There’s no doubt the past few years have revolutionised the way we think about our homes. We’ve compromised our commutes to work, installed home offices and dreamt about outside space more than ever before. While everything around us was rapidly changing, and our homes started to play a more pivotal part in all our lives, there was one factor that remained constant – and that’s the importance of education. As such, proximity to the best schools has remained high up on families’ wish lists.
It’s no secret that the lure of living in the very best catchment areas leads to fierce competition amongst buyers. Parents are often prepared to pay a higher premium to secure a home close to the best performing state schools, while those who have chosen the public school route are often keen to live close by too. Competition is what drives price growth with high demand putting upwards pressure on home values near the best establishments.
But, it isn’t just the school itself that holds appeal, the area can come with an attractive lifestyle too. Other families will be snapping up properties which can promote a real sense of community. You’ll get to meet other parents as they’ll often be your neighbour, as well as bumping into them at the school gates. There is also often access to greenspaces, great sport facilities and public transport to serve the needs of an area – which will be great for extracurricular activities on the weekend.
So, with the turn in the weather indicating the start of a new term, we’ve picked five properties near good schools:
Haselbech Hill House, Haselbech, Northampton
You wouldn’t be short of great schools if you lived in Haselbech Hill House. The area is full of them, with preparatory schools at Maidwell Hall, Spratton Hall and Bilton Grange. Secondary schooling is available at Rugby, Uppingham, Oakham, Stamford, Oundle and Northampton.
Old Beck Farm, Hawskwroth, West Yorkshire
This property is the ideal family home, with plenty of flexible accommodation, a beautiful rural setting and fantastic local schools. The nearest primary school is in nearby Hawksworth, while the outstanding-rated secondary St. Mary’s Menston is less than three miles away.
Valley Farm, Corpusty, Norfolk
Valley Farm is located just 7 miles from Holt, where the well regarded Gresham’s Preparatory and Senior Schools are located on the edge of town. Set within 200 acres of North Norfolk coast, it is the only school in Norfolk to offer the IB and its results are impressive.
Walton Cottage, Hungerford, Berkshire
Walton Cottage is a charming, un-listed period village house, situated close to all Kintbury in Berkshire has to offer. There is a wide range of highly-regarded schools including Kintbury St Mary's Primary School in the village itself, Bradfield College, Downe House, and Marlborough College.
Trinity House, Spinners Walk, Windsor
Windsor has long been renowned for its great schools and Trinity House is close to them all. The good range of state schooling includes Trinity St. Stephen C of E Aided First School, Windsor Boys School and Windsor Girls School, together with an excellent selection of noted independent schools including Upton House, The King’s House, St. George’s and Eton College.
