Moving to Devon

[larah]

Hi,
My family and I are moving to Devon next year from abroad. We have been living abroad for the last 9 years and now have two young boys who will be 7 and 5 when we move. It will be a huge transition for them having never lived in England before. As parents never having had children when we were last there I just don't know how to begin to do research on schools, areas, properties, work etc. Can anyone give me advice on some nice little villages with good village primary and secondary schools and within an easy commute to jobs.... i know its a very broad question but any help/advice would be hugely appreciated. Where do we start? Schools first or house first or job first?!!
Thanks in advance

Devon is the third largest county in the UK! You need to narrow it down a bit before anyone can give advice. Where will you be working?

Haha! I have been living in Kenya which makes Devon look like a postage stamp! No idea where.... looking for advice on nice areas!

I only know it a little bit but Exeter or just south of it is nice. Exmouth seems to be modernising.

Colyton Grammar has a good reputation I think.

within an easy commute to jobs

It surely depends on what sort of jobs you’re looking for?!

Torbay (The English Riviera) has lots of good schools and lots of beautiful beaches

You will find more employment in Exeter and Plymouth, but North Devon is more rural. Depends what you are prioritising.

Have you looked at Cornwall?

My friend moved to Thurlestone last year, is really happy with the primary school and work in Plymouth (bit of a commute but worth it they say) it is very beautiful there. Kingsbridge area is great I would say too. Good luck!

Thank you everyone.... already super helpful. Some great ideas on places thank you. One more question how do you know a catchment area of a school?

Look at the local councils website

North Devon. Beautiful beaches, Exmoor...

You're welcome to inbox me. Devon born and bred!

Think about what secondary school they may suit then look at the feeder primary schools for those. The Devon County Council website has the catchment maps and then most schools have their own websites you can look at. Someone mentioned Coyton Grammar but that’s a 11+ school very v.highly selective, Torbay & Plymouth have some other grammar schools but most Devon schools are mainstream secondaries. Then there’s quite a few private fee paying schools if you have the cash. Kings Secondary at Ottery St Mary has a good reputation as do a few of the Exeter Secondaries, some of the others have lower Ofstead rankings.

I live in west Devon. 45 mins to exeter for work, local village school nearby. Dartmoor 15 mins drive and 45 minutes from the north Devon beaches. I'd definitely recommend it. It's very rural though. Crediton is a nice market town, or Okehampton.

There is a new primary being built on okehampton. It's a lovely town right on the edge of Dartmoor with very easy access to Exeter. (20 mins drive)

Having moved here from London I would say this is a fantastic area to raise kids. There is a great community spirit. Lots of things to do, and a low crime rate.

Hi, have you managed to move? If so where and how are you finding it?
My family and I are planning on moving to Devon later in the year( possibly next if the situation isn’t better by then).
We have 2 children 7 and 5.
We really liked north Devon and that was our preferred choice, near Appledore.
However after reading about all the pros and cons and schools we might have to re-think and go to south Devon.
Any advise would be appreciated.
Thanks