Moving to Manchester - and I have no idea where to go. HELP ME PLEEEEAAAASE

[Ohforfoxsake]

So, we are going to Manchester, DP has a job in Salford.

So far I have investigated Altrincham but the LEA have told us that its highly unlikely the children would get into the same school. Its really important to me that they do as they are upping sticks and leaving all their friends behind. I don't mind home educating until places come up, but not as a long term solution.

Or, we could move further out and move out from the city (currently in London so that appeals). If DP can do a maximum one hours commute, its possible.

We have 4 DCs so want to base our search around good schools - they are in primary at the moment, but will soon be in Secondary and we don't really want to move twice, so we'd like to get it right first time round.

I am stumped and have no idea where to look. Any suggestions, words of wisdom or pointers would be greatly appreciated!

Thank you

Oh I know of people who've had kids go to them schools - excellent reports from the parents I know.

cheadle hulme and bramhall are nice areas. Some really good schools. Cheadle hulme school,stockport grammar school,bruntwood primary,bramhall high school, Hulme hall,Ladybarn primary school,Greenbank Prep school.

oooh I didn't know that! Is he called Mr Orange then?

Cheadle Hulme / Cheadle/ Bramhall are all nice. Lots of green space / access to countryside and a number of really brilliant state schools. It will be hit and miss on house prices can be expensive but plenty of people round this way work Salford area.

I live in Sale and am not a northerner by birth.

The town centre is a bit grotty but I think it's because Manchester and the Trafford Centre are so close. The town is way more middle class than you'd expect from looking at the town centre. I find the school gates really friendly and have met some good people.

Given that there are still some good restaurants there.

Also poundland etc do come in useful for school costumes etc, there's a good children's shoe shop, great butchers down in Sale Moor.

I know Springfield has a great reputation - don't know much about St Annes.
Ashton-Upon-Mersey is very very popular. If you want to get in make sure you live well within catchment.

That's good to know Diamondhead. Would it be OK to live close to the centre - one street away?

Rally intrigued as to where this street is - I know Sale very well!

I would go for the one nearer to Ashton on Mersey school unless your kids are very bright and likely to pass for grammar.

Which, Cornsilk, they are - of course

Sorry, I just don't want to give too much away on here for anonymitys sake. Though I'm happy for strangers on the internet to email me on the address below and spill the beans

that's not how you spell anonymity is it?

I think being right in the town centre is great, so long as you're not right next to the pubs. Be great when your dc's are teens with the tram so close.

But I would second the close to Ashton thing. The grammer's are so increasingly competitive. Even with bright kids, it's would be good to have the piece of mind that it didn't matter. People I know love Ashton, to the point where they've decided not to bother with entrance exams.

Well, two offers put in, one rejected, one 'acceptable' but not accepted.

I'm going to stop looking and concentrate on selling and my wedding. Which is 10 weeks away. Gulp.

Hello, I'm resurrecting this thread because we are hoping to move at the end of May.

The house we wanted seems to be going through.....

where...you have to tell....

Yes, Sale.

I saw the house twice.
I've been round the schools.
I've walked around the town centre once.

Massive leap of faith.

Not that I want to make you all feel responsible....

I went up for the day to see some schools.

Got to Picadilly. Got on the tram. Got to Sale. How bloody easy was that?!!

I'm not letting myself get too excited, but I am looking forward to it.

And I owe you all a pint

Very exciting
Yes I'll have a pint of gin please.

oh wow - fab news - all coming together for you!

Good luck - we're nice in the north west, you know!

... of course if its shit you'll all know about it .....

and I'll be crying into my pint

but thank you for your warm congratulations. I am getting more excited. I'm thinking perhaps we'll be one of those rare phenomonomes [ouch! Spelling difficulty there] of a house transaction which might go smoothly and within a decent timescale.

I can dream can't I?!