Tell me about Beckenham

[Sellorwait6]

I have asked advice on moving before and we’re still unsure!

I keep hearing suggestions of Beckenham. What’s it like to live there with young kids? What kind of demographic? How is the pollution (lots of cars?) or green space etc?

I was brought up there many moons ago and my sister still lives nearby. Whilst it has changed a lot from the sleepy place it used to be it is now extremely popular. Has excellent public transport links, a good and mixed array of housing, and access to easy countryside in Kent. There are good parks for the children - Kelsey Park, Beckenham Place Park and all the usual childrens clubs, activities etc. It's very popular with families. The High Street has a mixed but useful range of shops with far greater shopping facilities in Bromley at The Glades shopping centre.
Its a nice place to live and the prices of housing stock reflect this. I wouldn't say it has any greater pollution than other towns. But I cannot comment on the schools though. It would be somewhere that I would definitely take a look at.

www.compare-school-performance.service.gov.uk

State schools in Beckenham are v good.

What are you unsure about, OP?

Thank you both! That’s great to hear! It’s quite a leap into the unknown as we don’t have any friends or family there.

We explored it based on a recommendation, and really liked it. That school link is v helpful - schools look so good. I am a little worried about grammar when they get older. Am I right in thinking Beckenham has the grammar school system? One of my kids isn’t very academic, more into arts and sports. Don’t know if living in a grammar school neighbourhood (where they may not get into grammar) would be a bad thing for them or not...

I think there will be children going to grammar schools from Beckenham but it’s a bit of a moot point as the local non-selective options are v good.

Beckenham itself doesn't have grammar schools but it's reasonably close to some in other areas e.g. Orpington. From DS's year at primary, only one child went to a grammar school. As JoJo says, there are plenty of good non-selective schools.

Oh that’s a relief to hear. I thought it was part of the grammar system, too!

I don't know whether you are aware but that is a Mumnet Talk Local Bromley section. There is a lot of info about Bromley but also Beckenham on that bit of the forum and as Bromley is right next door to Beckenham you might want to take a look and see the various topics covered? It might give you more of a feel for the place.

I thought it was part of the grammar system, too!

It’s in the borough of Bromley which does have a couple of grammar schools. However, as with any London grammars, it’s 100% your choice if that’s sth you’d like to pursue or not based on what is the best option for a specific child.

Re grammar schools, despite some people using 'kent' in the address Beckenham is in the London Borough of Bromley so is not in Kent County for education purposes so its not a grammar/secondary modern area, unlike Kent county area.

Bromley doesn't have grammar schools but has two 'selective' schools that you have to pass a test to get into. (Newstead Woods for Girls and St Olaves for boys).

It's a nice area with lots of nearby parks and open spaces. I would also suggest looking in West Wickham and Hayes, close to Beckenham with good schools and amenities. They also have transport links to London or Bromley.

No Beckenham isn't in the grammar system, unless you want to apply for the super selectives. You can also apply to Kent.

What's your budget like for housing? Where are you commuting to?

@scrivette

Bromley doesn't have grammar schools but has two 'selective' schools

That’s exactly what a grammar school is, an academically selective state school.

This is very useful, thank you! I will also look at local boards! Will also check out Hayes and West Wickham, I haven’t been there.

Our budget is a max £900k but preferably less (moving from a more expensive part of London to get a bit more green and also more for our money). Commuting at the moment is nowhere (wfh) because of Covid, but - when things calm down - both DH and I will need to be in central London a few days a week max.

If sticking to the borough of Bromley, you could also check out Petts Wood and Chislehurst. They’re v green.