Possible move to Bournemouth area

[ohsobusyx3]

Hi....we currently live in Jersey so this move is not just a town move but a whole life move! Nothing here apart from the language is the same as in the UK!

My husband's firm has an office in Westbourne and he wants to be close enough to walk or cycle (mainly because he currently works in London 3 days a week and has been for 3 years now - hence the possibility of a move!)

The trade of in that is that we have 3 children, 2 girls aged 7 & almost 4 and a 21month old boy. So in reality schools are more of a priority! We also have a dog and 2 cats so being near a beach (as we are now), or park would be great!

The girls currently attend a prep school. We are happy to remain in private education but there does not appear to be much choice. Our worry is that we would not be able to get a state school place moving mid school year. And having read many other threads I can see that the catchments get smaller all the time! I have looked at Moyles Court & Ballards. Both which I like the look of.

My husband has a colleague who lives in Christchurch....though I have heard this is where the population is predominantly 'older' i.e. nearing or past retirement. As we have 3 young children and are only 40 ourselves should we consider this area?

So I guess I'm asking for pointers on schools and places to live. We have a healthy budget to spend on a property so that is not an initial concern. Though we would be renting in the first instance.

Sorry for the long message....thank you everyone

I live in Christchurch and although there are loads of elderly residents, there are young families too.

If your husband wants to walk or cycle to Westbourne then I think Christchurch would be a bit far, unless he is quite fit!

Alum Chine/Westbourne/Canford Cliffs are nice areas to live in and close to your husband's work.

If he doesn't mind a bit of a cycle then Southbourne is nice and in between Christchurch and Bournemouth.

I don't know a lot about private schools but the ones I do know in the area are
Park School Queens Park
Thomas Garnet Southbourne
Buckholme Towers Poole

Hope that helps!

Thank you Strollalong....that really helps! All three of the areas you listed are ones we had considered as possibles but having not visited it's very hard to guage distance from an online map!

Thank you for replying and I know to pop on with any other daft questions I might have!

Cheers xx

I love daft questions

Good luck with the possible move.

I moved to Bournemouth from London in the early 90's when my children were aged 10,8,4 and newborn. I researched alot of schools and thanks to my very kind parents ended up opting for private up to the age of 11 ( they went to ) . That way our choice of house was not limited to catchment areas - and the best state schools are v oversubscribed. I know its a way off for you but bear in mind Bournemouth and Poole have 4 v good grammar schools and private education may be money well spent up to the age of 11 if they then pass the exams and get in . All of mine did and subsequently went on to really good Unis and good careers. I suggest Lower Parkstone, Canford Cliffs, Branksome Park, Talbot Woods and Westbourne - expensive areas but leafy and desirable. Westbourne is lovely - full of small shops, a Victorian arcade, great places to eat and a fantastic M&S Food Only ( a friend who works there says it takes more money than any other M&S Food in the S West ) I have never lived in Christchurch but in my opinion it is a bit old fashioned and has too many OAPs ( the highest number of any town in the UK I think )- also its a v long cycle ride for your husband to Westbourne ( 6 miles ) !

Private schools you may want to take a look at are Castle Court and Dumpton (both mixed). Talbot Heath is just for girls. If your children are sporty, Bournemouth Collegiate is good.

I've lived in the area for quite a few years. Bournemouth Collegiate seems very big, lots of sports focus. Not sure about individual attention with big numbers though.
The prep schools seem generally good - especially for children destined for Grammar school - but then if they don't get to Grammar school........and you have to move the children to another school - with all the hassle - just before they start their GCSEs. Personally I find that risky.
Ballard and Moyles Court both seems good and have that nice rural feel being in the Forest - loads more space. I'm keeping an eye on them both. Some reservations about behavior of boys at Ballard but to be fair that is just from one contact I have there. I trust my source though it is just one opinion!

My husband has just told me that he is being relocated to Bournemouth Uni. We are looking to relocate to area with 3 children aged 9,7 and 5. I cannot guarantee that any of them will gain entry into grammer schools so am looking for advise re good state secondary schools in Bournemouth and surrounding areas. From there I can research house on Right move in these respective areas. I am totally overwhelmed at minute and really do not know where to start. Can anyone help me out please ! Thanks so much , KDT

Hi kdt

This table gives a brief overview of GCSE results for last year and links to the Ofsted reports.

Bournemouth School, Bournemouth School For Girls, Poole Grammar and Parkstone Grammar are all grammar schools. Bournemouth Collegiate, Ballard and Talbot Heath are private schools. Some of the schools are same sex, so it would depend if you would be happy for your DC to attend those schools.

Highcliffe and Twynham are both in Christchurch, just outside of Bournemouth, and have good reputations. I have friends with daughters at Avonbourne and Glenmoor, Avonbourne gets the better reviews but that could be down to the child rather than the school! I've only heard positive comments about Ringwood and The Bourne Academy seems to be improving.

Will you get a chance to come and look around the schools and the area before you make a final decision?

Hi everyone,

Wasn't sure whether to use this thread or start a new one but we are also moving to Bournemouth in the summer from overseas so I'm having to do my research on line only atm!

kdt and ohso - did you make it to Bournemouth and manage to sort schools/house etc?

