Whether you’re looking at private or state, when securing a place at a school which gets good results, money comes into play. Private schools cost money, everyone knows that, but are you aware that in many locations, property close to the best state schools will cost you considerably more?
Government research suggests that house prices close to the top 10% best-performing primary schools were 8% higher than elsewhere. So even if you don’t pay school fees for a place at a good state school, you may end up shelling out a similar sum in order to live nearby.
However, before you even begin to look around there are some obvious decisions which need to be made, For example, are you looking for a high-performing, academically selective school? A same sex school? Mixed sex school? Boarding? Do you pick the house first… or the school?
We have collaborated with the UK’s number one schools’ guide. They help parents in every aspect of choosing the best education for their children and currently feature 1,300 reviews of UK schools, make sure you check them out before researching schools near you.
They have helped us answer the four most important questions when beginning a school search:
1) What do you consider to be a ‘good school’ and what is the best fit for your child? If your child’s talents lie in art or sport, choosing an academic school that covers all bases may be counterproductive. Take a long hard look at your child and try to see what kind of school might help your child reach their potential depending on his/her talents.
2) What special interests does your child have and what is important to your family? Are you a musical family? Does religion play an important role in your family’s daily life? These are just a handful of the many questions you should ask yourself before setting off on your school search.
3) Make sure you do your homework. There is a wealth of data available online for all state schools and many independent schools. The pandemic threw a spanner in the works with regards to formal assessments like SATs, GCSEs and A levels but comparing school performance is still a good way to get an idea of which schools have solid academic track records. Inspection reports from Ofsted or ISI will help give you a deeper understanding of a school’s strengths and weaknesses.
4) Visit the schools which interest you. If you’re applying to local state schools you may only have one or two options, whereas families interested in private schools may have a list of ten or more. All schools have open days which provide a chance to look around and meet the teachers.
Here are some of our the Good Schools Guide recommendations and our selection of properties nearby:
The good schools guide recommend:
Firstly, The Camden School for Girls is a state school for girls aged from 11 to 18 located off busy Camden Road. The Good Schools Guide says The Camden School for Girls pulls off the difficult job of being a hugely popular, high achieving, and all ability comprehensive. Secondly, they recommend North Bridge House Senior Canonbury is an independent school for all 11 to 18 year olds tucked away in a genteel corner of London. This is where super-selective independents reign, a welcome alternative with a gentler pace. The focus is on personal challenge with tailored teaching in a nurturing and attractive setting.
Properties for Sale in Camden
The good schools guide recommend:
Firstly, The Camden School for Girls is a state school for girls aged from 11 to 18 located off busy Camden Road. The Good Schools Guide says The Camden School for Girls pulls off the difficult job of being a hugely popular, high achieving, and all ability comprehensive. Secondly, they recommend North Bridge House Senior Canonbury is an independent school for all 11 to 18 year olds tucked away in a genteel corner of London. This is where super-selective independents reign, a welcome alternative with a gentler pace. The focus is on personal challenge with tailored teaching in a nurturing and attractive setting.
Properties for Sale in Oxford
The good schools guide recommend:
St Catherine’s Preparatory School is a mainstream independent school for girls aged from 4 to 11, with a linked senior school, in Guildford. The Good Schools Guide says ‘Parents are universally grateful their girls are here. The school is popular with families fleeing London, with one parent commenting that you join a nice, welcoming community.’ Royal Grammar School (RGS) Guildford is another independent school but for boys aged from 11 to 18. The Good Schools Guide says ‘One of Surrey’s most highly regarded and sought-after schools. Cutting edge and working hard to keep its top spot as the best school for boys in the area. It’s an environment where boys spark off each other and learn at a fast pace, so it’s not for a worrier or a ‘scraper-in’.
Properties for Sale in Surrey
The good schools guide recommend:
Knightsbridge School, an independent school for boys and girls aged from 3 to 16. The Good Schools Guide says ‘Knightsbridge School is a small, urban school with a warm and community feel that surprises in such a location. If you have no other reason, it's worth moving to Knightsbridge for.’ Alternatively, Servite Catholic Primary School is a catholic state school for boys and girls aged from 3 to 11, tucked away behind an unprepossessing façade on the Fulham Road, opposite Chelsea and Westminster Hospital. The Good Schools Guide says ‘A family feel to the place. Children skip in each morning, excited about the day ahead.’
Properties for Sale in Chelsea
