Moving to Derbyshire- please advise!

[Allchange37]

Hi there

First post ever on here!
I’m looking for some help and advice.

My husband and I like the idea of moving to Derbyshire (from Surrey via Wolves- long story!) we are trying really hard to find the absolute best areas for schools for our children (infants upwards) and build some roots for our family. We’d like to find somewhere with access to excellent nurseries for our baby, a good parent network- we’d like to build a social life too! good leisure centre/Gym and sports facilities. We are looking at Buxton, Hathersage, Tideswell, Parwich, Bakewell etc. I’m a fairly new Mum and I’m looking for schools that have high aspirations for children. I don’t just mean academically, more the kind of school that nurtures the whole child. Secondary school - I have been advised Lady Manners is the best outside of private education? I obviously haven’t a clue so would appreciate a steer over exactly where do the yummy parents and families (cool down to earth types!) hang out? Hope you can help :)

[clary]

Yep, Lady Manners and QEGS (not actually a grammar school btw, don't be fooled by its historical name) both well rated. LM just placed in top ten in county.

Don't know about Buxton schools. Hathersage, Tideswell etc are quite isolated, nearest big place for entertainment etc is Sheffield. I live in Derby and I wouldn't live in the High Peak personally, too much bad weather!

Have you considered Melbourne (feeds to well rated Chellaston secondary) or maybe Ockbrook/Borrowash (ditto West Park) which are villages but a bit easier of access/ near to big city (Derby and Nottingham?

Where will you need to get to for work? Distances from some of the places in the Peak can be deceptive.

[lifechangesforeverinjuly]

I have a caravan just outside Ashbourne and it's often a consideration to make the move down there full time (from Leeds) before our son or daughter starts school.

There's a village named Osmaston and it has the most delightful primary school, featuring thatched roof and all has great reviews and a nursery. The village is very quiet though - however, Ashbourne is only a 5 minute drive away, which is a lovely town and the school that poster above has mentioned.

[marialuisa]

Both Lady Manners in Bakewell and QEGS in Ashbourne are excellent. Most people like their small village schools although there can be disadvantages. I don't know the Bakewell villages so well but lots going on around Ashbourne.