I live in London but may consider moving to the Herts/Essex commuter belt. Am open to private or state schools for DS, who may stand a chance at a selective. When and how do I start planning?

[Cleanandclothed]

Very early as DS is just starting primary but want plenty of time to consider my options. We live in fairly central SE London. The state schools don't seem to be great and it seems to be a real lottery which one you get into anyway. There is a reasonable choice of independents (City of London, St Pauls, Dulwich College) but I obviously don't know yet if he has a chance of getting in to them. I like London but we probably need to move out of our current house at some point, so could look further afield. I just don't know where to start!

It's probably better to move to an area where the state schools are good across the board. As opposed to moving for a particular selective or tight catchment area school which you may or may not get into.

Sutton Borough has very good selective and non-selective schools. Third best performing area in the Country for 5 A - C GCSEs