Is Surbiton really good for short commute to the City and Canary wharf?

[mrslondoner]

We're about to make an offer on a house in Surbiton and a bit panicking of this big move that we are doing. We're currently in Ealing (bought here 2 years ago cos of CrossR!il) and we do like it here but we're now needing a bigger house, bigger garden and frankly cant wait for the CrossRail anymore.

Questions:

1. How busy do the trains get in the morning? Especially the first fast train to Waterloo? I have to be in the at 8am in Canary Wharf.

1. Suggestions on the best Primary and Secondary school for a girl? Is Tiffin really difficult to get into? Shall I just accept that my daughter will have to go to Private School?

I'd really appreciate the help/intel from locals.

Thanks in advance!

It's pretty terrible. I moved out of the area because thr commute was awful with packed trains that werent reliable. It might only be 25 mins to Waterloo but then you have the change and onward journey so your commute timr will be more like an hout door to door

My hubs does a similar commute on a slower line near to surbiton and has done for about 10 years. It’s quite wearing and sometimes there can be delays but if he was on a faster line like surbiton itd be better. He wfh one day a week which helps with energy.

Tiffin is difficult to get into, yes. But worth a try. Lots of info on here and eleven plus forum about prep for it. My daughter didn’t get tiffin but got nonsuch in cheam (not sure how easy that would be from surbiton, though). She’s exceptionally good at reading and writing but only a little above average in maths, so I guess that’s why she missed out. She was about #40 on waiting list for tiffin.

There are lots of good schools about. Maple infants and St Marks Juniors in Surbiton are meant to be very good, altho I don’t have personal experience. Tolworth Girls (secondary) was very impressive when we viewed. Lots of options for you, and private too eg surbiton high, Wimbledon high etc