Orpington or Sevenoaks

[Tangi88]

Hi all,

We are in the process of finding the right area to relocate because of schools (primary, comp/grammar). We still have plenty of time as kids are young. I have posted a few other posts with regard to various areas and thanks to everyone that responded.

Our shortlist is Orpington or Sevenoaks as both have very good primaries and Grammars.

However, we are puzzled about comp schools in case our DCs don’t pass the grammar tests.

I know Darrick Wood is a good one in Orpington but the chance to get into Newstead/St Olaves is less that getting into Sevenoaks Grammars. On the other hand if we go to Sevenoaks it may be easier to get a space at Grammars there but if not then Knole Academy is worse than Darrick Wood and Trinity is a big question mark as it’s new and there are no A levels results yet.

I also appreciate that Sevenoaks is more expensive but it’s also nicer. Both have good commutes to central London which is fantastic.

We would also have to exclude independents because of budget.

What would you choose out of the two? Please help as I can’t figure out what’s the best area for education and raising kids.

Thank you all!

Tricky!

Sevenoaks is way nicer than Orpington and has a great community feel, sports clubs, nice primary schools, easy access to London. But - fairly rubbish local public transport, expensive commute, as you say knole isn't great. Trinity you need to be v close or churchy. I think they're opening a boys grammar there next year - TWGSFB annex - so the grammar situation is improving.

I don't like Orpington at all but that might just be me! Darrick is supposed to be good but I've also heard not so great things. Olaves and Newstead are super selective so no knowing whether you would get in. You could look at Bromley? There's the bullers wood schools and if you position yourself right in Bromley borough (chislehurst side) you're usually close enough have the Bexley grammars within distance.

Good luck. You're right to consider secondary - we did not when we moved when our kids were young and have since had to move again!

I know both areas fairly well. For me Sevenoaks is a much nicer area, greener and a easy commute. Newstead and St Olaves are great schools but have their own entrance test and are so over subscribed it is ridiculous. For girls Bullerswood in Chislehurst is a good comprehensive but I think the catchment area is small.

If you decide on Sevenoaks lots of children commute to the grammar schools in Tonbridge or Tunbridge Wells. Although Weald of Kent has an annexe in Sevenoaks but only a few year groups. Knole doesn't have a great reputation.

Judd and Tonbridge Grammar are the super selective options in Tonbridge so go on scores rather than distance to school. The best comprehensive is Bennett in Tunbridge Wells but this is Church based school so bear this in mind. If you came further out to Hildenborough or Tonbridge you would have more options including some of the Grammars in Tunbridge Wells but Tunbridge Wells Grammar for girls has a very small catchment but they used to have 14 places for out of area but you would need maximum 11+ scores.
If you end up this way all the chatter from the mum's from year 5 is 11+ talk which is very draining.

Good luck with your decision.

I grew up in Sevenoaks and went to school in Tonbridge (a grammar), went off and lived in London for 15yrs and we've just moved back out to Orpington! I have to say I quite like it! We obviously got A LOT more for our money here, 3 bed detached bungalow with massive garden for under £400k and it's only 15mins over to Sevenoaks.

Orpington is obviously not as fancy as Sevenoaks but it's definitely a good compromise.

There are a few good primary schools, probably very oversubscribed - Warren Road and Crofton Infant/Junior.

Re: secondary schools anywhere (I work in one) just do everything in your power to get them in to a grammar! Sorry if that offends!

Sorry, its quite an old post but thought of giving it a shot.

As you grew up in Tonbridge, do you think its a good compromise to live in Tonbridge instead of Sevenoaks or Orpington as they are expensive over Tonbridge?

Tonbridge is much nicer now than it was when I went to school there, but o haven't visited for a long time.

Tonbridge has some really lovely houses.

Appreciate the response, thanks.