Where to live in London? Primary school.

31 replies

FromJpn · 27/07/2025 06:27

We are going to move to London from Japan at the end of this year.
I have 5 years old girl (turning 6 in November) and 3 years old boy (turning 4 in October).
My daughter is going to school Year1 from September, right? And is my son going to Reception from next September? (now Nursery, right?)

Could you tell me which area in London (if possible, easy commuting to the central would be lovely) has great primary schools? (except Ealing and Acton… I‘ve heard that there are so many Japanese in that areas and I wanna avoid to live…)

Please give me some clues🙇🏻‍♀️ Thank you.

OP posts:

bayesian · 31/07/2025 18:18

DaysofHoney · 31/07/2025 00:47

Kingston/Richmond

Green, on the river, by beautiful Richmond park, and commutable. Richmond more expensive, but much nicer. Kingston larger and more diverse, but much more mixed in terms of nicer parts of town to live - most prefer north Kingston (KT2).

Huge range of good/outstanding schools in both - Kingston possibly pips Richmond for education though I think, and affordability. Commute easier from Richmond. Surbiton also worth a look.

How do you commute to work in central London from North Kingston? Bus >Rail > tube, that takes 1.5 hour per trip.

DaysofHoney · 31/07/2025 19:23

bayesian · 31/07/2025 18:18

How do you commute to work in central London from North Kingston? Bus >Rail > tube, that takes 1.5 hour per trip.

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quick walk or bus down to station depending on how far north you are, my old walk was 10 mins, then a 25/30 min train into Waterloo. Admittedly those southwestern trains are the most reliable…!

bayesian · 01/08/2025 00:18

Impossible. 10min walk to the rail station is central Kingston, not North. Anywhere above that Co-op will require a bus ride, then the train will take 40mins and then switch to the tube. Lucky to take just an hour, and we still haven't factored in the expensive rail cost.

NuffSaidSam · 01/08/2025 00:42

I would reconsider Ealing and look around Ealing Broadway. There is a large Japanese population in Acton, but not around Ealing Broadway.

Schools are excellent.
It's on the Elizabeth Line so very easy from Bond Street.
Excellent transport links
Lots of nice green spaces
Close, but not too close, to the airport
Close to the M4 (but not too close)
Good restaurants and shopping
Nice community feel.

Plus the Japanese community isn't too far away (but not too close either) should you feel homesick at any point.

Blackfoggy · 01/08/2025 19:31

West Hampstead, Fincherly Road, Swiss Cottage - they all have good schools and there is a nearby Japanese grocery store and cake shop if you need as there are some Japanese people but not a lot. Bond Street is direct line (15 mins tube). all very safe areas and you will find quieter streets also amongst them

bayesian · 01/08/2025 20:35

Just live in Mayfair

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