Christchurch way versus Surrey - which would you opt for?

[whereishome]

Hi everyone,

This isn't strictly about education but at the end of the day that is what is going to sway us significantly. We are just about to relocate to anywhere in the UK; used to be near Guildford. We are homing in on the Christchurch area, New Forest way after visiting the area and loving it. There seems to be a great deal to do for children and the schools seem good although Surrey has the edge, I feel.

We will be making the big move in the next few weeks and now I am second thinking things. Surrey was very nice, albeit very expensive. The areas we are looking at near Christchurch are also expensive.

I just wondered if anyone had knowledge of both and live in one and could share their thoughts with me. Anyone in Surrey way who loves it, has great state schools on the doorstep and would never move to the New Forest. Or vice versa - live in New Forest and would never give Surrey a second glance?

I am rather worried of making the wrong choice :/

In my opinion, a lot of Surrey secondary schools aren't that great, have to be careful where you move to. The Guildford ones don't seem too bad but can't compare it to New Forest as not been there. It would be lovely to be close to the coast though

Thanks for replying!! And it's great to see a thumbs up to our choice. I expected lots of replies telling me how great Surrey is and confusing me. My instinct is that the New Forest way is right. And you are quite right, hit and miss with the secondaries. I think Howard of Effingham was the best but not a lot of choice.

Howard of Effingham would definately be my choice if I could live anywhere on Surrey. Great school, lovely area but very expensive.
I'm sure there must be New Forest dwellers on here somewhere. Good luck with your decision!

Hi, I am very lucky in that I live in Surrey, in Woking, but I have a holiday flat in Christchurch (Southbourne but near Hengistbury head, Twynham way). We have to live where we do because of Dhs job but I would move to Christchurch in an instance.

Dd1 is in yr5 and while the primary schools are great, the secondary schools are a bit dire. We are seriously considering going private but with 4 Kids it will be ridiculously expensive. You could try West End - Gordon's school, state but have to pay about £1800 a term. It's because they keep them til 6pm and do saturday mornings. but you have to live within 600m. Howard of Effingham and George Abbott are v good but quite big and the catholic schools are great but you do have to be a bit committed.

Twynham school is supposed to be good. We have considered moving down there and doing a swap, flat here and house in Christchurch, but I don't think it would work for us. Given the choice I would opt for Christchurch, unless you can move close enough to the good schools to guarantee you would get in.

Christchurch is great, they have a leisure centre that does all the usual sports clubs and 2 swimming pools. no leisure lagoon but you can go to Poole for that. nice restaurants there too. Good luck with whatever you decide.