Neighbourhoods in Finchley and the surrounding area

[blueeyedpanda77]

I am looking at moving from near Kentish town to somewhere in the 'Finchleys' - I need to move slightly further out as I am getting divorced. I have looked at properties towards Woodside Park and West Finchley station. Wanted to get a sense for the areas and how culterally diverse they are? Another question is what are the best secondary schools that children in these areas go to that are not Jewish schools (we are not Jewish)? Any thoughts and experiences would be most welcome!!

I live in one of those areas. It is pretty diverse and very accepting of different cultures. My neighbours are white, black, brown and from various countries and continents. There is a large Japanese population in the area, mostly working in finance and bringing their families over for a few years. There are Jewish families but it’s not a ‘Jewish area’ in the way that Hendon or Golders Green are. Barnet has great secondary schools, just be aware that this area can be a bit of a black hole for catchment. If you post more about your DC I might be able to suggest some.

Thank you so much - DC is a boy, would be going into year 7 or 8 depending on where we move to. Being honest I am not sure that he would get into an academically selective school.

I was worried that it might be a bit of a black hole. I looked at the Wren Academy but worried we are too far away - we are Christian but don't know whether that actually makes any difference. Any advice / suggestions would be fabulous, thank you!

It’s a black hole for ‘easy’ admissions but obviously everyone ends up with a school and most have pretty easy journeys. Transport links are good. DC around here go to Wren, Compton, Christ College, The Ark, Totteridge Academy, Mill Hill County. Some to Hendon or SMSJ. Girls also QE Girls or Copthall. Catholic boys to Finchley Catholic.

There is also Friern Barnet but that’s probably the only school I would avoid in the area.