Kent... somewhere along the M2/A2...

[MissBetseyTrotwood]

Thinking about looking to leave London.

We'd like to be near the M2/A2 as DH will have to commute to East London. We don't fancy Essex at the mo as it'll take us too far from family. (Though if the commute's too long to Kent for him it may have to be that TOWIE).

One of our boys might suit grammar school. The other probably won't. Any ideas kind MNetters?

TIA

Ah, interesting about Essex. I think that's a good strategy Tolliver . My DM is promoting Uplands in Wadhurst which is rather far south of where we were thinking. It looks a fabulous school, results are great but it's really far from the original area!

I think DS2 will do well in a kind school; the comprehensive I work in right now in London gets great results but is quite 'hard' and the kids have to be quite tough intellectually and in a streetwise way to get on.

I visited the Steiner School near Canterbury years ago and was very impressed.

It is not right for my family but definitely worth taking a look at.
www.canterburysteinerschool.co.uk/
I seem to recall it keeps children right up to GCE (o) levels.

From what I understand most GS nearer the M25 and kent boarders require not just a pass at 11+ but alost top marks. Whereas further East accepts lower marks. Anyone in or near Thanet is guaranteed a place a GS if they pass the test.

I have heard Dover college is good private school for children with special needs , but I have also heard good about Kent College at Canterbury and St Lawrence College in Ramsgate.

Thank you MrsTara. Just had a brief look on the Steiner School website - it certainly looks very attractive. They had not posted their inclusion policy though, which makes me a bit hmm about them. Either it's under review or they'd prefer to discuss each case individually, which makes me quite uncomfortable.

I shall check out those two independent schools, thank you.

Our only other (small) issue is that DH flies a lot for work. But won't live in west Kent and Surrey's too far from his base in E.London. Gah !

If you're looking at non selective independent Rochester Independent is very nice and commutable from maidstone as well as the Medway towns . The Grammars in Rochester are also very good .

Paddock Wood might be a goer - not so far over into west Kent for DH to shun it.

And Rochester - nearer in - defo worth a look.

Thanks guys!