Relocation to Hertfordshire - schools advice pls?!

[ibiduni]

Hi there,

My Husband and I are looking into relocating south from Manchester. We're originally from Reading and London but like the idea of Hertfordshire. Initially we looked into St Albans, but it is just too expensive for us, and given the short window for primary school applications we want to chose an area where all the schools are better than 'OK'. We're considering Bishops Stortford and wondered if anyone would recommend any schools of areas around here?

Thanks in advance

Mel

Lots of good primary schools in Stortford - northgate is the most popular but manor field, summercroft and hillmead are all well rated. there's St Michaels if you are C of E and St Josephs catholic school.
Where were you thinking of living?? There is a mix of older housing and new developments. Do you need to be close to the station?

Sympathies with the house prices in St Albans problem!

We are in Watford (moved from St Albans due to property prices there!) outstanding primaries are Nascot Wood and Knutsford, with other good primaries. Some very good secondaries - Watford Grammar (state boys, 100% selective, excellent results comparable to some private schools), Watford Girls (er, girls, 100% selective, also excellent results), Parmiters (partially selective, also excellent results). And a whole bunch of private schools nearby (think the Beckham boys go to one round here!).

Sorry, that wasn't exactly your question, but hopefully that's more food for thought.

Watford Grammar girls and boys are not 100% selective - despite the name, they are actually partially selective and around half the places go on distance. Only 45 out of 180 go on academic ability. They are excellent schools.

Herts is nice - lots of cheaper villages eg near St Albans. If that's where you liked.

Doh - sorry for misleading information about the grammar schools! Somehow I'd got it into my head that they were entirely selective.

bumble bump

Just looked back here. Thanks for all the feedback!

I went to Parmiters. Sorry completely irrelevant but brought back happy memories