Best areas of Tunbridge Wells for schools, station and green space

[Lookingtomoveperhaps]

We’re considering a move to Tunbridge Wells (moving from Surrey). We would like to be within walking distance of the Pantiles and TW station but also close to green space and good schools. Our DC will be starting reception next year. We’ve heard good things about Claremont primary school so would aim for that if we go state. Can anyone with knowledge of Tunbridge Wells tell me the best areas in which to buy, and the well-regarded state and independent primaries? We’re looking for somewhere that is welcoming where we can fit into a nice community. Are there many relocators from London and Surrey in TW? TIA.

The ideal place that meets all your requirements is the village area - parallel to the High Street, close to Claremont and walking distance from The Pantiles, station, large Sainsbury’s and the town centre.

The downside is that it’s pricey, parking is a nightmare (which doesn’t bother me as I don’t drive) and you’d get more for your money somewhere like St John’s or Langton Green. However you’re further away from all those places I’ve listed above.

Independent primary wise, I’m biased towards The Mead (again walking distance) but my experience is from some years ago. Claremont was always highly regarded and as far as I know continues to be so but again, my knowledge isn’t current.

Yes, I think ‘The Village’ would be a good option. We can get a nice house round there but without parking : ( Broadwater Down could also be an option as it would allow us to have off-street parking and is still walking distance to the centre (just about!). St James has also been suggested but I know little about the area.

I’ve heard of The Meads. Again, if we move to TW it would be one that we’d look at.

How easy is it to integrate into a community in TW when you’re new to the area? What is there to do to help with this? My DC’s current preschool/pre-prep is good at organising events, which helps parents to meet each other. I guess I’m looking for something similar in TW.

I’m still in two minds as to whether or not I want to do the move. It would be a complete change for us.

I don't like TW or Tonbridge or that area in general.

Broadwater Down is a fair way over the other side from the town centre - that would be a long walk! St James as an area is nice and more central.

I grew up and went to school in TW, left for nearly 20 years and returned largely for family ties, the schools and convenient commute to London. I think it’s pretty welcoming but I wasn’t a newcomer - I was always a full time working and single parent so did not have any time to make new friends out of school parents.

@Walig54 each to their own 😁

@Walig54 OK, not sure what I can do with that information 🤔

@Thewalrusandthecarpenter A house I've seen in Broadwater Down is a 15 mins walk to The Pantiles. I'd prefer to be closer but haven't seen anything that suits our requirements that enable it - at least not in our budget.

Hoping that will change in the next few weeks as more houses come onto the market. In the meantime, I think we'll explore the area.

How has the school system been for your DC? Were/are you happy? I admit that I am attracted to the grammar schools.

@Lookingtomoveperhaps Broadwater Down is a lovely, leafy, spacious area - The Pantiles is definitely walkable - I was thinking of the top end of town which would be a stretch.

DD was at The Mead (she’s 28 so it was some time ago) - I’m a huge fan, only chose independent really as I wanted her to be in the same place all day and I worked in London. She and almost all her classmates went on to the grammars and did very well.

@Thewalrusandthecarpenter Is Tunbridge Wells a place where people tend to walk to get to places, or is it car-heavy? I want to be able to find everything on my doorstep, reducing how often I use the car. Is that typical for people who live there?

Besides when studying, I've only ever lived in London and Surrey and so if we did this move it would be a completely new experience. I want to be armed with as much information as possible before making a decision.

Any advice? Has anyone done a similar move and been happy with their decision?

@Lookingtomoveperhaps per my previous posts, I don’t drive and living in the village makes this perfectly feasible. Like you, I’ve lived in London where I didn’t drive and overseas where everything was within walking distance or accessible via public transport. So I can’t speak for everyone (obviously) but the road into TW from Southborough is regularly moaned about, as is parking in TW itself.

The Village is a fabulous spot to live. Close to everything. But pricey and the housing stock tends to have v small gardens.

If you want to get into Claremont, the catchment can be tiny. Really tiny. Many people move into the area and rent first. Look at houses on Claremont Road, Banner Farm Road and the village end of Farmcombe Road to be sure. A house in the village may well not get you into Claremont but look at Arundel Road as a possibility.

Alternatively, St Peter’s school is lovely and right in the Hollyfields area. On the doorstep is Hawkenbury Rec and Dunorlan Park which are both lovely.

We'd like to find a house in the Village but there don't seem to be many on the market at the moment. Is that typical?

