Moving to Kent

[Anietie]

Hi all,
We are planning to move to Kent and are looking in the Dartford , Northumberland Heath area. We have 2 children and are keen to get near good schools. Anyone have any helpful information about these areas - are they family friendly, any areas to avoid?

Much appreciated

www.compare-school-performance.service.gov.uk/schools-by-type?step=default&table=schools&parliamentary=Dartford&geographic=parliamentary&for=primary

That’s the schools in Dartford.

Northumberland Heath isn't Dartford, it's Bexleyheath/Barnehurst. Where are you moving from? Do you have to commute to London for work?

(formerly Anietie) Thanks for the info guys. Moving from London and my husband will need to commute to London.
How are Bexleyheath /Barnehurst to live in?

I live in the Borough of Bexley (covers Bexleyheath, Northumberland Heath and other parts) and work in school. Bexley has a lot of really good Primary schools and secondary schools but there are also some to avoid.

It’s not a perfect area but it has wonderful amenities, good transport links and Bluewater very close 😉 . We like living here.

I'd pick Barnehurst over Bexleyheath (left there this year) but look at Sidcup if you can afford it.

Why have you picked Dartford out of interest?

You’ll still be in London lol

We picked Dartford as told lots of good schools in the area and close to family.

Haha yeah I know it's still London . Should have said hubby will be travelling to Central London so need good transport links

Thanks so much for the advice all! We have booked some viewings in Bexleyheath and Barnehurst so will see how they go!

Dartford isn't the nicest of areas, definitely move closer into Bexley if you can afford it (apologies to any Dartfordians)

Agree, Sidcup and Bexley are nicer than Barnehurst and Bexleyheath. Easy commutes from Sidcup, New Eltham and Bexley too - surprisingly quick to LB. Presumably you are aware that there is a Grammar school system in Kent for secondaries. The Grammars are very good and some are 'super selectives' ie St Olaves in neighbouring Bromley.
Good access to the countryside, seaside and London and property is 'cheap' for London.

Bexley village is nice, another vote for Sidcup and I was in Erith (near Northumberland Heath) the other day and was pleasantly surprised (zone 6 for commuting). Is Bromley too "London" for you? Places like Chislehurst are really lovely. If not it's great and good schools with no Grammar system, but you are near enough the catchment areas of most of these Grammars below should you want that (and commuting to London is pretty easy):

Co-Ed:
Bexley Grammar
Chislehurst & Sidcup Grammar

Boys:
Beths Grammar
St Olaves (Super-selective)
Wilmington Grammar for Boys
Dartford Grammar for Boys

Girls:
Townley Grammar for Girls
Newstead Wood (Super-selective)
Wilmington Grammar for Girls
Dartford Grammar for Girls

Bexley Village is lovely, and all those houses up near the war memorial 😍

Thanks so much for the advice guys, saw Northumberland Heath today and was surprisingly nice. Will look at Bexley village too!