Schools in London

pettelly

We made the move to London in August this year with a 5 year old and 2 year old after 4 years in the US (in a lovely quiet suburban University town). The school situation IS difficult. Try and choose an area with a number of good schools within a reasonable distance so that you have a choice. Since you have a 6 year old starting Year 2 or Year 3, I guess, it's really a question of luck as to whether an over-subscribed school will have a place but in London there's a lot of movement of children so you may be lucky.

As to costs, we're in zone 4 in Essex and we pay £1200/month to rent a relatively large 3 bed terraced house with garden in a fairly decent area (but not great). Hwoever, the schools are pretty good. We're planning on moving next year to North/Northwest London and we're facing school issues as well. I don't know which university you're going to, but my 2 year old goes to a university nursery and travels in with me to central London. Not fun, but doable and it means that we have commuting time together rather than her being at nursery from 8 to 6.

trilbythecat

Wow, thanks everyone for your detailed responses! My estimate of rent is based on the difference between my London salary and current salary, plus current rent. (I have a fairly comprehensive and strict budget, and do get WTC and CTC.) Council tax will be a concern! I will look up the rates when I'm searching, but hopefully I'll be giving up the car as well so that will offset travel costs.

We're probably used to lower living conditions than people are assuming. Our flat here has no garden or parking but plenty of cigarette burns in the carpet and a hole in the wall. A 3-bedroom house and garden sounds like unimaginable luxury.

I will be at UCL on Gower Street, next to Euston Station and I did see that UCL has a nursery (cheers Pettely). Usually university nurseries are pretty good (they are in the States, anyway) so she'll be sorted for a few months. It's just the older one I'm concerned about. Maybe a few months in an 'improving' school will not ruin her long term if I can solve the problem eventually?

It's always a difficult equation to balance...short term discomfort in exchange for long term improvement in a situation... One thing is true, living where I am in Suffolk is not that great and is not likely to improve much if ever!

fuzzipeg

If you're next to Euston, then you could do worse than consider renting out this way (north-west Herts, near Hemel). A two-bed place will go for about £700 ish and the journey time is about 30 mins to Euston. The reduction in rent would more than offset the cost of travel in our experience.

We're in Apsley, near a park and canal and the primary schools are pretty good. Shopping is available in Watford and Hemel and there are various pubs and social groups in the area.

HTH

pettelly

I'd second what fuzzipeg said - we were looking to buy around Oxhey/Bushey in Herts and you're in Euston in less than 20 minutes, rents are far cheaper (although take into consideration extra travelling costs - a travelcard is more than 60 pounds a week) and it's pretty green and pleasant with fairly decent schools.

About the schools, I was told that if you don't have a school place then you get priority on the waiting list so it may be worth holding out for a school you want. I'd also suggest visiting them. ofsted and sats only go so far. 'Improving' schools may get extra resources, change of head etc that can make a real difference and you may be pleasantly surprised.

My daughter goes to the LSE nursery and it's fab! I love it and she's really happy there. Well worth having to take into central London every day. If the UCL nursery is anything like the LSE's then she'll have a great time.

I think London is a question of taste. I love it, warts 'n' all, (although I do sometimes miss my life in the US, walking to uni, living in uni housing, walking to nusery....) but there are those who detest it. If you're not satisfied with Suffolk, you may as well give London a go. It's probably easier to find your niche here as it's so cosmopolitan and multi-cultural.