South West London

[mothergeese]

We are starting to plan a move to South West London (currently in Scotland) to be nearer to family and friends and, ultimately, better career options for us both. We’ve both lived in London but East. We are really hoping to find somewhere that fits our budget and criteria in South West as it is so much better for grandparent help.

Budget is 900 max.

The biggest consideration is state schools - we have zero knowledge of any London schools and desperately don’t want to get it wrong! Another big consideration is a place where we can build a nice community.

Property wise 4 beds would be brilliant but 3 is ok. We are happy with a decent flat (very used to tenements) but with some outdoor space.

Finally, we’d ideally like to avoid significant plane noise!

Can anyone who knows the area advise? We’d be grateful for any pointers, the more specific the better.

@Mlanket what's with the Catholic school thing? There are two at secondary, one girls one boys, but other options.
Raynes Park has the following, all rated Good or Outstanding
Primaries:
Hollymount (co ed state)
Wimbledon Chase (co-ed state)
Dundonald Primary (co-ed state)
Secondaries:
Raynes Park High School (co-ed state)
Wimbledon college (Catholic, boys state)
Harris Academy (co-ed state)
Ursuline (Catholic girls state)

This is not exhaustive. There are also a plethora of independent schools in the area.
I used to live in Raynes Park. It's a lovely family area with shops, restaurants, good train to Waterloo, and a Waitrose!

Wow thanks so much all, really helpful.

@Davros that is good to know - DC are only young but keen to avoid a grammar area if possible.

@OttersAreMySpiritAnimal also very useful to know!

@FrequentlyAskedQuestion grandparents are Surrey, Hampshire and Dorset if that helps.

We are not Catholic.

Thanks all again, we will start doing some proper research! Friends in real life have mentioned Raynes Park and Tooting also but they don't have children so useful to hear those come up again.

@mondaytosunday what Catholic school thing? The fact that many of the better London secondaries are Catholic or the fact being Catholic gives you a bit more leeway in terms of not having to live on the same street as the school you want to go to? The best secondaries in New Malden are Catholic if you exclude grammars.

I wouldn’t consider Raynes Park high to be a great school with such a low progress score & only 40% getting grade 5 or above in English or maths vs local authority average of 55% but everyone looks at different things I guess. And I wasn’t aware that living in RP was a guarantee for Harris as it’s distance based. Apart from Harris the better secondaries are single sex & two of them are Catholic as you say….
Of course there are loads of private options wherever you live in London.

@mothergeese if you are looking at Tooting & want Graveney you will need to live within 600 metres of it or you could try for a selective place by sitting the Wandsworth test.

these would be the typical houses for your budget - the 2nd one needs work

https://www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/152982944#/?channel=RESBUY

https://www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/153380360#/?channel=RES_BUY

My advice, find the school then look for the house!

this & you don’t really need to worry about primaries, there are loads of good options.