Moving north London or east London. Where would you pick for schools?

[Bingisannoying]

We need to move from our place as it’s too small. We live very centrally at the moment with primary aged children, and are looking at neighbourhoods in zone 2/3 north London or east London (or even leaving all together, out of commuter belt, to a whole new place - but that’s maybe a pipe dream!).

We like family centric places. If you were considering a move somewhere in North or East London, which secondaries would be on your wish list? (Not girls schools though.) We’d consider non-selective private schools, but that would be harder money-wise!

What's your housing budget?

I’d move further out than zones 2-3 for family centric areas. Depending on budget

That said ideal areas would range from Highgate / Finchley to Totteridge/ Barnet WinchMore/Grange park.

As I’m not in those areas I’m not sure of the good schools in those areas to be fair (though I quite liked Highlands when we were looking in the grange park area). But have a drive around (travel on tube) and see what feels comfortable then I’m sure there’s boards with those areas on MN. I’d choose area first then schools but I know many people do it the other way round.

Our budget is good, the area counts more than the grandness of the house - but we are moving for a bigger space! £1.2 max.

I am used to being central, so still feeling like London rather than the suburbs would be ideal… but family friendly (easy to make family friends) and good secondary options are important.

We keep getting told to move to Wanstead. What do people think of it there? I liked it: but the road cutting through felt quite busy and I preferred the bit near the flats more. (Probably contradictory to what I just said above about feeling like London!)

I’m also drawn to parts of north London like Dartmouth Park, but maybe a bit unaffordable? And not sure about school options there either!

For that money Alexandra Park/Muswell Hill or Finchley or Winchmore Hill. Wanstead or Woodford are nice too, but if you hanker after Dartmouth Park you'll prefer the feeling of North London.

I have friends up in Wanstead and they like it very much, no plans to move as their boys approach secondary school and they’re v particular, so they must be happy with schools. It has a great high street.

I would move further out to Hertfordshire. St Albans, Bishops STortford. Fantasic schools and cheaper property costs than London

St Albans but you’ll likely have to move close to Beaumont School to get in.
South Woodford for Wanstead School. New head well received apparently.

Hertfordshire isn’t somewhere I want to live. I’ve visited a lot and it’s nice, but just not the atmosphere or life I’m after! Appreciate that schools are good. But aren’t they also good in London?

We're in Wanstead, DS just finishing 6th form at a private school in South Woodford.
We're very happy in Wanstead - have been here for 20 years, lovely high street (mostly independent shops and restaurants, excellent public transport and road links but also lots of green space - Epping Forest and rivers).
There are a few good private/grammar schools locally always with high demand.
There are a few properties that would use up your budget... but you could still get a lovely house for less than that.
We have the Farmers Market on the first Sunday of each month on the high street (this Sunday 06/11) - come and have a look and treat yourself to an overpriced sausage roll from Ginger Pig!

@Bingisannoying you might get something on one of the busier roads in Crouch End or Muswell Hill for that budget. The roads nearer Alexandra Park School are cheaper and the school is popular, but apart from Bounds Green Tube and a garden centre, there isn't much else there.
Hornsey, not to be confused with Hornsey Vale.
Stroud Green - I've heard the state primary schools are very good, but the secondaries should be avoided.
East Finchley.
There are lots of state schools between Crouch End, Muswell Hill, East Finchley corridor.
Curve ball suggestion - you could get a bigger house for your budget on Harringay Ladder and spend the difference on an independent school.

The local options are:
Highgate (hardest to get into partly because it is co-ed)
Channing (girls only so rules that out)
North Bridge House, Hampstead (the Canonbury branch is too small)
Mount House, Hadley Wood (short train ride from Hornsey, Alexandra Palace, or tube to High Barnet).
I have friends that love Stroud Green / Finsbury Park, but they sent their DC to independent senior schools.

What are the school options like in Hackney? (I’m thinking about secondary mostly, as all primaries seem pretty good right?!)

That budget, ally pally, for APS school. Good transport, ally pally , the park, crouch end. APS rated outstanding and people speak highly of its ethos and friendliness. Lots of shops , park, nice vibe

Ok primary age, same advice to get in Rhodes Avenue

Dame Alice Owen?

Hackney has a good selection of both primary and secondary. London Fields is lovely with Gayhurst primary nearby. Secondary options are Mossbourne, Petchey, the new Shoreditch Academy too. They are all quite strict I've heard but good results and the parents all give great feedback. Stoke Newington would also be worth a look.

I'm in Hackney and have just put in secondary state application. Based on what I've seen from recent visits and and what friends have said the secondary state options here are really good. Mossbourne Academy and Mossbourne Victoria Park do really well, reputation for being strict but this is from a place of ensuring all the children get an excellent education and good results. COLA Shoreditch Park impressive first year results and lovely, brand new building and facilities. Haggerston also has high standards and strong, caring Head. Bridge good for Music... My list could go on - was generally impressed and feel like there's a choice for all depending on what you want for your child. Hackney very family friendly, lots of parks, and olympic park nearby with access to great sports facilities as kids grow.

yes to Hackney, Vicky park is smashing. The range of independent and interesting shops, cafes, the vibe of it. I agree with @Hackn3ymum . Have friends in Hackney they’re very happy raising a family there.

Friends in that area moved to St Albans & Saffron W, they love it.

One stayed east but they chose private.