned only I'll be looking in these areas soon and would love some recommendations.

TIA

I would avoid Bristol as well.

I would move to Northumberland tomorrow (actually, make that today) if dh didn't have to work in London. Bit cold in the winter, though!

Like Bath but it is vvv expensive to live in best bits.

Currently live in Hampshire (near to best comp/station/motorway - snoresville life choice)

Unfortunately you have to think that what appeals to you is unlikely to float a teenager's boat. If my parents had relocated to Dorset when I was a teenager I would have gone bonkers (and I wasn't a very wild teenager).

Moved from South East a few years ago. We are between Bristol and Gloucester. Lots of good schools. Beautiful countryside. Easy links (m5 and 4) to Wales, Devon, Bristol, Bath. Cheltenham festivals Bristol for museums westonbirt slimbridge. Never happier. Oh and kids like it too!

Have you thought about Staffordshire? I live in Stoke and it's quite nice. There are lots of nice places around the area plus the train to Euston takes 1.5 hours.

There are also some good comps in the area too

York has a lot going for it with quality of life / schools etc. As your DS's get older they could also easily access Leeds for wilder times

Re Hampshire, Thornden in Chandlers Ford is amazing, as is Kings School in Winchester. Not familiar with other areas, but Hampshire does seem to have a good reputation when it comes to schools.