Relocation

[user1499336693]

Hi all, we're looking to relocate from Essex to Kent. I have a teenager & 2 children in primary school who will be needing a secondary school in a years time. I don't know where to start looking. I don't want to live in the middle of a town as parking is essential (we have 3 cars at the mo, 4 in the next year or so). I'll need somewhere with good transport links too.
My partner can relocate his job but I'll need to look for a new one, so that's something to be considered too, although I'll only be part time.
Can any of you suggest places for us to look at? I've been trying to look myself but with not knowing the area I'm stuck, as I don't want to move into an area that's not so great.
Any advice would be very much appreciated.

Why?
Remember Kent still has grammar school system, and if you have children in primary school, then they will be expected to take the Kent Test before being allocated a secondary school place. Some children have private coaching to increase their chances.
What is your budget? Try doing a search on Zoopla or Rightmove, find some houses you like, and then come back and ask us what the place is like.

why do I want to move from Essex to Kent?? ..... because I want to.

Not all schools are grammar schools, so there will be a secondary school place for them if I choose not to apply.

I've been looking on rightmove but I don't know areas in Kent that well. There are areas of Essex that people would consider nice on paper & on an initial visit, there's plenty of those around here, but I wouldn't move to them. That's the advice I was looking for.

Why don't you look at schools and narrow it down from there?

I live in west Kent which has grammars, super selective grammars and then the are some religious schools and places like paddock wood which is still a comprehensive pocket (if you pass the 11plus, you won't go to the grammar unless super selective, you go to Mascalls).

Kent has vastly different areas of wealth and deprivation too, what about commuting etc?

Thank you. Schools are where I'll start my search. I have one child who I believe could possibly qualify for a grammar school but the other will be in just a secondary school, so I have to find an area that'll suit both. Thank you for your advice, it's appreciated.

Have a look at Cranbrook and surrounding villages. There's Cranbrook Grammar and a comp in town. Cranbrook Primary is now FAB, having been in special measures a few years ago. Lots of pretty countryside around but close to station if you need train to London.

There's also a comp - High Weald Academy in Cranbrook and Homewood School in Tenterden is nearby, kids get the bus.