Trying to pick the right area for schools

[booknerd82]

My lo starts school next year, and we are trying to be in a better school are - which is also under a 30min commute to London (as both of us work full time). My current shortlist from a commute perspective are Bromley, Woking, Epsom and South Croydon/ Sanderstead. I have lived in South Croydon and thought it was okay - but unsure about it after recent reports etc. I am looking for advice on schools in each of these areas, and also any watch outs etc would be super useful. Ta.

Woking is fab! Lots of school
Choices and tons of after school activities. Lots of parks, open spaces, countryside etc.

Horsell is a village within walking distance of Woking train station and the 'nicest' village.

Nearby, West Byfleet is very popular and has a direct line to Waterloo. Full of families who have relocated from London.

Byfleet is a slightly cheaper area.

Surbiton is great but pricey.

I was going to say the exact same about Woking / Horsell. It’s not 30 mins commute door to door - maybe 15 min walk to station, then fast train under 30 mins to Waterloo.
Horsell schools great - mine went to Horsell infants, then junior, then to the high school.

The only issue you are likely to have is being in your new house for January, which is when I think primary school applications close (please check the date!). My understanding is the good schools in those areas are oversubscribed, and so you might not get your child into a school that you have moved explicitly for.

Thanks everyone for the feedback. We quite liked Horsell, but its quite pricey compared to surrounding areas - assume it was because of price. Anyone who commutes to London from Woking? How easy is it to park and ride?
@InTheLabyrinth - thanks for the flag. We are weighing options to rent to help application timing, and then maybe move again later. So long as it is a decent school with breakfast clubs, we should be okay

Would also appreciate any perspective from people in Sanderstead/Wallington/Croydon area?