Primary Schools around Kingston

[Liesaj]

Greetings - we are an Aussie family moving to the UK later this year for work with DD (6yro) and DS (8yr). We are really overwhelmed at the UK schooling system options and in particular understand that you are not guaranteed your preference of (State) school even if you live close by. We are needing to live somewhere between London and Weybridge (due to work) and are seeking a mixed school for our kids which really has a holistic approach to their education (we are both professionals so while academics are important to us, so is art, music, sports and those important life skills of kindness, respect, resilience, responsibility etc). Any insight into your experiences would be greatly appreciated.

As you know the school allocated to you is the one nearest to your rental postcode with space. You would do best to find a rental property and ask estate agents for advice on near by primary schools and then ring round to get an idea of waiting lists. Perhaps try the Surbiton area or anywhere on the Weybridge train line. Re your requests, schools teach the national curriculum which incorporates kindness, respect etc and music and art are taught once a week and sport often twice a week with endless options re after school clubs. If you are both working you may want to look at wrap around clubs too, the school day ends @ 3pm.

All the primary schools are good in North Kingston - so hopefully at least one would have places (Latchmere, Coombe Hill, Alexandra, St Paul's, St Luke's, St Agatha's, Fern Hill). Nice to be near Richmond Park too.

There really are no terrible schools in the area, and there's also quite a lot of schools with spaces in the later years due to how much movement there is, so there is likely to be some choice.

If you're going to be train commuting then yes Surbiton side would be better be weybridge as the Kingston train doesn't go that way, not that long a bike ride though (car would be madness)