Best secondary schools between Stevenage and London

[AntarcticOwl]

My husband is considering a job in Stevenage. My work is in Central London and we both go in the office 0-3 times a week, not 100% remote.

We are in outer South London suburb and I really like it but are in a black hole for secondaries. We're considering trying to go independent route and that failing, moving. Now this job is in the mix we are looking at schools in Hertfordshire. From some desktop research:

• St Albans and Harpenden seem to have the best schools + decent drive to Stevenage (he would rather cycle but not sure what kind of roads for that journey)

• The schools near Stevenage, Hitching and that area don't seem so strong academically.

• Bishop's Stortford and Berkhemsted also have good schools but it is longer to commute to Stevenage (40 minutes on Google, I don't want him to do that)

• grammars are too far away (Watford)

• unsure about Peterborough as it just seems that much further out of London/home counties.

• Cambridge seems freaking expensive, might as well live in North London

Are there any other options or points to consider? My priorities are 1) good secondary school (if private id want to sort admissions first) and 2) transport links for work

I think Dame Alice Owens in Potters Bar is supposed to be good??

Is that a girls grammar? I have a boy and girl which complicates things if one child doesn't get in

What ages? . Would you consider different schools for each child?
How academic are they?

However spaces in good schools don't come up often and the area is fairly challenged for school places but you could approach the council and see if they have a list of spaces.

No it's Co-Ed - semi selective and has a sibling policy. I seem to remember it was state school of the decade in the South East in the Sunday Times annual review thing they do....

DD 6 and DS 8. So, I cant tell how academic they are... but DS is much lazier. Different schools fine. But I don't want to move again... I'm not bothered about primary just secondary.

Ah thanks, I'll look into it. Potters Bar looks ideal as well for our commutes.