While we wait we'll continue to assess whether this could be the move for us. I want to do a few weekends in TW and also look at other areas in Surrey for comparison.

Anything else that anyone can tell me about TW? What's the parent community like at Claremont? If DC doesn't get a place there or at St Peter's is the independent route the best option? The Mead seems to be well-regarded. What about Rose Hill? I get a nice feel from this school from reviewing their website. But, of course, I know that is not enough.

Having grown up in London, I'd like a relatively ethnic diverse school, but I'm guessing this is not a likely expectation.

You will find many other DFLs (Down From London) in TWells. It’s a well trodden path especially you have a toddler or pre schooler. It can take a little getting use to as it’s a big town but can feel like a small town..lots of people tend to know the same people etc.

The Village is lovely. But houses near the High Street will probably not get you into Claremont. And definitely won’t get you into St Peter’s.

Broadwater Down is also lovely but you are very limited for state schools. Perhaps St Marks and Broadwater only.

Look at Claremont Gardens or Poona Road. Both still Village but on the doorstep of Claremont. There are houses for sale on both of those. You really do need to be on the doorstep of Claremont most years as so many places go to siblings. The school office at Claremont are very helpful and knowledgeable about catchments.

Tunbridge Wells is lovely and it’s pretty easy to get to know others once your dc is in one of the schools. The only exception is if both parents are commuting Mon-Fri and are therefore not involved in school drop offs, picks ups etc (assuming that you at a 2 parent household). Lots of kids tend to be involved in a whole range of sporty after school activities which also helps to get to know people but can be tricky with juggling work.

A lack of diversity is an issue in all TWells primary schools. Claremont has a decent mix of parents with European heritage, US, Russia, Eastern Europe, Ukraine, China, HK, Indian heritage etc. But it is predominately white, middle class, professional, uni educated.

Southborough, St John’s and St James’ are perhaps more diverse.

Tunbridge Wells has definitely changed in the past 10/15 years. What was once a staunch Tory party area has now become very Lib Dem. Council and MP. Many pride themselves on being the only part of Kent to have vote to Remain in the EU.

The Mead is a very good option if you go private. It only goes up to the end on Year 6 as its USP is essentially getting kids into the grammars rather than staying on in indies.

Holmewood House is usually the preferred choice for families looking for prep until 13. Rose Hill have had a tricky few years (there are some
posts on here about that if you search).

@Ohcrap082024 That's great information. Do you know if Rose Hill has turned a page? From what you have said it seems that my DC is unlikely to get a place at Claremont if we moved to Broadwater Down. And yet there is a shortage of houses on the market in the Village.

What's the lifestyle like in Tunbridge Wells? Is there lots going on? As we'll be far from our support network (although we have a couple of friends who live in the area) it's important to me that we make connections. Are their social groups/clubs etc to facilitate that?

No further intel on current Rose Hill situation. It may be a little while yet before they have “turned a page”.

Socially, it is definitely possible to find like minded people if you focus on your hobbies and/or interests. Anything to do with fitness will definitely help. Parkrun is very popular. Yoga classes. Lots and lots of gym mums.

Walking groups are also popular. There is a growing vibe around the Arts as demonstrated by the big investment in the Amelia Centre. More and more arts, literary, music festivals. Volunteers always needed at those if that’s your thing.

Or getting involved with volunteering for Nourish, the local foodbank, is also a good way to meet people.

There are also Women in Business Networking groups, church groups, WI, book groups. The local schools PTAs tend to be active and good at holding events which especially helps parents of the Reception starters.

Rose Hill is a lovely school @Lookingtomoveperhaps We also considered Claremont when moving to the area, but the catchment area is really tiny and most places seem to be taken up by siblings etc. It's definitely worth looking round Rose Hill to get a feel for it - it has a great mix of academics and being nurturing. I have two DC at the school and happy to answer any questions you have - we have many people who have moved from London and there's a really lovely parent community.

The village area is a lovely part of town, but I wouldn't think you'd be in catchment for Claremont. You can definitely get about without a car in TW. Broadwater down is a little bit of a walk, but good for the Mead. Some lovely roads are Warwick park, and Madeira Park. A bit further is Camden park which is also lovely. A lot of the roads have access to their own private parks and if you wanted a little bit of a longer walk, but perhaps more property choices, the area around Court road has nice big edwardian properties and it's an easy walk to Rose Hill and I think there's a private residents park which the neighbours all meet in and have picnics etc, so I imagine that's helpful for people new to the area and meeting others etc.