Surrey - Horsley, Effingham and Bookham

[Tf944]

Hi all,

I'm planning a move to the above areas for Howard of Effingham catchment. We're currently living in the Surrey Hills in a small village with easy connections to Guildford which we love, but the long term school options aren't great and our house is too limited so we want to move before our eldest starts primary.

We have booked in a lot of viewings and are going to spend time there to get a feel for it, but I would appreciate any local knowledge that isn't apparent until you move there.

• What are the better/worse areas?
• Does anybody have up to date insight on the feeder schools and nurseries?
• We will need to commute to London and I wanted to know if parking is possible at the stations or nearby and any fees?
• Are there any bus connections to the surrounding towns and for HoE where do they run buses from?
• We love the beautiful walks on the doorstep currently and quick walk to village amenities like shops, cafes and playgrounds. I expect that we might have to chose one or the other, but are there any particularly good areas to target for either?
• Any hidden gems for amenities or things to do with the kids that it would be good to know?

Any insight appreciated :)

What is your budget?

Our budget is 700k and we're looking for a 3/4 bed family home. We know that we will need to compromise on some factors so are open minded, but it would be good to know the best specific areas to aim for if anybody has any insights.

I will PM you

Fantastic thank you

Hi Tf944 did you get any good local knowledge? I’m in a similar boat and would love to know if so :) xx

Hi @Tf944 and @kers, I appreciate that this is quite an old thread now, but did you ever get answers to your questions? We are moving to Effingham/Little Bookham area next year from SW London and would love to know more! Thank you!

Hi there! We moved to fetcham in September. I you want to pm I’d be happy to try and help x

@natb77 see above

@Tf944 why are you set on Howard if Effingham? I know they have great OFSTED but horrendous management by Howard Partnership academy trust

@kers thank you very much! I'm just working out how to pm you

• ha! I'm new to mumsnet..

@Tf944 the Howard school has been a big pull for us too.
How is the school being mismanaged currently? And, how do other local schools compare in your view? Thank you

@natb77 it's not specifically the mismanagement of THoE it's the general management of all the THPT academies. Have a look at their accounts and the vast sums of money paid to "executive heads" etc. My children go to another THPT school and there is barely paper for printing by mid year, having to supply their own art materials, high number of NQT's and horrendous staff turnover.
I know there was some controversy at Effingham a few years back over THPT wanting to sell the land the school was on for housing development and rebuild on a brown field site that wasn't in a great location-I'll be honest and say I'm not sure what happened with it specifically but huge local anti THPT feeling

Screen shot

https://www.thehowardpartnership.org/docs/General/THPTAnnuallReportFinanciallStatements_2018.pdf

www.compare-school-performance.service.gov.uk/school/136833/howard-of-effingham-school/secondary

Academically, it looks good but not a wow school by any stretch.

@JoJoSM2 yes I think it's THPT's top performer but if my memory serves me correctly it took a dip after THPT took it over and is back on the up again. Sadly it's a pattern repeated in more of their schools

@natb77 click on the dots at bottom of msg and should give pm option. Howard is a great school and it’s a lovely area so it’s a great option, I’m sure there are better schools in the country etc etc but there are many reasons to look at this area, and it’s not the only good school here either. It’ll be amazing once the new school is built too - some locals are unhappy of course it’s not ideal building on green belt but on the plus side for those of us moving here the new facilities will be incredible for the children 👍

Thanks all!

We love living in one of the mentioned villages. Beautiful countryside, close to Guildford and London if needed. Lots of families and a great network and support. The schools are great. Lots for families of all ages to do.

@mumdone that's great to hear! Do you have any thoughts about St Lawrence school at all? We liked it when we went to visit, but hearing mixed reviews (much like anything though, I spose!)

I’ve heard good things. I’m not too familiar with the school myself as my children go to a different school. To be honest though I really think all the schools are well regarded.