Buying a Home in a Good School Catchment: What Parents Need to Know

A state education may be free, but snapping up a home near a top-performing government school comes at a premium.

Homes in proximity to top state schools have long been highly prized by parents wanting to give their children the best start in life.

But with the cost of private education rising – partly due to the introduction of VAT on fees – demand for state places is stronger than ever.

New figures reported by the Guardian last month show that buyers can expect to pay, on average, £40,000 more for a house near a top state secondary school.

This is equivalent to a premium of about 11% on the cost of a home.

While this may sound a lot, given that private school fees average £23,000 a year, many parents still think it’s good value.

If you’re looking to move and school catchment is a key consideration, here are a few issues to take into account.

Leave yourself enough time

Moving always takes longer than you expect, while the deadline for school applications usually comes around earlier than you anticipate.

For this reason, give yourself plenty of leeway so you can find the right home, complete the sale and settle in well before the application window closes.

Schools require evidence of residence, such as Council Tax statements and utility bills. Being in the process of purchasing a property won’t suffice.

Understand what’s required

Carefully research the admissions policy of any school you’re considering for your child. The rules can change over time, so never assume that because someone you know has a child who did or didn’t get into a particular school, the situation will be the same for your offspring.

Some top selective schools admit students purely based on entrance exam results.

For other schools, living nearby is an influential factor. This is usually measured as the crow flies (the straight-line distance between your home and the school).

Some educational institutions also look favourably on students with musical, dramatic or sporting prowess.

Faith-based schools may expect you to demonstrate that your child actively worships in the area.

If you have more than one child, it’s also worth noting a school’s sibling policy.

Pastoral care and well-being

Happy children are better learners* so don’t just look at league tables to find the right fit.

Also, consider the extra-curricular activities on offer, such as school trips, clubs, orchestras and sporting and volunteering opportunities.

Open evenings can be a great way to learn more about a school’s ethos. It can also be helpful to attend summer fairs and school productions if these events are open to the public.

If you’re looking for a property where your young family can thrive, call us today. We can help you find your forever home.

*The British Psychological Society