Having a total ahhh moment! Where in the UK (incl London) would you move to if these were your criteria?

[Oliveoilsalt]

My house in London has gone under offer. And I don’t know where to move to.

We’re lucky as DH and I are both self-employed and work from anywhere.

We don’t love our kids’ school.

We have NO IDEA where to go.

We put out house up for sale hoping that the time would force us to make a choice... but having almost anywhere in the UK to choose from is too MUCH of a choice!

Where would you go if this was your criteria?
-An amazing school - but not a hot-house. Amazing in the outdoorsy, creative, happy-child way.
-Friendly, villagey place where it’s easy to make friends. (We have this now in our London place.)
-Independent shops nearby.
-Fresh air to breathe!

We sold our house for a great price, opening lots of areas up to us.

We currently live in (in my opinion) the nicest bit of Hackney, if that helps any...

And we’re contemplating staying in London (but leaving hackney), and also talking about doing something really different.

I don’t even know where to begin looking

Another vote for Winchester/Alresford.
I used to work at the secondary school in Alresford and it was lovely.

Winchester is a city but doesnt feel big, lots of independent shops as well as chains.
Also there are direct trains to Waterloo that only take about an hour, so not unreasonable for commuting or visiting London.

The description would fit Hampshire ie Winchester, Stockbridge, Whitchurch, Alresford, Alton. Also some of the village state primary’s do fit that school description I know of a little one with its own forest, top results and very happy children the school has the river test wrapped around it. Seriously outside London you can get some really nice schools . Then off to Peter Symons for those top A levels.

Another vote for Lewes which has great schools, great community feel and is open minded. Or Totnes in Devon for a choice of real alternative education.

But if you have a lovely set of friends and community in Hackney I wouldn’t necessarily move. It takes a long time to reestablish a proper local network, don’t underestimate its value.

I’d go for the North Cotswolds - aim for The Cotswold School or Chipping Camden School. Great comprehensives in a lovely area. I only wish this had been an option for my dc (we live in a selective county, meaning a very stressful year 5).

However, I’m a country girl. You might find this area somewhat insular if you’re used to London.

I would live in Blackheath if I had loads of cash. If not London then -

Duffield in Derbyshire. Lovely active village, beautiful countryside, train station for any teens to get into Derby quickly. The Ecclesbourne school (state), which has an amazing reputation.

Seconding North Cotswolds. Also, relatively easy access to motorways and A roads if you want to travel north/south/east/west.

Bristol or Sheffield

I also think the Alresford area in Hampshire would suit, near Winchester. I am in a different part of Hampshire.

If you like the coast this might suit. Short ferry crossing to Portsmouth/Southsea for city shops/vibe
Crescent Road, Alverstoke, Gosport
www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-72647458.html

For another London option, take a look at Highams Park!

Ripon, it has a grammar school but the non-grammar school is also outstanding. Loads of independent shops and so close to amazing countryside. It has the villagy feel you want with easy access to Harrogate/Leeds if you want somewhere bigger!

My kids are at a creative, child led, outdoorsy school in the state sector. They are still out there, though obviously constrained by the nc and oversubscribed!

I’d look at Hebden Bridge, York, Whitby, Tynemouth, Whitley Bay.