Area Reccomendations

[grumpycook]

Hi,
DS will be in Year 3 coming September and DD is now 1 year old. DH and I both have offices in London Liverpool street and have to commute to work at-least 3 times a week. We are currently exploring areas to move into with good grammar schools and state primary schools in catchment and easier commute to London. I was looking at Essex - Chelmsford and Colchester both have good connectivity to London but not sure of the areas (safety etc.) and how difficult is it to get into the grammar schools in these areas as they seem quite popular (KEGS and CRGS)?

Looking for any insights on these schools plus recommendations for other areas we should explore!

Although not a grammar area, I would look at Gidea Park. Short commute on the Elizabeth line to Liverpool St (zone 6 so far cheaper and more frequent trains than from out in Essex) and 2 very highly regarded secondary schools: Royal Liberty for boys and Frances Bardsley Academy for girls.
We love it here. Some children do go to the Essex grammars (there is a coach from here) but personally I'm not sure there's any value in them making the journey.

www.romfordrecorder.co.uk/news/24219386.royal-liberty-school-gidea-park-praised-ofsted/

@grumpycook what are your house size expectations and budget?

Sorry, should've mentioned that first! 😅 we are looking at about 600-650k for 4 bed.. around that range..?