There is a lot to think about when moving home, especially if you are doing the move with children and you have ‘first choice’ school in mind.
Getting your children into a school with an impressive Ofsted https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ofsted rating can be key, and a good school reputation can influence the property market and make a location much more desirable.
Nearly a quarter of parents have moved house to be within their desired school catchment area. According to TES families willing to move are prepared to pay out a 12% premium for their desired catchment area.
Rightmove analysed the prices of properties in Key areas and worked out that a typical nationwide catchment area with schools assessed as ‘outstanding’ could add a premium of almost £52,000 to the value of a property.
School catchments are based on the child's permanent address
School catchment areas are based on a child’s permanent address. Both secondary and primary schools should be able to provide information on their defined geographical catchment areas. You can then find out if you are close enough to be considered for a place.
Children living outside the catchment area are unlikely to be offered a place at what may be the school of their choice, therefore if you have a young family it is key that where you are living or more importantly move to is going to be the best for your child’s education.
When moving home, what should you do to ensure your child gets a place in the school of their choice?
- start creating a shortlist of schools you would be happy to send your child to as soon as you can
- Call the school in advance. See if it is ‘oversubscribed’. This may affect your decision
- Until you move, it may be a good idea to keep your child enrolled at their current school, just in case something pushes back the moving day.
- Check out Ofsted reports as the biggest part of your research. and Go to the Department of Education website – this will allow you to compare schools in terms of academic results, attendance levels, number of pupils and the financial ‘wellness’ of the school – all important factors
- Gather proof of residency as you will need to apply at least 6 weeks in advance
- For peace of mind it is worth applying to a number of schools to ensure your child has somewhere to go to.
January 15th is a key date for the diary
The application date for places in primary and Junior schools for September 2025 is 15th January so, if you are looking to move children to a new school, living in the catchment area by January 2023 would be helpful.
North and West Yorkshire boasts some excellent schools. Take a look at our website for further information w: davidphillip.co.uk, and if you live near a highly desirable school, and are considering selling then now is the ideal time to start marketing your property.
If you would like a free market appraisal with David Phillip FRICS call 01134 676 400 https://davidphillip.co.uk/valuations/
David Phillip Estate Agents, 86, Leeds Road, Bramhope, Leeds LS16 9AN selling properties in North Leeds and covering Bramhope, Adel, Cookridge, Pool-in-Wharfedale and Horsforth
