Relocating from London to Kent, NEED ADVICE!!!

[OweRowe]

Hi everyone
We are a family of 4 (kids are 3 and 5) looking to relocate to Kent, after.14 years of London. I am hereby seeking help in deciding on an area in Kent to call home.
We are Eastern Europeans, however we have got our naturalisation a few years back.
I am working from home but my husband needs to commute to London on a daily basis. Also my daughter adores horses, so living close to stables and equestrian clubs is a must.
Good schools are obviously very important as well.
Additionally, we would like a village or a town where you have a few options in terms of activities and eating out.
Our plan is to rent for a year or so, to get a feel of the area and then eventually sell our flat in London and buy a property in Kent.
We have started driving across Kent, a while ago, and we have come up with a list of our top favourite areas :Sevenoaks, Bat & Ball, Tonbridge and Dunton Green. We are still exploring and welcoming any suggestions as we are finding it difficult to decide. I must mention that I am very worried about how the community will welcome a family of Easter European background.
Any inside on the mentioned areas or any suggestions would be deeply appreciated.

Do you understand the grammar school system for secondary schools in Kent? There are very few state grammar schools in England and a large proportion are in Kent. It has a big reflection on secondary schools which are selective across the county and the cost of rental properties. (People rent in catchment of the grammar schools).
For a list of grammar schools and where they are based see elevenplusexams.co.uk

I came on here to say Grammar school system as well - you just need to make sure you understand how it works and if it's something you want to get involved in.

What part of London does your DH need to get to?

There are lovely bits of Kent - all the places you have mentioned are nice - but it's just such an arse to get to.

Regarding relocating, just get involved, primary school is a really good time and place to meet people.

Hello ladies,
Thanks for your reply.
Well, I thought grammar schools are secondary school, that focus on academic achievements and admits pupils based on their academic ability / 11 plus exam. We were thinking of them as an option, but we thought a state school that has been rated outstanding is as good. Am I wrong? Is there more to grammar schools than that?

In Kent the value of rental properties it impacted by the catchment area of grammar schools. When you view rental properties ask the estate agent to explain. If you are renting in the catchment for a primary school and then plan to move house before secondary school you need to understand the whole picture.

What is your budget?

Yes grammar schools are secondary schools.
DC must take the 11+ exam in Y6 and pass to gain entry. If they do pass, I assume there will be admissions criteria as to whether you get a place or not.
You will need to look at these carefully - don't assume just because you live 'near' a grammar that you will automatically get in. I know people who have 'passed' the 11+ but didn't get a grammar school place due to being out of catchment.

I don't live in Kent but another grammar area. It's highly competitive. If you are going to move to a grammar area you need to know what you are signing up to. Also be prepared that your DC won't pass the 11+, some secondary schools suffer as a lot of the bright DC are sent to grammar.

If your heart is set on Kent, fine go for it, however, if you are looking for a commuter location with great secondary schools without the jeopardy of the 11+, there are probably better options available.

Which station in London? Some of the Kent ones only go into Victoria, some Blackfriars, some Charing Cross etc so depending on where in Kent may need to change trains or get tubes too. All the areas you list are nice, also can be expensive as pp said due to grammar schools.

I personally, would like my daughter to attend a grammar school, however it depends on her as well and is a bit early to tell whether she has any academic inclinations. If grammar schools are not our main objective atm,
what other options would you recommend in terms of areas?

Which station do you need in London?

Elephant and Castle, hence the Thameslink linked areas

Depending on your budget
Harpenden and st Albans have great secondary schools.

The further north you go on the Thameslink line, the more you get for your money.

Cliffe is quite a nice part of the county.

Just be aware that if your children don't get into a grammar school, it does mean that the remaining schools are more limited. It usually helps if you are also one of the Christian denominations. I have heard bad things about Kent's SEN services.

Can't help hugely, but my husband is Polish and we are moving to Keston in the summer 😀So there will be at least one welcoming family in the county!

@StainlessSeal I am very close to Keston. It is LOVELY there. I assume you know the great eateries etc. You’ve just missed Kestfest which was great.

Take a look at Folkestone. We love it here.

I'm honestly so excited, really can't wait - please do tell me about the eateries! Whereabouts are you (if you don't mind saying, of course!)