Moving... Beckenham, Orpington, Barnet?

[Feellikerubbish]

My eldest is 7 and we are looking to move in the near future for better secondary schools. We are currently in Walthamstow and was looking at areas like Beckenham/Orpington or surroundings.. Ideally would like to stay closer to where we are already but the idea of moving a little further seems appealing also. Personally i like walthamstow but having grown up there, seems nice for a change.

I like Bromley/kent with the options of grammar schools but that depends on how well the kids are performing at school. Would like the option of good state schools. Hayes school, Langley park for boys/girls and Darrick wood seem to have a good reputation.

Can anyone advise me further in terms of what the areas are like? I owuld like somewhere with lots of kids clubs/activities locally with good parks/ more green, friendly people/community feel etc and also about crimes and safety.

There are some good schools in Barnet if anyone can advise more about that and also would love to hear of any other areas with good schools closer to where we are already.

Thank you!

Hi I live in Petts Wood if the 'name' hasn't already given that away. I adore my local area. Great primary schools and good options at secondary if child is bright (three lots of grammar options with the Bromley selectives, Kent and Bexley within reach. If grammar isn't your thing then yes Darrick or Langley but you need to be ultra close to the schools to get in. Some friends moved within half a mile of Darrick and got their kids in but miss the community feel, shops and easy station access of Petts Wood so plan to move back. Lots going on, nice parks, tennis, clubs, most areas in borough safe. Where you need to commute to may be a factor to. Petts Wood and Orpington have more London terminal options than for example Beckenham Jn but are further out so cost more and take more time. If I wasn't going to stay in Petts Wood I'd move to Tonbridge or Sevenoaks with their fast links, open spaces and good schools - but like my area too much!

Problem with Tonbridge and Sevenaoks is if you don't get into grammar....

And Seveneoaks doesn't have a grammar school either.

With Kent comes the thorny problem of the non grammar option. No comprehensives, no all ability schools.

Yes Theoretical very good point which is why I am very happy to stay put! I have friends in Sevenoaks who are keeping a beady eye on the new Sevenoaks grammar building so I know their pain. The Borough of Bromley is such a good location, but many don't pick it as it isn't on the tube network although we do have amazing train links, tram and overground. You only have the one grammar/superselective perhaps contributing to the fact that the others are still good without having creamed off the very best. Petts Wood has one of the lowest crime rates in London too.

If secondary schools are the main driver for your move those areas are indeed very well served in that respect. Lots of family friendly areas with strong community focus and decent transport links too. You say your eldest is only 7 so you have a while yet to make up your mind unless there are other factors forcing your decision eg bigger house/garden etc.

For Hayes Secondary you need to live in Hayes. The catchment is small and I doubt it will grow bigger. You have a train line going directly into London.

My DD is in Y3 and a friend (mum of a classmate) just told me they will look into secondaries this year as they like Hayes but are not in catchment and if they want it they need to move soon.

We live in West Wickham and are ok for Langley Girls. The area is nice, you are virtually in Kent in a matter of minutes, primaries are good but full (or full because they are good).

Hi,

Sorry to but in. However we are planning to buy a house in Orpington because we just cant afford in London anymore. we are a couple with no kids and looking to spend 320k on 2 bed. So the information on areas to completely avoid in Orpington will be a big help. We both work at central london so commute wise, i believe orpington is good.

Any help will be much appreciated.

Thanks!

Hi SB if I had your budget I'd buy in Crofton this would be in catchment for Crofton at juniors and Darrick at seniors. www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-48968461.html or you could get a small maisonette in Petts Wood with garden for that budget. feel free to DM a road name or house link and I will give my opinion. Good luck - it really is a lovely place to live!

Personally
I would opt for beckenham, but ren close to the desired schools langley etc until youare in, even if it is for a couple of years. Then look at buying a property, west whickham is nice but beckenham has a gorgeous park, good links to london etc and lots of buses. The highst is nice too.

@feellikerubbush, sorry I know this thread been years, but want to know which you decided in the end and was your experience like? Am in the same dilemma. Lives in Southgate, and wants to relocate to either Barnet or Bromley

Thank you