Need advice pls - planning to move to Buckinghamshire/Berkshire with good state schools and nice neighbourhood

[Spiderlo]

Hi I'm new to mumsnet, glad i found this net to get to learn more about being a parent.

I'm planning to move back to England early next year (2013) with my 9 year old boy as my husband passed away last year. Having been a working mum all my life, i'm planning to move back to England and be a full time mum and spend more time with my boy before he turns teenage and feel embarrassed to be with mum. I'm looking to move to somewhere in buckinghamshire/ berkshire with good state schools and nice neighbourhood.

I used to live in West London so i like Marlow and nearby towns. As i won't be working for some time so commuting is not an issue for me. However, i cant get my boy into a school until i have an address. I would like to rent a place when i know which school/town we are moving to.

I'm planning to move back after Easter so DS is likely to join 3rd term of Year 5 in a primary. I like the RGS for secondary but any options if can't get into a grammar school.

Can you all wonderful mums give me some advice, I believe i'm looking for somewhere with good primary/secondary schools and a nice and safe neighbourhood.

Thank you all.

The criteria for which school you go to is changing in Bucks over the next few years. I moved from Bedfordshire in March this year - we missed first round allocations and were lucky enough to get second round allocation at Borlase (the GS in Marlow). I had to rent in the middle of Marlow town in order to ensure we were close enough.

All the schools (at the moment) are based on your location. Some are also based on how long you have lived in the area.

The GS all seem pretty much the same but if you are going down that route, I would suggest you join elevenplusforum (google it for the correct address) as they are much better able to advise on how to approach it. The eleven plus exams for your son (assuming he is in year 5 or the equivalent at the moment) will be held in October 2013 for September 2014 entry.

Hope this helps - honestly would suggest you go to elevenplusforum for some proper advice though!

I was going to say that. It's www.elevenplusexams.co.uk .

Thank you very much all, i did go into the elevenplus web and know about the timing and that's the reason why i am trying to come back by Easter as i'm currently still working. By Easter my son will start in a local primary for a few months before starting Year 6 and try the 11+. I do not want to miss it even thought I dont have great hope for my boy to get in a GS that's why i'm keen to find out any other state schools which are equally good for "growing up with". I believe my boy will be influenced by his peers and teachers at school more than by me. My boy lost his father already and that's why i'm concern where to move to with good schools and neighbourhood.

Appreciate if i can get some more info on schools and towns in Bucks.

Thank you.

If you would like to hop over to Hertfordshire, Harpenden is very civilised.

Thank you Moominmammacat, What are the options? I heard of St Albans and Harpenden but never been. I do want to know if their comprehensive secondary schools are as nice. Moving into a town i've never been is a bit challenging. I used to work and lived in different countries but it didn't bother me as i'm quite easy going person but now i'm a mum with a little boy. I do have to be sure it's a safe and family environment for my child's upbrining and a place we feel home.

I think St Albans is difficult in that you need to live very near the decent schools to get in. Traffic in the city is a nightmare. But I think (and stand to be corrected) that pretty much anywhere in Harpenden is fine. Certainly a lovely town, you can walk to most places, very open, well-kept centre, super Waitrose, good trains. Of St George's (CofE) I have heard good things but I leave it to others with children there to speak ...

Thank you. Just looking at property site on harpenden - thinking of renting first. As with London. There are many council flats near or next to nice streets. Can you name some area to avoid. I usually think near the station is a bit rough but not sure other towns outside London. Saw they hv good train links to London in 25 mins. Pretty cool. As I won't be working so popping to see friends for half a day when my boy is at school seems possible.

Thank you moominmammacat.

Interested to know what you decided Spiderloo as we have two girls 7&9 and relocating from abroad to Harpenden. Thanks!