Maidenhead

[mrsmoscow]

We currently live in London and I have had enough! DH not as keen mind- but that's another story
I've been looking at areas we could move to and we have friends in maidenhead so that is on the list of potential areas. We need to be able to commute to west London.

Which are nice areas around there? Need good primary schools and easy access to train station. Budget will be £575,000 and need 4 beds

In Maidenhead itself the best school is apparently Oldfield (very small catchment, but school size set to double if proposed building goes ahead). Also Lowbrook is well recommended but further out of town. I think Furze Platt and Alwyn are also well liked.

There are also good schools in Cookham (2 of 3 Cookham schools are good) and Marlow. These towns also have stations on the London line. Also St Nicholas in Taplow). I'm sure there are others but these spring to mind.

If schools are important check very carefully when you look at houses as there are also some less popular schools too. You probably need to be quite close to the 'oversubscribed' schools to be assured of a place.

I think your budget is realistic for a 4 bed house in catchment for a good school.

We moved to Maidenhead from London 3 years ago and really like it. The town is a bit rubbish but there are redevelopment plans.
Schools are generally good but the best are oversubscribed so competition can be tough.
You should be fine with that kind of budget, but family houses are in high demand so you would probably best focusing on available houses and then cheking out schools etc
Not sure what age your DC are but there are loads of great green spaces and things happening for young families. Most of the friends we have made have done a similar move so sure you will find like minded folk.

Thanks for replies.

My eldest will be in year one if we move next year. Is it hard to get a school place mid year?

I haven't tried so can't comment I'm afraid. I have heard tht schools as popular as Oldfield have ongoing long waiting lists, though.

We have just moved to maidenhead in sept, and was a mid year move, schools were very difficult, as all of them were oversubscribed. For mid year entry catchments don't apply, I would recommend applying as early as possible in case you need to appeal. On the plus side the area is lovely (although Maidenhead centre is a bit rubbish as others have said), areas around here are lovely, and the commute to London is very quick - if expensive!

Thanks.
Which are the nicest areas to live? I had envisaged maidenhead town centre for easy access to train station but would be open to other suggestions.....

The villages around maidenhead are nice, Cookham, Taplow, Pinkneys Green, White Waltham, Bray, Littlewick green etc are all really lovely, Marlow is also gorgeous, as is Windsor, but obv further out.