Orpington or Sevenoaks?

[Tangi88]

Hi all,

We are in the process of finding the right area to relocate because of schools (primary, comp/grammar). We still have plenty of time as kids are young. I have posted a few other posts with regard to various areas and thanks to everyone that responded.

Our shortlist is Orpington or Sevenoaks as both have very good primaries and Grammars.

However, we are puzzled about comp schools in case our DCs don’t pass the grammar tests.

I know Darrick Wood is a good one in Orpington but the chance to get into Newstead/St Olaves is less that getting into Sevenoaks Grammars. On the other hand if we go to Sevenoaks it may be easier to get a space at Grammars there but if not then Knole Academy is worse than Darrick Wood and Trinity is a big question mark as it’s new and there are no A levels results yet.

I also appreciate that Sevenoaks is more expensive but it’s also nicer. Both have good commutes to central London which is fantastic.

We would also have to exclude independents because of budget.

What would you choose out of the two? Please help as I can’t figure out what’s the best area for education and raising kids.

Thank you all!

Can you message me directly? I can answer your questions.

It's difficult to get into the Grammars in Orpington as they're both super selective so then you need to look at the other schools such as Darrick Wood - the catchment is tight for this school. The Langley schools are good. You might also be in catchment for some of the Bexley Grammars depending on what side of Orpington you live.

Sevenoaks is pricier house wise but there is a bigger Grammar school choice. Look on the elevenplusexams forum for experiences of Trinity etc.

Hi All

We are going to view a property on Saturday at Porthallow Close in Orpington and I wonder if you have any views on the area, if it's a safe walk to Orpington station and if we can easily reach the train station by car around 8am on weekdays. Any piece of advice would be more than welcome! Thanks fellow Mumsnetters :)

@GowmGowm
If you can afford the house you want in Sevenoaks, I would recommend Sevenoaks over Orpington.
That gives you the advantage of being in Kent catchment for secondary grammar schools.
The Bromley grammar schools at the moment have a much wider catchment so you could apply to them from Sevenoaks too.
However you have to make sure you are in the right catchment for primary in Sevenoaks as several are oversubscribed.
At this stage I would focus on primary and be based close to the primary school unless you are buying your forever house!

Regarding Orpington, it has good schools and good train connections to London.
Sevenoaks town is however nicer and it too has very good and also faster train connections to London. House prices in Sevenoaks are a lot more higher compared to Orpington.

Regarding the area you are looking in Orpington, it is safe and has several families with primary school kids. Traffic will be busy at 8 am to drive to the station.
However it is a 20 minute walk and there are also buses which often get stuck in traffic too.
Warren Road Primary and Green Street Green primary will be both be in your catchment.
They are both very good and oversubscribed schools.
The turnover of properties on the road you are mentioning is high.
Several families come for the primary schools and then leave when it is time for secondary,
do PM me if you need anything more.

[quote Scoobydoobydoo]@GowmGowm
If you can afford the house you want in Sevenoaks, I would recommend Sevenoaks over Orpington.
That gives you the advantage of being in Kent catchment for secondary grammar schools.
The Bromley grammar schools at the moment have a much wider catchment so you could apply to them from Sevenoaks too.
However you have to make sure you are in the right catchment for primary in Sevenoaks as several are oversubscribed.
At this stage I would focus on primary and be based close to the primary school unless you are buying your forever house!

Regarding Orpington, it has good schools and good train connections to London.
Sevenoaks town is however nicer and it too has very good and also faster train connections to London. House prices in Sevenoaks are a lot more higher compared to Orpington.

Regarding the area you are looking in Orpington, it is safe and has several families with primary school kids. Traffic will be busy at 8 am to drive to the station.
However it is a 20 minute walk and there are also buses which often get stuck in traffic too.
Warren Road Primary and Green Street Green primary will be both be in your catchment.
They are both very good and oversubscribed schools.
The turnover of properties on the road you are mentioning is high.
Several families come for the primary schools and then leave when it is time for secondary,
do PM me if you need anything more.[/quote]
Thanks a mil!