Happy in E14? Moving house and looking for good state primary schools near Canary Wharf.

[Cait2]

We are moving back to London from overseas and would like to move closer to work - Canary Wharf. Everyone is trying to tell us we're mad to bring up 5yr&2yr old in E14 or nearby. Will need to get 5yr old into a good local state primary for middle on Y1 (March 2012). Can anyone offer any advice?

There are some good primary schools in Wapping and very good one in the City of London (Sir John Cass). There is approval for a new senior Free School in Wapping, so all looking good for schools round that area generally.

Thanks so much for that. I will have a look... do you live in the area? What is your view of life for children in this part of LOndoN?

I used to live in Wapping and have a rental property (aka pension) there, so keep a close eye on what is happening. Wapping attracted me in the first place because it has a village feel and an established residential community with proper shops and pubs - as far as I know it still has its own butcher, baker and greengrocer as well as a good selection of pubs and restaurants. Also a GP surgery and dentist. There are lots of little squares with grassy areas to play in as well as larger parks and a lovely sports centre and swimming pool. Jobs took us out of London before our children were born, so don't have any direct experience, but I'm sure there's plenty to keep them occupied - there's a children's centre and playgroups. For older children there's lots of watersports on Shadwell Basin.