Possible relocation to Birmingham

[Dangermouse1104]

Hello all,
Totally new to MN so apologies if I get my acronyms in a twist!
My DH's job is possibly relocating to Birmingham Airport (BHX). I have a few questions I would like to ask with regards to schools and places to live.
We would need to be within 40 minutes drive from the Airport, therefore any suggestions of possible towns and villages would be fab. We will have a budget of up to £500,000. Renting prior to purchase is an option.So far have been looking south of Birmingham as I would prefer a country aspect. Also any areas to avoid due to HS2 etc?

We have 3 DS (that is 3 sons isn't it?). Not sure if three different school runs is possible; one very academic year 12 just started AS a year early ( not bragging - frankly amazed shock, an academically average, rugby playing Year 8 and a year 7 who is a happy dyslexic, who is not too keen on schools anyway. Any advice on good schools and catchment areas would be greatly appreciated as well.

Will be visiting the area in the next month or so any suggestions to help narrow down the search would be most welcome. Hopefully in time to go to the German Christmas market!

Thank you all so much in advance
PS have also listed this on MN Birmingham local area (not sure of the etiquette)

There are some lovely areas on the 'right' side of the airport - I'm on the other side of Birmingham, but have always loved the area.

I'm sure someone will be along with useful information soon!

thank you ajandjjmum

You probably want to be looking at Solihull really. I don't like the place but it may fit the bill for you. Knowle is supposed to be nice.

I'm South Birmingham but your biggest struggle in Bham itself is going to be schools - the grammar school system can make it a bit difficult for in year moves.

Dorridge is great, very good transport links. Arden School has a good reputation, I think (state comp). Would you go independent for your eldest son?

Sutton Coldfield, you would be at the airport within 30 minutes. Schools are great and much nicer than Solihull (in my opinion).

thank you all for your replies x

I'm in Solihull and love it. Really happy with schools. We've only just moved here but Dh grew up Here and his schooling was so much better than mine in central brum

Sutton Coldfield is nice, Lichfield is a possibility. DH says he can usually get to the airport from here in 40 minutes but really depends on what times you are travelling.

There are some lovely villages 10-15 mins from the airport where you'd get a nice house for your budget. Meriden, Knowle, Dorriodge, Balsall Common. Lovely areas and great schools.

Solihull is nice (although soulless) if you want a town. Sutton Coldfield always wins high praise too although I've never been.

Slightly further into Warwickshire (20-30 min drive) there's Henley in Arden, Tanworth, possibly Leamington/Warwick at a push.

Very at location possibilities!

We are in Sutton and I can highly recommend. Very good secondaries and two grammars in the town. Also on the cross city line for birmingham city centre and one change from bham int airport. Any questions please shout. Oh and you can get a lovely 4/5 bed round here for that.

Handrags has said everything I was going to!

We moved to Sutton from Lichfield & much prefer it - it's so easy to get anywhere. Brilliant access to airport as well as M5 & M6 links, plus lots of beautiful countryside!

Totally overwhelmed by all your responses - thank you!
groovejet DH is a pilot so won't be travelling at rush hour fortunately.
Mrscog and puzi have googled Arden and it does tick a lot of boxes for me esp the SEN and being able to have all DS in one place! It seems to have good reports generally - do they turn out nice kids? Anyone with inside knowledge?
HandragsNGladbags - reassuring that the houses are available in our price range - we are moving from Jersey and difficult to buy anything for that!
Thanks again

Excellent advice from mrs cog.

Oh yes, you'll get a lot of house for your money - even in this 'naice' areas.

knowle Meriden Sutton Coldfield Dorridge

I don't know much about Arden school (other than it does have a good reputation) I'm afraid, but I'd say another plus point or two for the Knowle/Dorridge area is it really is only 10 mins from the airport with no traffic (and it would have to be a severe traffic disruption ie accident) for it to take 30 mins or longer. Plus Knowle has a lovely high street with some independent shops. It looks lovely at Christmas too if that floats your boat!

You're also very near Warwick/Leamington/Stratford for nice days out too.

I used to drive through every day alwayscheerful :) It's my dream location but we need to be nearer Worcester for DH's work.

Solihull has just been rated first place in the Standard of living league