Where should we settle in the South-East for good primary + secondary schools

[LarkinSky]

Hi, I'm soon returning to England after many years living overseas. We have the privilege of being able to choose the area we move to, around 1 hour commuting distance for DH and my jobs in central London. Looking for a smallish, lively town, walking distance to schools and the station.

Schools are our top decisive factor - state only, private not an option. Our kids will be age 11 and 7 when we move in summer 2020, so the oldest will be going into secondary in Year 7. They've never lived in the UK before.

We have no family ties in England. We are fortunate to be able to afford to move to any area (decent but limited budget - happy to look at a smaller house in more expensive towns / catchment areas, etc).

We have looked at the Chilterns because they look beautiful, and we like the outdoors life. But for Buckinghamshire, I am concerned about the 11+ system and the will they/won't pass stress. They're bright kids but it seems to me it's all down to performance on the day. Our oldest could sit it this Sept as an external candidate. But time is running out for us to embark on the tutoring path. I also hate the idea of our oldest passing, and then in future if the younger one fails - that'd surely stay with them for life.

Hertfordshire also looks nice - I'm seeing good comprehensive schools, ok commutes.

TLDR? My question is - given the choice, would you avoid the 11+ areas entirely? Where would you move to if you had the choice? Any advice, leads or experiences greatly appreciated - hoping the wisdom of Mumsnet will provide some guidance!

I'm in Essex in the grammar area. I would never ever contemplate not raising kids in this area (I don't even have them yet!). The schools are insanely good. I went there and everyone in my year has really smashed life. It's a great atmosphere.

I'd never pay for private school though as I don't think they're any good coming from experience and it's just not worth the money.

I work in finance now, in the city. I work for one of the biggest corps in the world and they're avoiding privately educated people to higher because of a push for diversity.

Takes me 30 mins to get to central London to work.

*hire hahaah

I’d avoid anywhere with the grammar system.

Hampshire/Surrey borders would be my best bet-Liphook, Alton, Petersfield, Fleet, Farnham etc

helpmeseesense are the non grammar state schools good too, in case your future dc didn't get into grammar?

I would work out commuting times first - depending on where in London the choice of north, south etc may be clearer. Once you have done that draw up a compulsory list of what you need in a house - the best school in the world is no good if you can't even afford a modest house or the commute turns out to be nearer two hours door to door. For the city being on the thameslink route is convenient whereas into kings cross or st Pancras area you can live very well an hour to the north, perhaps spending far less on housing so private is a realistic option.

Just seen what you wrote - market harborough is nice, express trains to London and lovely countryside!

With both of you working in London I wouldn't go too far out. Like someone else said Wimbledon/ Richmond if you can afford it. Also maybe the Thames villages just into Surrey for lovely walks? Walton/weybridge.

Or a bit more urban but brilliant transport links - kingston or surbiton

Another vote for Hampshire
Petersfield
Alton
Farnborough
Fleet
and the daddy of them all
Winchester

No selective schools, almost no faith schools, wonderful countryside, decent train and car links to London.

Fleet, Petersfield or Alton.

St Albans is a good option but I suspect that if you can't afford private, you can't afford the house prices in St A.

Kent has grammar schools but they are across the whole county so I don't think you have quite the levels of stress/tutor system that you have in other areas where the schools are super selective. However, some grammar schools in Kent perform more poorly than comprehensives in Hampshire. The problem with Hampshire is South Western Rail, but Thameslink for St A is no better. Essex as a pp said could be a decent option if you are in the City.

Haslemere, Petersfield, Farnham, Liphook, Godalming, Milford

Alresford, Hampshire or surrounding villages. Perins Academy (state secondary) is fantastic. Lots of good primary schools nearby (have a look at West Meon Primary).
Plus it's a beautiful area to live in.