Would you/Have you moved to an area that would give all the family a better standard of living but doesn't have good schools???

[Wills]

DH and I have had a really tough year and we've spent a lot of time sitting back thinking about the quality of our lives. We've decided that we want to move to a bigger house but by the sea (currently live just outside London). This will enable me to downgrade my job thereby spending far more time with both our girls (something I desperate to do) and my husband to get out of the city (something he is desperate to do). BUT any area with good schools and/or easy commute into London would mean small house and both of us have had enough of feeling like we're living on top of each other. We're after a ramshackled old house with plenty of area for the kids to run around and spread out. But this would be at the expense of the quality of their schools. Is it worth it?

I think the best education in life is living with happy parents! And if this move makes Mum and Dad happy, then the children will be happy! So your choice should be priority and not the choice of school.

Fio2 - we're thinking of moving by the sea. What is so different and takes getting used to?

I did pretty much what you're considering, Wills. I know I talked about it on MN but can't find the thread. Anyway, we were going to live in the best area of Norwich. Would have meant paying a stupid amount for not that much living space, possibly a painful mortgage, very little garden, high(ish) crime (burglaries), lovely city, fantastic schools, but DH commuting almost 2 hours/day. Instead we chose so-so schools, big house, big garden, no mortgage, DH only has a 5 minute commute.

Look carefully at the school where you are going... may not be bad, anyway.

I am not thrilled with DS's school at the moment, but it's ok. Partly to compensate for it not being wonderful, I am getting involved in DS's school and DD's preschool, even though I sometimes have to pay childcare out of my own pocket to do so (to attend meetings or conduct interviews).

The plan is to move back to Norwich when DS1 is ready to start secondary, because I really don't like the high school in the small town where we are, though admittedly, it may improve a lot in next 7 years. But I think teenagers are happier in cities, too.

I think like some others that if your children are bright they will succeed in almost any school and hopefully if your quality of life improves if you move - your children will be happier and life all round will be better - Plus academic results are not everything and their is far too much concentration on league tables - what really counts is individual teachers

Nutcracker asking similar questions .

I’m curious @Wills - what did you choose?

Oh wow, so long ago. Yes we moved and to be brutally honest I've NEVER looked back. We now have 4 kids but the oldest two are flying. One is already at uni and the next one down is working v. hard to get grades good enough to enable her to go to medical school. Leaving London was the best decision EVER. The people here are so friendly and open. We're right next to the sea and our daily dog walks have to be timed with the tide. I even asked my DD2 the other day whether she resented leaving London's doorstep. Her answer was a very firm NO WAY, I love it here. So glad we moved! And you?

Oh and I've learnt v. firmly that the biggest input to my kids education is us as parents - not wishing to put a downer on what teachers do - they are amazing, but the element that makes the difference is the attitude of the parents. My kids have some amazing teachers, but we're fully engaged in all of their education and I'm told by teachers that that is the key difference.

No you’re absolutely right. I’m so glad you’re all happy and made the move. We’ve almost done it a couple of times but never made the leap.

I’m having a daydream and I’ve seen a job in Havant. I love the idea of Hayling Island.

Thank you for getting back!

Some of our best friends live on Hayling Island and I can assure you its wonderful! Go for it - its incredibly scarey but as long as you're prepared to immerse yourself into everything local then it will work.

Will perhaps apply for the job! What’s the worst that can happen, ay? Thank you again.