Hello, looking for help with a big move to the UK - Essex

[user1492520251]

Hi All

I'm moving with my husband to the UK and our 2 kids in June. His office is in Basildon so we need to find something in and around Essex i guess.
A few areas we have looked at are:
Leigh-on-Sea
Hockley
Brentwood - which is pretty big so not sure what the good or bad parts are.
The most important thing for us is a good public school.

Could anyone give us some advise on these areas and any other family oriented areas which we could potentially look at?
I cant seem to find any good resources as to what areas are more on the quieter side and good for kids. Our kids are 7 and 4 so they are young.
Thanks a lot!
:-)

[KaronT]

Hi there!,

Although I only moved back to the area myself 2 years ago with my husband & teenage daughter, I grew up and went to school in Leigh on Sea. We all love living back here;- it's great for families, right by the sea, lots of parks, vibrant shopping centre with good pubs restaurants etc., There are 2 very good public schools I know of -St. Michaels in Hadleigh and College St. Pierre in Leigh on Sea. There are also excellent grammar schools in the area. It is also relatively straightforward to get to and from Basildon. Forget about Hockley, housing is cheaper but the roads are virtually land locked during the rush hour getting to and from work.
I don't know too much about Brentwood but it would be a longer journey getting to Basildon. Hope you find the info useful

[user1492520251]

Thanks KaronT

What parts or how far down leigh would you say is okay still? I have heard that southend is a no go.
Look forward to your reply

[RedSandYellowSand]

Do you mean public?? In the UK both public and private schools are fee paying.
State schools are government/state run.

[foundaspottysock]

When you say public schools, do you mean fee paying?

[thisnthat]

Brentwood is only 15 mins drive from Basildon, so definitely not further than Leigh on sea. It also has very good comprehensive schools and a good private school. It is not a big town and has very few "rough" areas. Can give lots more info if required!

[HeyMacWey]

How far is your dh willing to commute?
I'd be tempted to look at mid Essex rather than south Essex.
Villages or towns like Danbury, Maldon, Kelvedon.

[user1492520251]

Hi Everyone, thanks for the feedback, what i meant by public schools was state schools, thanks for correcting me.

Commuting is no problem at all, will definitely check our Danbury, Maldon and Kelvedon too.

[BitOutOfPractice]

There are four excellent grammar schools in Southend / westcliff.