Best villages near Bury St Edmunds for schools and family amenities?

[RealBlueFinch]

hello mums, silent reader first time poster :)

Me and my family are looking to move out of London and have our heart set on or around Bury St Edmund’s. Just wondered if anyone can tell me what towns/villages around there have good primary and secondary schools, are welcoming and have a few essential shops/ play parks etc.

we were looking at Ixworth and maybe Thurston? No commuting needed as DH works from home and we have a budget of around £450k, ideally would like a large 3 bed with separate office or a 4 bed.

Any help/advice would be greatly appreciated.

I grew up in Long melford. Bury is lovely. You can't go far wrong and the schools are fab. Culford is the best private by far if considering private. Welcome to Suffolk

The police had to be called to Thurston Primary last week as two dads started a fight in the playground!

Where do you need to access for work? BSE is lovely but it can take a while to get to other places

Police called to fight outside Thurston Primary School | East Anglian Daily Times https://www.eadt.co.uk/news/25956781.police-called-fight-outside-thurston-primary-school/

Thank you for your replies. A fight between dads is minor so that doesn’t worry me too much. On the other hand there has been quite a serious incident that I’ve just read about on the Moreton estate in BSE that has me more worried.
luckily my partner works from home so no commute needed and we both drive so can taxi the kids around.
anyone know what transport is like for when the kids gets older and want a Saturday job in places like Ixworth?

I was being slightly tongue-in-cheek about the dads fight. It just amused me as everyone on MN seems to consider village schools as lovely, friendly places for children. My DC went to a lovely village primary where the caretakers wife thumped another mum in the playground because he was shagging her!

I don't know Thurston very well but lots of the villages near BSE are lovely. We have friends in Cavendish and others in Long Melford, both of which are great.

I have recently moved to Ixworth with two young children and we have looked round the pre-school and reception class - both seem lovely! But I would also like some local knowledge on schools so interested to see what others say!

In terms of transport - I haven’t used it yet but there seem to be a well-used bus service through Ixworth.