Hamsptead schools - where best to live?

[Frankfurt2017]

Obvious question maybe - but tricky if you know nothing really of North London. I am planning a move to London in April 2020, with a school picked in Hampstead. I am hoping to try and live close to the school with the aim that my kids might have some local friends. Other than Hampstead itself - which is beautiful but so expensive, where would be next on your list? Any advice very welcome...thanks in advance.

apologies for spelling error!

Depends where in Hampstead the school is. Is it near an overground station (Hampstead Heath or Finchley Rd & Frognal)? That's a relatively tolerable way to travel to school. Alternatively check out bus routes.

I really wouldn't want to drive as parking is hellacious.

Have you got definite places in the school? It doesn't begin with an H does it? (trying to work out which school would have places mid year).

If you have a daughter and wilo be trying for HBS - how about Golders Green?

West Hampstead, Gospel Oak, Belsize Park, Kentish Town... I second what @PatienceVirtue says about public transport though, Do Not Drive Into Hampstead For The School Run! Plot a route from your preferred school and take it from there. You may want to think about secondaries as well - the side of Hampstead you pick will have a significant bearing on that.

Which school?

I would also avoid driving into Hampstead for schools, double parking, arguements and stress are the norm as there are so many schools in too close an area.

It depends on how big a house you want and how big your budget is. West Hampstead overground is an easy journey and a very popular with families.

Mum's from private schools tried organised bus / coach services for the schools in the area - it fell down as not supported enough, but they are hopeful it will start again. I assume that it's a private school (albeit many state schools will have places in higher years). My experience is that many children of a number of these schools won't actually be local anyway... You're only assured of lots of local parents at a state school.

Highgate is nearby and a bit cheaper. Lovely area. Archway and Tufnell Park also have lots of nice houses - both quite residential. The northern line can be a bit of a PITA but otherwise all great places to live.

Many thanks for the replies - sorry fell off the radar, family health concerns. We are lucky to be able to take up the option of private school but of course that messes with hopes of any local community feeling? Maybe I am wrong? Walking to school is a real goal..so will get the map out.

Are you set on Hampstead and have a school place? If the budget doesn’t stretch as far as you’d like, you could look at some cheaper areas. There are tons of independent schools around London.

Realistically if you are doing a short commute to a school in Hampstead, you’ll be with a lot of other families doing the same. People assume that private / prep schools don’t provide any community but that isn’t true.

There are a lot of private schools in Hampstead/Highgate etc so don't worry about "community".

The key question here is: which school is it? Or, at least, where is it? In Hampstead itself? Do you actually have a place for September? It will be much easier to help you if we have more precise geography.

And I agree, anything you can do to avoid driving, will be a real bonus.

How about the world famous Hampstead school on Weetbere Road?

Hi Frankfurt 2017

Hampstead is a wonderful place to live. It has the best of both London City and rural village with the Heath on your door step. No-one drives, its more of a walk and scooter school run.

We look forward to welcoming you when you arrive :)

My children are going back to Heathside Prep this term....its an amazing school (had a rough year last year - and we left (what a mistake!) - but now its a great hands with Dukes Independent School Group and we can't wait to be back. Definitely worth a look - although I know they're already full for Reception this year.

Kathy

No-one drives

No-one does, except the legions of 4x4s ferrying their kids to the private schools!

In all seriousness, don't pick a school you need to drive to. NW3 roads are a nightmare at school run times.

Today have started the apt search again...hoping something will turn up! many thanks again for the replies - am looking fwd to it now that I have Christmas out of the way..:)