Hi, All! THANKS A LOT for your info. I do appreciate it.
FishFingersareOK - First, the same "poo" attitude in Broxbourne, too. When I was taking my son to the nursery, there were more dogs than kids walking to the nursery actually. Each family had like 2 or 3 dogs. So ... "poo is in the air". I had to always repeat to my son: "Mind the poo, honey!" "Not on the grass, honey, too many poos". Most "ladies with the dogs" had no shame, they were waiting for the dogs to do their poo and then just moved on. I wanted to complain to the council but gave up.
Second, I'm after one of the secondary schools, in the long run.
CMOTDibbler - Brouxbourne is very expensive too, due to the great commute (just 24 min to London Liverpool Street). However, schools are not that good as in Harpenden plus I have to drive to Hoddesdon, Cheshunt or Ware for clubs, etc.
SkiBumMum - I'm alright with the idea of "competitive parents". I must admit that I'm in the same boat. I think it's normal to have such an attitude if you really care about your child's future. I will do my best to help sons get a good education.
My elder is 4 and my younger is 2. will write Pm.
chocolatebiscuit - Speaking of safety, I've read somewhere that the police is p/t in Harpenden as they don't have much to do.
I've checked Herts council list of primary vacancies and Lea, Manland, Sauncey Wood, Wood End and H. Free Schools have vacancies. I've read about the Ofsted reports for all the schools in Harpenden. I've also came across some discussions and most people suggested to avoid Lea and renting in that area. Acc. to Ofsted, Lea is "satisfactory" as Manland. However, on schoolguru I've read that Manland came 7 in Hertfordshire - most wanted primary schools in 2011.