moving to St. Albans from the U.S.

[juanitacocina]

My family and I are planning to move to the St. Albans/Harpenden area this summer from the U.S. with our two children, who will be 7 and 9 this summer. Wondering if anyone can provide any guidance on areas to look at and/or avoid, or other nearby towns that we may not know about? My husband will be commuting into London, so the fast trains are key to our looking at the area, as well as the reputation for good schools, though from what I can see, it will be difficult to find them both a place at the same school. The one school I can see that has places is Sandridge, which seems to have a 'Needs Improvement' rating, but I would love to hear from anyone who has children there -- I know Ofsted isn't everything. Thanks in advance for any help!

The Needs Improvement rating with Ofsted is the replacement for what was previously satisfactory. It means that there is work to be done but it is an OK school. It does sound as if the Head has already made a lot of improvements but, sometimes, these things take a while to have effect and, as you say, there are other things of importance in a school, other than its Ofsted. I think you would need to find out what places are available when you are due to arrive but families are always moving in/out of the area so places can come up at any school. If you contacted schools you liked the sound of, you might be in a good position if a place came up.

Near St. Albans are places like Watford and Kings Langley which have good train services into London. Watford goes into London Euston in about 20 minutes non stop. Near watford is Croxley green which is lovely, again has a trainline. Watford areas nice to live in include Casssiobury estate and Nascot Wood. Watford has many good/outstanding schools but don't get too hung up about OFSTED just go and visit the schools. There is also a new estate being built in Leavesden next to the Harry Potter studios. www.bellway.co.uk/new-homes/north-london/abbotswood-park. They are amazing homes. Good luck I hope this is useful.

I think with a 9 year old I'd be looking very seriously at the secondary options as well as thinking about the primaries. The good news is that you are in a position to make your choices at exactly the right time if you are moving this summer! What are your preferences? Single sex or mixed? Is faith an issue?

The list you are looking at is the schools with vacancies here and now. There won't be many. When my friend moved schools she told me there is a date when people all give up their old school places for the new school year in September and apply for new ones at their new address. Herts school admissions will give you more info. The new places are given according to the admissions criteria (ie special needs, siblings, nearest). My child goes to Fleetville In st Albans. It is a good bet because it is a big school (3 form entry). I would say there is maybe one place a year available so you would need to live very near. But once one gets in, the other is top of the list. You might get one in and send the other elsewhere ( eg private school like sherrardswood or edge hill) until

Having said that most Americans in London live in St. John's wood and send their kids to the American school so they can slot back into the us system when they return home. It is a private school but the company tends to pay.

Harpenden/StAlbans is generally a very good area with great schools so, although you can drive yourself crazy worrying about it, there is really no such thing as a "bad school". Hurry up and get here so we can all make you welcome x