Help with moving to Cardiff. Where to live for schools?

[MelindaGordon]

First time poster but long time user of mumsnet so please excuse any mistakes.... My husband has taken a new job in the Cardiff area and is currently commuting home at weekends. We are hoping to all move there next year when eldest child finishes primary school. We also have two other primary age children. It is obviously a big move for us as I am potentially leaving a fantastic job, family and friends behind as well as uprooting children however dh loves Cardiff but lives in temp accommodation. Neither of us know the city very well but schools are our main priority. We don't have any experience of English or welsh school system and used to academic selection for entry to secondary level. Children are all fairly able students, love sport and arts but currently at a very small primary school which we'd prefer. Also would appreciate any comments from anyone else who has relocated to Cardiff area re quality of life etc. Thanks (anxiously)...

Whitchurch, Rhiwbina, Lisvane, Penylan, Cyncoed, Thornhill, Llandaff and Radyr are all 'nice' areas of Cardiff. Pontcanna is v expensive but central. Llanishen, Roath, Canton and Fairwater / Danescourt and Llandaff North are middling.

Have a look at Cardiff council catchments map for exact info but for primaries, Rhiwbina has Llanishen Fach and Rhiwbeina primaries - both v good, Radyr primary likewise and Whitchurch has a new primary opened by former pupil Gareth Bale this week! Whitchurch High and Cardiff High are v good. Whitchurch excels at sports too. I think Radyr High is also good. Llanishen High seems more mixed.

Estyn is Wales equivalent of Ofsted so check their inspection reports.

Have assumed you want state, English medium schools in my reply but there's also private and Welsh medium of course.

We relocated here from London two years ago but are still at the pre-school stage. Happy to help!

I find mumsnet quiet in terms of Cardiff mums tbh but there are a few active Facebook groups. Cardiff is great for kids and families!

Where will you and your husband be working as transport is a consideration too of course.

It really depends on where your husband works. I recommend North Cardiff too (Lisvane, Rhiwbina, Whitchurch) but a very suburban area. If you're looking for more of a central location maybe Penylan or Canton.

Cardiff is a very friendly small city with plenty of green spaces, good schools and cultural stuff going on. Also don't outright reject the idea of a Welsh medium education for your kids, you wouldn't be the only parents who didn't speak Welsh at home and there are some great schools to choose from. Anyway croeso (welcome) to you and your family.

I live in Danescourt, a community in Llandaff, north-west Cardiff. Danescourt is an extremely pleasant area composed of mostly older Wimpey houses (mid 70's) with quite a lot if ground around them. This area is exceptionally well served for some if the finest schools in the City and is very conveniently situated around three miles from the City Centre and is well situated to access nearby Llandaff village with it little cafes and restaurants. Not far away are situated Llandaff and Pontcanna fields which is perfect for walking, jogging or cycling. There is also a railway station at Danescourt, although there is no car park there (unlike Radyr Station) it is very handy to access the City or the valleys by train. It is an ideal location for raising children (my two grew up here) as there are many, many local activities and attractions which are very easily accessible and are literally right on our doorstep.