There is a lot to think about when moving home, especially if you are moving with children. Not only will you have to take into account how close you are going to be living to family and friends but also to a good school.

Getting your children into a school with an impressive 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 and according to TES, families willing to move are prepared to pay out a 12% premium for their desired catchment area. Rightmove have previously 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 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 so you can 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, where you 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 to 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 also 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.

Applications close on January 15th in 2026 for children due to start Primary and Junior school in September; therefore, if you are looking to move children to a new school, it will be helpful to be living in your new home (and catchment area) by January 2026.

To reach this all-important deadline, and if a house move is likely to be involved in achieving the first
school of your choice, then September is potentially the best time to properly start looking for your
next home.
At David Phillip Estate Agents based in Bramhope, North Leeds, we are surrounded by some highly
rated schools. We market lovely family homes close by to these schools. Register on our fresh
and relevant database to ensure you start your search in the most effective way possible. Applicants
on our database will be notified of new instructions before launches on Rightmove, providing
you with a distinct advantage to those who aren’t registered.

For further details t 01134 676400 w: davidphillip.co.uk e:info@davidphillip.co.uk, 86, Leeds Road,
Bramhope, Leeds, LS16 9AN
Selling homes in Bramhope, Cookridge, Pool-in-Wharfedale, Adel, Alwoodley, Cookridge and Otley