Family home in Walton / Hersham area

[DecemberTherapy]

I haven't actually visited yet but want to start narrowing down my very long list. Wondering if anyone can advise on these areas for a family with 2 nearly tween DC. Particular interest in the new secondary school in Walton.

I like the idea of river and convenience of Heart shopping area + Xcel leisure centre. I haven't come across other places like that, so suggestions welcome too. What's the train to London like, I guess best from walton or Hersham (both around 30 min to Waterloo) ? How's the local community? Schools? Not so nice areas to avoid? Thanks!

Just a word of warning but there is a crazy amount of people looking to buy in that area. Prices for a 4 bed semi-detached or detached are very high and anything nice can go for 10-15% above asking.

We tried to buy there for ages and then gave up, it was just too much stress! Hardly anything comes on the market. Also not even finding what we want for £1.2m which is frankly bonkers. We ended up looking in West Byfleet which is a lot better value for money.

Wow that is crazy. Maybe we shouldn't move, sadly seems to ve the story everywhere decent...

What are the secondary school options in West Byfleet?