Berrylands and Hollyfield School

[Arnemamma]

Hello all. We’re planning to move from North London to Surbiton and have seen a house we like in Berrylands, not near the treatment works. I lived in Surbiton many years ago but have a couple of key questions and would really love some help.

First: Hollyfield School. I’ve read the Ofsted reports but what’s it like? Are your kids happy and achieving there? I’ve heard good things but the secondary is the main reason for our move so i don’t want to get it wrong. I know there are Outstanding schools nearby but housing stock is virtually no existent.

Second, how would you describe Berrylands? We’re mid-40s, both work in London, have dogs and one 9 and one 18 year old. Can you tell me the good and the bad bits?

Thank you! I’m relying on you all to help me not mess this up!

Yours from N London xxxx

Hey Arnemamma
We have been living here for 10 years - I love Berrylands. But trying to give you a more balanced view:
Good : safe and friendly, feels rural but very good connection to London or to get away from London. Great for outdoorsy stuff, great for dogs (once read that we have highest proportion of dog owners in London here - not sure if true but it's believable. Good schools, Kingston and Surbiton offer fantastic Cafes/ restaurant and shopping, but it's true that Berrylands only has a scattering of small shops.
Made me laugh you mentioned the treatment works- they used to be a problem but we live close to the pub and I honestly can't remember last time it was smelly. It used to- but not anymore. Transport was getting very very overcrowded just before the pandemic - additional housing under the promise to invest in better infrastructure was created- and now plans for crossrail 2 have been canned. Not sure how that will impact commuters once we are "back to normal", but depending on your job may not be an issue. Can't comment on Hollyfield, as my kids don't go, though reputation has steadily improved from what I hear. Area around the Hogsmill and local park getting even nicer and for my kids I live the freedom of letting them go to the football field or Kingston by themselves- would have never dared doing that in the area we lived before

The headteacher of my son's primary (in Surbiton) has 2 kids at hollyfield and she told us she's very happy with it.

@Frederick12 @FeedingFrenzy5 Thank you for the replies. We are set to move in mid-June so hearing from you both is helpful and reassuring, thank you! Is the pub nice by the way? If we can all remember what going out feels like...?