moving to Leeds area with good schools nearby, Roundhay/Horsforth?

[mellowsage]

hi, there is a possibility I might move to Leeds. I have read some discussions here and thinking about the Roundhay area.

I know lots people recommend Horsforth, I have relatives live there and have visited the area several times and not sure about the air noise. I know the house prices are much cheaper than Roundhay though...

will be good to hear someone knows about the areas, Roundhay/Horsforth/or any areas with good schools (both primary and seconary) and the experiences there. many thanks!

If you are prepared to look slightly outside the centre of Leeds (I wouln'd live in Horsforth as its too built-up and I'm really not into cities!) Have a look at Garforth, about 6 miles from the centre, with a 1/2hrly train in if you would need that for work.

Small town with its own identity, thriving High Street and a lot of families, with lots of toddler groups/drama/dance/football/music/scouts and guides activities. Good transport links, and surrounded by fields on all sides, so on a sunny day like this it feels a world away from the city and airport!.

4 or 5 excellent primaries and possibly the best secondary school - Garforth Academy - in the Leeds area.
There is a huge drive for parents from surrounding villages to get their children into yrs 4-6 at the 'feeder' primaries so they can get to the Academy.

Significantly cheaper house prices than Roundhay too...if you're not dead set on living IN the city, then it's really worth a look -PM me if you'd like.

thank you for your reply.

I had not heard of Garforth area before but it sounds like a nice place according to your experiences. quite happy with rural surroundings actually as long as I can get milk and bread nearby!

is Garforth Academy private school? and are the primary schools difficult to get in? any particular primary school you would suggest?

i will have a look the house prices there too! thank you!

No, the Academy is a state school - one of the 'flagship' Academies..rather than one of the struggling ones that have been made into academies. It's hugely oversubscribed, but being a pupil in one of the Garforth feeder primaries guarantees a place.

I think the primary schools are pretty easy to get into if you are in their catchment area..they (together with the 'Secondary school' Academy) have formed the School Partnership Trust..google it as I'm sure they have a website.

All of the primaries seem really good, especially Green Lane Primary Academy, East Garforth Pirmary and St Benedicts (though the last is a Catholic school which is pretty hard to get into if you're not practising RC, I think)..at least, these have parents that seem pretty happy!

thanks for taking time to reply. I will have a look into the schools you mentioned! thank you very much!