We have 9,7,5 and 4 year old children. We are planning to rent for the first year to give us some flexibility on locations. I quite like to look of Southbourne though.

Hi sandy

Southbourne is a lovely area and has a good primary school in Stourfield. The school has been oversubscribed in recent years so you would be best speaking to school admissions at Bournemouth council to check if they have places available for in year applications.

Littledown is also a nice area and usually has family homes for rent. There is a new primary school opening in the area in September but I don't know many details, sorry! This is the website.

If you do decide on Southbourne then I would stick to Southbourne, Tuckton, Hengistbury Head and Wick Village. There is also St Katharine's primary which is a C of E school at Hengistbury Head to give you another option.

If you have any other questions let me know. I'll try to answer or point you in the right direction.

Hi StrollAlong

Thanks for the info. We are nervous about such a big move but excited about being back in the UK again. Especially such a nice part!

Is Bournemouth fairly family friendly/is it easy to meet people? I only know it from working there a bit pre-kids. We are quite outdoorsy, walking, cycling, my Dd plays girls football and I like water sports.

I'm off to google some of the areas you mentioned!

Bournemouth is very family friendly, as are the surrounding areas so you'll never run out of things to do.

There's always lots of clubs and activities running for children and adults. Water sports are very popular and there are local companies who hire equipment, run courses, etc.

Lots of football teams in the area too, definitely some with girls teams when they get to that age. Sorry I'm on the app so I can't link to anything but I'll come back later and add some.

Sorry I'm back a bit late!

Redhill Rangers, Boscombe Albion and Mudeford Phoenix are football teams. Mudeford Phoenix are a ladies team and their youngest squad is Under 10's so they may not be suitable yet. If none of those are suitable there are lots more in Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch.

For outdoor activities there's Hengistbury Head Outdoor Centre, Coastal Activity Park or Sorted Watersports. There's also rowing and sailing clubs locally as well as other watersports companies in the area.

Hi we are also potentially moving to either Poole or Bournemouth area . We have 3 children 2 7 and 9 all boys . Can you recommend nice family areas with good schools. My head is spinning. My husband would need to come back to the midlands once a week as well as his job would still be there but would work from home 2 days a week in Poole Bournemouth . Any advice thank you

Hi lotti

Southbourne is a lovely area and has a good school in Stourfield Infants/Juniors. There is also St Katharine's if you are religious. It is close to the beach and Pokesdown train station if your husband is travelling by trainy. It also has a good high street with lots of independent shops popping up.

Over in Poole, Liliput and Lower Parkstone are popular with families and have good schools. You may need to check the catchment areas for these areas as I believe they have been oversubscribed in recent years. There is a train station at Parkstone and it is a lovely location, close to the beach and between Bournemouth and Poole. Broadstone is also a nice suburb with good schools but not close to a station so it depends if that is important.

Dear Bournemouth Mums
Just looking for advice re good, affordable family areas in Bournmouth/Poole area. We're planning to move down to the area from London - budget being 230,000-240000ish. Are there nice family areas for this budget? Any areas to avoid? I do like going to cafes in highstreet - meeting mums etc. Are there decent highstreets in the affordable family areas? Pretty ignorant of the area but we so enjoyed it when visiting?! :)Yes have heard Pokesdown not so good in terms of reputation and maybe crime but we did see a lovely house down there and station. Found Winton highstreet a bit bleak (was it just me, I hear its a good family area and restriction on student accommodation)

What about schools!? Would be a late admission, after Sep for a Year 7 boy?(never seem to get the schools right)Also have 3 year old. Many thanks for any words of advice

Hi Oxtoby

Southbourne has a good high street and is family friendly. You would find a 3 bedroom flat for your budget but unlikely to get a 3 bed house. If you looked further out into Pokesdown or Boscombe East you would get more for your money.

Westbourne, between Bournemouth and Poole, also has a good high street and isn't far from Bournemouth Town Centre. Again, your budget will get you a 3 bed flat or maisonette. If you go further out to Branksome you will get 3 bed houses for the same money.

Winton is popular with families and students. The high street isn't the prettiest but you may find 4 beds for £240-£250k if you're very lucky!

Schools wise if Grammar isn't an option, you might want to look at Bishop of Winchester, Winton Boys or St Peter's if you're Catholic.

Thank you for getting back to me, StrollAlongTheProm. That's useful, will bear in mind while we research The Move. Looks as if it will be Branksome or Winton (or some part of Pokesdown then) - it's got to be a house. Is Talbot Village good too? There seem to be some family houses on the east side of that?

Re schools yes I had noticed Winton Boys looked about the best, though catchment not so desirable praps (Ensbury Park)??Will have a look at the Bishop one too. Not Catholic though do attend church activities quite regularly of late. Problem is my son is due to start secondary in September so they might well be full up.

Well it's all happening here - estate agent coming tonight. Will have to come down to Bournemouth at some point & have a good househunt!
Cheers have a good day!

Hi,

I like Talbot Village. Not sure about house prices around there due to the proximity of the university but I believe St Mark's primary is a good school.

Winton and Moordown would probably be best if you like Winton Boys. Ensbury Park is ok, like anywhere there are parts that are nicer than others.

Have you spoken to admissions at Bournemouth Council yet? They would be able to give you an idea of which secondaries have spaces in Year 7 for September.