Worcester/Cheltenham/surrounding areas - going around in circles!

[BrownCloak]

Hi all, hoping to get some advice..
We are looking to move to Worcester or Cheltenham areas. We are going round and round in circles on area! Main considerations are;

• We have two DC in primary school so the most important thing is primary and secondary schools in the area. I can see a few decent primaries but struggling with secondaries unless private (we may be able to do this but not definite so good state option needed)
• Budget will be around 650k, a little wiggle room on top
• Needs to be accessible enough for the children to get in to the city/around easily by themselves when older. Enough to do for them at this young age (swimming, clubs etc)

Any views welcome! Thank you

How about a smaller town? Pershore is small enough that kids are able to walk to the swimming pool etc, good primary and the secondary had second best A level results for state in the county.
What are you looking for on your budget? This house is 4 bed in a nice location, 10 minute walk to everything

Cheltenham (and wider county) have the grammar school system so many of the decent secondaries are selective. Balcarras (non selective but as well regarded as the grammars) in Charlton Kings is excellent. Chipping Campden, near the Worcs border is also excellent but very rural.

Good friend of mine moved to Cheltenham recently and couldn't get the kids into the same school.

I live near Worcester and if I had no connection to the area I'd prefer Cheltenham I think.

Pershore- no! Malvern or Ledbury yes 👍

Yes this is my other worry, how oversubscribed the schools are!

We moved to Cheltenham a year ago and absolutely love it!

@mamaoffourdc

We moved to Cheltenham a year ago and absolutely love it!

Do you mind me asking Which area?

Cheltenham has Balcarras and the new High School Leckhampton, which are both sought after secondary schools. Living in Charlton Kings or Leckhampton would get you into those and is possible on that budget. You'd need to live very close to the schools to be sure of a place.
Primary school in those areas are all excellent though may well be over subscribed, so you might want to check with them individually for the year groups you need.
Lots to do in Cheltenham and easy to get around for a teenager.