Please help me decide Post Reply

[Locationorspace]

I have been going around in circles with the decision of where to buy
We currently live between Clapham junction and the northcote road and have sold our house and are looking to move to a bigger house as we have two children under two.
When my children were born I registered them for three schools - Eaton house the manor (girls), Finton house and Thomas’s Clapham and think I will also register them for Newton Prep. (The reason why so many is my children came prematurely before we had a chance to look around the schools)
But we are still undecided about state and a prep school (we have seen properties in the catchment for Belleville - at least according to the distances over the past three years)
The dilemma is that during our search for a house we looked a bit further out to Barnes as we quite liked the area and have found a house in East Sheen that is much bigger than anything in the same budget in the Northcote Road area. But, I don’t know East Sheen and for some reason I don’t really want to live there and I think it’s because I love Battersea/Clapham too much. So the benefit of East Sheen is space and a big garden (as well as the river and Richmond Park) but I don’t think the education options are as good at primary.
I suppose my one concern with staying here is do families of older children remain in the area and where do you send your girls to secondary ? Or do most families stay for prep/primary and then move out for more space?
For those living here for the schools do you feel happy with the space you have or do you feel that you have made a sacrifice? And is the sacrifice worth it?

That’s a very long post
But any insight would be gratefully received

[Janet14]

Hi
I think it really depends what you see yourself wanting long-term? Also what sex are your children? I know we’re all meant to be gender neutral these days but we have two boys and they are literally climbing the walls now due to having no garden to speak of and if I have to tell my 8 year old one more time not to hit a tennis ball inside the kitchen
The primary schools are fabulous around here but I have cousins in Putney and know they’re equally as good around there....and don’t forget you’ll be very close to Richmond too which is lovely....
Re secondary that’s one of the main reasons we’re moving out as well as the lack of space. It really is a bun fight and I wouldn’t want my kids going through that. That being said most people in my experience around here do stay but I think a lot of them are from London so are used to the lack of space (I grew up in the country) and also VERY important Thomas Clapham is planning a secondary school so if you get in there you could be set until 18 (I think it’s 18, could be 16!)
Main thing is try and get a house with a garden!!
Good luck!

[mummymia]

Following with interest- we are relocating from north London due to schools and also deciding between Clapham and Sheen/Putney/Barnes. Thank you and good luck!

[Kjam143]

So I can’t speak to East Sheen specifically but about four years ago we moved out of London (still lurking on Nappy Valley Net though!) and I was nervous leaving the area but it was the best decision ever, more space and a bigger garden is amazing.

[Newmum3]

We made the move from Clapham Junction to E Sheen. The primary schools here are good. Barnes is lovely. Lots of nice pubs and walks. We do still talk fondly about the Northcote area but we have made some lovely friends here. I would be happy to answer any questions.

[NappyPappy]

Yes, I think you need to think about your goals and plans in the long term

[Ramaboo]

I personally find community more important than a bigger house and garden (good storage is important though!)
I've been happier and felt more organised in a smaller flat. I also notice that the older my kids get, the less time we spend at home in the house anyway - we are always out, at activities, at kids parties. The garden has just become one more chore (and one we don't have time to enjoy)

I know that's a personal view, everyone is different. But if you don't want to move away, that's relevant