Tunbridge Wells or Chelmsford

[RahulNamb]

We currently live in Tunbridge Wells and one of my close friends who lives in Chelmsford is asking me to move to Chelmsford. I'm very confused about what to do in terms of living in TW vs moving to Chelmsford. My DD will be going to secondary school this September my son is still going to nursery so I'm not worried about him at the moment.

My priorities are:

1. Secondary schools
2. Commute to London
3. Buying a house
4. Education after GCSEs

Any suggestions, please?

Why on earth would you move house just because your friend is asking you to?

Have you got a secondary school place and are you pleased with the choice? Theres some good schools in TWs?

Ate you happy living in TW? It’s a nice place to live. Where do other friends live? And your kids friends?

Why goes your friend want you to live to Chelmsford? Do you want to move there?

What would you do for work? Or it s that the commute to London?

You say you’re confused. Why is that? Do you normally do what this friend says? What happens if you don’t decide to move?

Good question, here are my friend's selling points:

1. New build properties are an option in Chelmsford, I've not bought a house in TW but the property prices are too high here. I went to an area called Beaulieu where he's shown me lots of new builds

I'm not sure about school and education after GCSE

I would absolutely not switch Tunbridge Wells for Chelmsford.

I live in Chelmsford and also teach in primary. Despite having a range of good secondary schools, it seems to be a ‘bulge’ year and many of our pupils have not been allocated their chosen schools. So places are in short supply.
This aside, it is a great city to live in. Lots going on but a smaller feel, lots of community and family events. Totally different vibe in the centre to TW though. Can’t comment on affordability compared to TW. New train station about to open at Beaulieu will assist commuters soon.

The new builds in beaulieu are not cheap, the new station there (opens next year) has probably pushed the price up.

The beaulieu school only opened a couple of years ago so not sure if they have had any gcse or a level results yet. It looks like it has very good facilities. There are quite a few good secondary schools in the area though plus grammars but if your dc is starting year 7 this year you'll have missed the 11+

Thanks @Springwatch123

Yes my DD got a place in Bennetts Memorial, many told me it's an excellent school. I'm pleased living in TW, yes I have friends but not close friends.

He thinks it will be a good choice for children to grow up in Chelmsfords as there are good schools, currently, my work is at WFH but that might change.

I see good school options like The Beaulieu Park School which might be similar to Bennetts Memorial, but at the same time, I don't know which school will be the best for her. I generally don't do what my friend says but I've considered it and thinking about it.

I'll still be happy if I don't move from here, I got all my clubs (sports, friends) here and can spend time

I think you are bonkers to even consider it.

I see good school options like The Beaulieu Park School which might be similar to Bennetts Memorial, but at the same time, I don't know which school will be the best for her. I generally don't do what my friend says but I've considered it and thinking about it.

Seriously, it's highly unlikely that you will have the luxury of choice.

You will be making a late application in an area where every secondary school - bar one - will have a waiting list. Even once you can provide proof of address to Essex CC, whichever schools you apply for, the one you will get is that one. Your friends will tell you that you can't possibly allow your DD to go to that one. This will leave you the options of appealing for a place at all the schools that turned your application down (and by this time, appeals may not be heard before September), and, whilst doing so, either sending her there anyway, or organising home education. Not much of a life, IMHO, swapping moving on to a nice school with local friends for sitting at home all day with a pile of workbooks.

Although if you can afford independent school fees, you could always try New Hall.

Definitely TW ,all the secondary schools are excellent. Bennett Memorial have amazing results.TW is safe for teenagers. I genuinely never worried about my children out and about .All the kids just mix in together regardless of which school they attended. My three went to Grammar but their friends are from all the schools. It is a lovely community.

Bennett’s memorial has a really good reputation. It’s a school people rate highly so on this reason alone, stick to TW. @MarchingFrogs makes good points regarding transferring schools at this time and the risk that entails.

There will be people reading this hoping you do move, because that will then free up a space on the waiting list!

Thanks all for the suggestions and information provided. I've decided to stay back in TW 🙂

With regard to your DD's education, a very sensible plan.

Good decesion..

Definitely the right decision OP!