Chelmsford vs Hertfordshire (Potters Bar)

[JumpinJellyfish]

Currently live in east London and thinking of moving for access to better schools for our kids (currently year 3 and year 1).

DH works near Liverpool Street/moorgate and I work between Paddington/South Ken, so both of these areas would work transport-wise. We love London but also want a bit more space. Pros and cons of these areas or other suggestions welcome!

Budget up to £1.4m for a 4-5 bed but would be nice to spend less.

@JumpinJellyfish although not the most exciting place to live, but have you considered Ashmole School in Southgate as an alternative to DAO? Ashmole Academy - Home

Thanks @Soma - I have seen that one and know it has music places, so could be a good strategy to move near there and try for DAO anyway. I think I have the very unrealistic goal though of wanting to live near a selective school, which is difficult as obviously there are no guarantees the kids would get in. Wish I had thought of this before we bought our house but it was before we had dc1 and I did not have the foresight!

@Netaporter those all look great and would be a significant upgrade from our current house. We’re not ready to move yet but the area is a definite contender. I’m not at all keen on the “towie” vibe which I think is Brentwood; I’m from outside the U.K. and we are left-wing - I see there’s a Tory MP - do you think we would fit in there?

Mini thought - would recommend also comparing the costs of the commute. As with everywhere, there's a chunk that is added on every time things go up, usually January. With Chelmsford you have got the mainline train plus London Transport, PB I think it would usually only be one.

For thoughts on schools, I knew of a few teens that accepted Southend grammar places when Chelmsford ones were not offered. I'd consider doing it if flexible-ish work was involved, but feel for them doing that commute twice a day all week (a change at Shenfield or Stratford, so feels quite lengthy). Colchester has some well-regarded selective schools but not sure whether that is incompatible as a catchment even though it's shorter to reach there by public transport. The Chelmsford selective schools have high numbers applying from a large area, probably same as a lot of places.

My DC went to DAO, and the music provision is excellent. We live nearish to PB, but the children still had a commute by train, then a walk from the station. They never minded this, as it was sociable, and plenty of friends were commuting. The only snag is if your DC plays a large instrument, of course. (DD plays cello, and I would pick her up if she was taking it in.)

In your shoes, I think you stand a good chance of getting in, but not a shoe in. I'd look at houses in DAO catchment and in the catchment of other good schools. Maybe ask again on the elevenplusforum for suitable areas to give you a shot at DAO and any other schools good for music.

@JumpinJellyfish a friend who is a professional classical musician really rated the music department at Mill Hill County. You could also look at Alexandra Park / Bounds Green / Muswell Hill borders for both APS and Fortismere schools. Houses on Victoria Road and Harcourt Road (N22) should put you in the catchment for both.

The Towie vibe is a common misnomer for the area (There are no Towie-owned shops anymore). As is the thought that everyone votes Tory or Reform (obviously it has been a Tory seat forever but the council has been controlled by other parties more than once). Yes it is multicultural if that is what you are asking? And plenty of Immigrants from all over Europe. Obviously there is a dickhead contingent, but you get those anywhere.. I think I am right in saying that Brentwood has one of the highest church-going population in the UK - the sheer number of church schools is a testament to that and the Catholic Church in particular would not have been as well attended without the multicultural parishioners. Go and have a look - it’s a short train ride/bus ride away from East London and see what you think.

All the best in your search.

Chelmsford seems overcrowded with buildings and traffic in recent years. I have friends there who have been pleased with schools their dc have done well in yr 11 too. The edges of the town would be preferable for me Great Waltham, Writtle are nice. Billericay, stock may be good options too.