Moving to Reading/ good schools

[Kate2025]

Hello
We are considering moving to Reading to be near husbands work, currently living in Swindon
we have 2 children- an almost 3.yo and a newborn baby
Looking to buy a house with a budget of 400-450K
Access to good schools is a must
Where can we afford realistically? We need 3 bedrooms
Hubby would be driving in to work so access to public transport is not a major concern

From my research and visits Earley and Caversham seem to be desirable areas but struggling to find suitable houses within our budget
We have looked at Tilehurst too as it seems to be more affordable but not sure what schools are like around there? Have looked at Ofsted reports but I don’t feel like they always give an accurate representation that other parents can give!
Is anyone from Reading able to give some advice on where would be suitable for us to live? And where to avoid?

Thanks 😊

Do you have girls or boys @Kate2025 ?

Are you looking for state or private schools?

https://www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/148217369#/?channel=RES_BUY

One of each :)

Sorry should have said- state schools

Caversham is my recommendation.

Thanks I saw this house and it’s lovely but thought the layout was a bit odd with the bathroom being downstairs!

You’ll struggle to get a 3 bed in caversham at that price that’s not in a slightly iffy bit of caversham.You’d get nicer and more family friendly elsewhere. If you need to get in or out of Caversham in rush hour it’s a bit of a pain

Don’t know much about schools there though

Yes I’ve heard a lot about the traffic around there
Do you live in Reading? What’s Tilehurst like?

Tilehurst very mixed - some bits lovely. Some parts to be avoided! Reading is a bit like that really - lovely roads/ areas very close to a bit dodgy. Some of the village/ slightly further out places quite nice as well.

Ok! Reading Boys' School and Kendrick (girls) are the two grammar schools, but super competitive. Reading Girls school is an odd mix of comprehensive and grammar. It used to have an awful reputation back in the day, but now has the best Progress 8 score in the area after the two grammar schools. Friends whose kids went to Highdown in Caversham seemed happy with it.

The Wren and John Madejski Academy I've heard are to be avoided. No personal experience of them though.

Sorry - I meant to say those are all secondary. You might find this thread useful re. where to look.
https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/property/4828128-caversham-reading-advice-please

PM me if you want anymore info on specific places in Tilehurst - definitely worth considering in your price range as Caversham is really pricey

I haven't lived in Reading for 20 years so my school info is very out of date, but location-wise I'd go out to the west, Theale or Burghfield would be my vote.

https://www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/153892898#/floorplan?activePlan=1&channel=RES_BUY

Thanks so much
Will keep this in mind
is there a map/easy way to look at catchments for the diff schools? Or will I have to do it manually?

Thanks so much for your kind offer :)

Thanks- this looks great but seems a bit far out

https://www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/150930155

near to Redlands primary and Alfred Sutton Primary, both really good school. A good high school just down the road and able to get to Bulmershe school via bike or bus. Nice area, lovely lake walk near by and easy access to Palmer Park and the Thames.

Avoid catchment areas for Prospect School and JM academy.