11 Plus Exams Forum

Does anyone live in the Chipstead area and have children at any of the Sutton Grammars? I'm just trying to find out how easy it would be to live there and get into school; if there are buses that run from Chipstead to anywhere near the schools.

We're planning to move closer in if successful in the exams, but looking for an area that isn't too built up and this seems to be the nearest one.

Certainly makes no difference for boys as no catchment areas-not sure about girls catchments, certainly would have been out of area for girls a few years ago-you will need to check the specifics on the main bit of the website.
There are buses, although not many and boys do travel from there

Thanks Surreymum. We've reached a family stalemate. I LOVE the Sutton schools, and would be happy to move into outer London, at least for the 8 years of their schooling, if they got places at one of them. DH was very relieved when we moved from central London to a small and leafy village and has no intention of being wheedled back into the suburbs. He came house hunting in Sutton with me with an air of mulish grievance. I can't persuade him it's lovely. After hours of driving around the area he has agreed that Chipstead is villagey enough but only if there's a bus door to door.

Have you looked at Cheam or South Cheam? Very 'villagey' in both cases. Of course you do not want to live in Sutton itself!

Thank you for making the assumption that your child will travel by bus, if you do decide to stay put. Those of us who live close to the Sutton grammars could do with more parents like you.

Hi Huntlie - thanks for your reply. No I haven't looked at Cheam much. Will definitely try there. I remember other people saying it's nice too. I found a patch of Wallington that I liked but my husband was very unenthusiastic.