Good areas & good primary schools south or west of Chester area - help please

apples1

Mr Apples is looking into possibility of new job which would be near Wrexham. Don't know the area & IF he went for it (& got it!) we would have to decide whether to stay put & long commute or move.

Top priorities would be nice area (rural or semi rural) and really decent primary school within 40 minutes drive of Wrexham. Either West of Wrexham (if that's a nice area) or towards Chester (which I liked as a shopping venue when I went there once!) but without being in the town. I was thinking perhaps about areas south of Chester.

Where we live now is very pretty & we have a good primary school just want to know if we can equal this.

If anyone can tell me anything useful about any of the above we'd be very grateful. As I appreciate this may include areas or schools to avoid please feel free to PM me rather than offend anyone on the board who may live there!! As I say we know NOTHING about the area so ANY info appreciated.

adr0ck

below is the link for the welsh version of ofsted for primary schools so you can see the latest inspection reports

http://www.estyn.org.uk/inspection_reports_index/primary_schools.asp

you will want to look at Wrexham and Flintshire

bel2310

You are looking at 2 very different areas. South of Chester, is lovely but VERY expensive. You will get far better value for money west of Wrexham, but some areas not as scenic. I think I am right in saying that all children at schools in Wales have to learn Welsh, which may or may not be of interest. The border area around Oswestry, i.e. N W Shropshire might well be worth a look, far more realistic property values than Cheshire and still some lovely places. It is an easy commute to Wrexham and Shrewsbury, a bit further to Chester but good road links. Good luck in your search.

adr0ck

you have two choices for state schools in wales

welsh as a first language
english as a first language

very few of the schools in the areas you are looking in will be welsh as a first language

in english speaking schools (as first language) welsh will be taught as you would have been taught french/german etc

Gambler

Where are you thinking of moving from?

apples1

Thanks for replies. Sorry for the long delay. Been without access to PC for a few days....

We would be moving from Herefordshire.

As well as info requested in my original post could I would also like to find out about Nantwich area. Tips for good locations in this area, house price info, good/not so good schools etc

Any help really appreciated.

apples1

bumpty bump!

becks.989

i live about 2 miles out of the oswestry area which is approximatley 30/40 mins drive from chester (depending on peak times, but this road is very good to travel on) i live in a village called gobowen and the house prices are very good compared to nearer chester and even wrexham. You are right on the welsh border (english side) the schools both primary and secondary are very good with plenty to choose from in the area without competing for places. although some are found to better than others. there is also great support neworks through sure start for under 5 more into oswestry. have a look at these web pages for estate agents in these areas.

http://www.malcolmandevans.co.uk
http://www.morrismarshall.co.uk
http://www.jjdell.co.uk
http://www.katewoodhead.co.uk

http://www.bowensonandwatson.co.uk
http://www.hallsestateagents.co.uk
http://www.normanlloyd.com
http://www.townandcountryoswestry.com
http://www.your-move.co.uk

hope this helps