Moving to London in three weeks. Looking for a good primary school.

[confusedmum1]

We are looking to move to London in about 3 weeks. DH will be working in Moorgate in one of the banks. I am very confused about where to look for houses in the catchment of good/outstanding primary schools that wont make life too difficult with commute etc. Please suggest.

Tower Hamlets have a few outstanding schools, look at 'good' schools too.

I know Hackney less, but have heard of a couple up there. Both areas are good for commuting to the city.

Do you have anywhere lined up to live in ? 3 weeks seems a very short time to arrange it if not. Moorgate is easily commutable from most of London and suburbs but do you need a school place now, in which you will have to consider wherever is offered , or longer term.

What is your house budget, how many bedrooms do you need and how long for the commute?

Also do you need state or private schools and are the places needed now or next Sept?

If you plan to live in an area which is close to chealsea , I can suggest you Marlborough Primary School (draycott avenue ) it is a really very good school... Class teachers are amazing... Security is really good... Students and parents are really very nice... As an option you should consider it...

Thanks for your responses.
@temporary: thanks
@LIZS: we have been looking at few places such as Kingston, Richmond etc. mostly in South West London. shortlist is just because of good schools around. One of the friends mentioned East Finchley as well.
@enderwoman: we are looking for a 3 bedroom house and abt 45-50 minutes maximum of commute.

Barnes has great primaries, and good transport links into the City.

How old is/are your dc?

thanks Elibean: she is 6

If you're only tie is to Morgate I would try to stay towards North London/Herts/Essex. Why make life hard? The commute to Richmond or South London not as quick.

How old are your children?

Redbridge has good primary and secondary schools. They operate a catchment system which you can read about in a booklet on their website. Friends moved there and were able to get primary places within a few weeks. Call up the local authority education department and ask which schools have spaces or very short waiting lists. Central line into the city - Wanstead is lovely - similar to west london but much cheaper and lot less flight path noise!

if she is 6 I would imagine you would struggle to get her in any decent state schools particularly in London.

is private an option?

I would be looking for somewhere on the train line to Moorgate or on the change at Finsbury Pk. So Harringay, Hornsey, Alexandra Palace etc. Oakleigh Pk, New Barnet etc. But I don't know your budget, if it's high you could consider the Barbican and close areas.

I would call the relevant councils and find out which schools if any have space. You may have to take a school you are less fond of and stay on waiting lists and then move her when a space is free.

How much does the private school cost?
my budget for house is approx £1500.
I called up councils as well, have been told there is no space. Richmond Council actually have a voice message saying that there is no space, hence they wont even take a call :(

There is no given that you will get a place at any private school either , at short notice and mid year, and many have waiting lists sorry. At 6 you're probably looking at 2.5k -3k + per term.

LA won't be able to give you an informed response until you are in situ with an address, so to an extent it is a gamble but maybe best avoid Richmond. There may even be some movement at half term but no one can yet anticipate what the situation will be in 3 weeks' time.

Would definitely call local authorities to find out where there are spaces. There are VERY few. You may need to consider 'requires improvement' schools as well. Some of these schools are on the up and worth considering. You might get a 3 bed property for £1500 in the Haringey or Hornsey areas (mentioned above) although many 3 beds go for more. Both nice areas to live. They are in London Borough of Haringey.

Can you just clarify where you are going to be staying when you arrive in 3 weeks time? Is it a hotel, a short term let, staying with friends? Whereabouts will you actually be?

SW London will be further than your max commute as others have said. You might get more for your money in Enfield or out of London altogether but then you have to factor in cost of commute.

Where do you live now? It does seem quite a project to be moving in 3 weeks.

hi
RE Richmond borough
You will be lucky to get a house for £1500 more likely a 1/2 bedroom flat.
Due to the outstanding nature of the majority of Richmond's schools there are all oversubscribed even the ones that are seem less desirable.However these would be seen as good in other areas.
I would suggest choose a school and then move opposite and i mean literally opposite to stand any chance of a place.You will then also have to accept any place that is offered.If you refuse this the council do not have to provide you with an alternative.
This applies for all local authorities.
email the admissions office this seems to work better.
Sorry don't want to be doom and gloom merchant but this is the reality.
private school at least £3500 per tem

Do you mean £1500 per week as a house budget? £1500 per month won't get you much. Doesn't your dh's bank use a relocation agent?

For what it is worth, primary fees near me (chelsea ) are over £5k

I can't understand how Richmond Council have a message saying there is no space when no KS1 class at my daughter's unpopular (but good) school is at full capacity.

Try locrating.com. It's like Google maps but you can apply filters to show a) OFSTED rated outstanding school and b) property nearby with eg 3 beds and £1500.

I think you'll have to go South East for that budget. Can recommend St Margaret's C of E in Lee Green (catchment covers parts of Lewisham/Hither Green/Blackheath). DP could get a 20 min train to London Bridge and walk - thus avoiding the Tube, which would be a bonus!

Trains go through that way from Wimbledon too. Have you looked there?

There are a number of outstanding schools in Crystal Palace/Dulwich areas. Dulwich Infants, Rosendale, Elm Wood, Herne Hill, Kingswood, Paxton.

You do not need to move to SW and despite what was said above London has stacks of outstanding primaries. Find an area you like, check the schools you like, see if they have vacancies. But London is so varied you do need to come visit. £1500 a month won't get you a house in Dulwich either but easily get something for £1500 a week. Prob not in the village though.