Moving out of London… thoughts on Sevenoaks or Oxted?

[NBH123]

We’re looking to make the move out of London, for more space and are currently considering Sevenoaks and Oxted. We’re hoping to have kids in the next couple of years, so keen to know what they’re both like for families - clubs / groups / schools/ things to do locally? We don’t always want to have to drive - so would love to have lots on our doorstep, if poss!

I know both towns well but have lived and brought up my family in Sevenoaks co can give a more deeper insight to oaks. Sevenoaks is the perfect spot for families with it being a very easy commute to London with there also being so much green space and nature surrounding you. There is a very much community feel in Sevenoaks with lots of people being friendly and knowing each other and the town certainly not lacking in isolation! We find that lots of young families move out from London to Sevenoaks, so you definitely won't feel alone with it being a dominant place for young families. There is Knole Park for walks and the Leisure centre that offers a great range of activities and clubs for all ages. Sevenoaks Town is great, with there being a wide range of restaurants, shops and pubs. We live in Riverhead which is an area of the town and have no problems walking into it and have the station right on the doorstep- a great thing about oaks is the station is very central so accessible from pretty much everywhere!

There are a fantastic range of primary schools in Sevenoaks with them getting many students into top grammar schools. Secondary schools wise, the majority kids travel out of Sevenoaks to attend grammar/independent schools in Tunbridge Wells, Tonbridge and some areas of Surrey and south east ldn. However many kids also go to school in Sevenoaks with there being 2 comps trinity and knole academy. Locally, Trinity is often more highly regarded compared to knole as knole didn't have a great reputation in the early-mid 2010s however it seems to have got a lot better. They have also built 2 new grammar satellites in Sevenoaks for Weald of Kent and Tunbridge Wells Boys grammar which means not as many kids from Sevenoaks now have to commute to other towns which is a bonus!

Overall Sevenoaks is a great place to move too, with there being that perfect balance of countryside but you can also get a 25 min train into the city!

Oxted is also very similar to Sevenoaks but I would definitely say there's more going on and more to do in Sevenoaks. The train is also slower to get into London from Oxted and the only secondary in the town, Oxted School, I haven't heard to be great and is much harder to get into grammars from Oxted as well.

Hope this helps :)

Thank you so much, that’s so helpful! Very useful insights on the schools especially - and really good to know that there’s a community feel - which is very much lacking where we are now!

Oxted feels a little more quaint but perhaps too quiet for us at the moment…

Thanks :)

@NBH123 I'm reading this post and I'm on the same situation with the difference that I have a one year old baby girl and looking at where to go ..Kent vs Surrey? have you moved? I was curious to know if you ended up moving.

@Cfinni79 I was wondering if you could provide any insight regarding borough green area. I work in Victoria and I will need to commute 3 times a week. This area has quite a few very nice area and seems more affordable than Svenoaks yet close enough to use Sevenoaks schools and facilities...am I right or wrong?

We moved to Sevenoaks just before Christmas! Loving it so far - everyone is so much friendlier than London and there seems to be much more going on throughout the year than we expected (events, markets etc). This, more shops and the shorter commute cinched it for us!

I’m afraid I don’t know much about Borough Green (although I’m guessing the train line is slower?) - but have friends in Dunton Green, where the property is more affordable and they still feel close enough to Sevenoaks!

Hello,
My son is starting Sevenoaks school in September and we have decided to move from London so he doesn’t have to commute every morning. We have looked into boarding but he doesn’t want to board. I have a 9 year old boy and a baby. I am looking for a good primary school for my 9 year old. I can’t decide whether to go for state or private. Does anyone have any recommendations on good state or private schools in the area? We are also looking to rent but I don’t drive so would like to be near the town centre. Are there any particularly nice areas to live not far from amenities? Is there an international community in the town ? Are there any family clubs nearby ? Is Sevenoaks relatively safe place to live ? Sorry for bombarding with so many questions I am just worried I will feel isolated having moved with my 3 boys. I have never lived in the countryside and it will be a big change after London , I just hope a positive one. Thank you so much for any suggestions.