THE SCHOOL RUN

hen families buy houses, proximity to good schools is always a major consideration. Houses in catchment areas for outstanding state schools can be worth significantly more than similar houses on the wrong side of the boundary –and the annual scramble for places sees people moving house, renting homes and disputing precise distance calculations in order to secure the right school for their child. Relocating to a completely new area for a good school is a common move for families – so here’s our round-up of England’s best places to live for access to the country’s finest schools.

Firstly, there is a spread of excellent schools across London. This includes some of the highest-performing independents in the country, but the capital’s state sector is also a star performer nationally, with a high-level of outstanding schools to choose from. Competition can be fierce and property prices in catchment areas see an uplift in response – and rising property prices are often the trigger for London families to seek homes and schools elsewhere.

Schools beyond the capital tend to benefit from an influx of families seeking space, greenery and a quieter pace of life for their children. As a result, schools in the Home Counties offer balance and lots of opportunities for children to enjoy outdoor life, wider sporting opportunities and adventure while still being within easy reach of all that London has to offer culturally.

Surrey, for instance, has consistently high rankings of outstanding state schools, also having some exceptional schools in the independent sector. The county tends to be popular with international families thanks to high-performing international schools and easy road and rail links to London and major UK airports. In the independent sector, Epsom College caters to day pupils

Was well as boarders, boasting excellent exam results and two accolades in the Independent School of the Year Awards 2022. In Woking, Gordon’s School, a state school focusing on full boarding, while independent Lingfield College’s all-through status, teaching children from nursery through to sixth form, attracts parents of very young children to the beautiful Surrey countryside on the Kent/ Sussex border. In Bedfordshire, independent Bedford School is one of the world’s leading schools, with day boys and boarders enjoying spacious grounds, lots of playing fields and excellent facilities.

Similarly, Hertfordshire offers both a mix of well-regarded independents and extremely high-performing state schools. This leads to fierce competition for places and careful selection of homes in the right catchment areas by many families. The area’s most over-subscribed school is state boarding Hockerill Anglo-European College, which was only able to offer places to 37% of applicants who put it as their first choice last year.

Another draw for families seeking a Home Counties home is grammar schools – still supported in some counties around London, including Essex, Kent and Buckinghamshire. Top performers, these schools are invariably very oversubscribed and homes close by come at a premium. Notably, you don't have to live in the catchment area to apply, but your children do need to pass the 11+ exams.

Go further beyond the Home Counties and you'll still find exceptional schools, as well as desirable homes. When it comes to the state sector, there are highly regarded state school choices, including highly-regarded grammar schools in Lincolnshire, Gloucestershire, Dorset and Devon. Of course, there are also excellent independent schools, offering exceptional arts, drama, sporting and equestrian opportunities. Cheltenham College, notably, offers a first class modern education in the heart of the Cotswolds spa town, as does Prior Park College in Bath.

Tom Mayfield of Winkworth in Cheltenham says: “Schools are such a hot topic in moving to an area for families purchasing. Most of the good quality schools see families flocking to that area and therefore unless you are within a certain perimeter of the school, it is unlikely that you will get a place for your children. My advice for families is to speak to us. We will know which are the highly regarded schools in the area through our local knowledge and therefore are best placed to steer them in the right direction.’

Another factor for many parents is the desire to give their children space and freedom, and this can often make choosing a 'destination' school which offers the right atmosphere and facilities almost as important as finding the right home. Boarding schools have changed dramatically over the past two decades and many offer flexi and occasional boarding alongside full and weekly boarding options. This greatly extends options for fami- lies, as well as enabling children to explore all the after school clubs, activities and sporting fixtures they want without parents turning into taxi drivers.

Don't forget that state boarding schools also exist – there are some 40 across the country – including notables such as Gordon's in Surrey, Wymondham College in Norfolk and Duke of York's Royal Military School in Kent. They were originally favoured by military and diplomatic families, but these days many more parents are drawn to them because of academic standards, exceptional facilities and good-value fees – you only pay for the boarding, not the education.

There are good schools in every county, of course, and estate agents are invariably one of the best starting points for drilling down to the 'insider knowledge' – including the right catchment areas and local connections to ensure the school that suits both your child and family life.

Guide Price £950,000 - £1,000,000 FREEHOLD

• Council tax band: G

• Gated driveway & 31ft x 17ft garage

• 5 Bedroom grade ii listed period home

• 5 Versatile reception rooms

• Four piece bathroom & en-suite

• Sizeable oak kitchen with utility room

• Exclusive setting with only a handful of neighbouring homes

Hidden away in a stunning location stands The Old Granary. The Old Granary was once part of the Holverston Hall Estate and is believed to date back to 1630. Set within stunning three-acre grounds (stms), this contemporary Grade II listed home offers a lifestyle like no other. The Old Granary was skilfully converted in 1983, and in 1991 the 'west wing' was added. This created a remarkable family home which boasts over 3500 SQ FT, making it perfect for growing families, those searching for multigenerational living and anyone working from home EPC: E

WINKWORTH PORINGLAND: 01508 5 28880 | poringland@winkworth.co.uk | winkworth.co.uk/poringland

• Council tax band: G

• 7 Bedroom detached grade ii listed period home with annexe

• 4 Bath/shower rooms & 2 ground floor wcs

• Handmade kitchen, utility & additional utility/laundry room

• Electric gated entrance with large sweeping drive & turning circle

• Abundance of period features & offering around 4500 sq ft of accommodation

• Listed

WINKWORTH PORINGLAND 01508 528880 poringland@winkworth.co.uk winkworth.co.uk/poringland

Hidden away in a stunning location stands The Old Hall. The Old Hall is a distinctive 17th Century Grade II listed home which offers around 4500 SQ FT of accommodation. Centrally positioned, the manicured 1.5-acre grounds wrap around the home, creating a lifestyle like no other. The Old Hall is a grand period home that was re-modelled in the 18th Century and was then skilfully extended in the 1970s, to incorporate a 2-bedroom fully self-contained annexe. This created a remarkable family home which has since been sympathetically modernised over the years to create a fabulous family home, making it perfect for growing families, those searching for multigenerational living and anyone working from home.

£875,000 FREEHOLD

• Council tax band: B

• Fabulous converted chapel

• Off street parking

• Large walled garden

• Listed

A sympathetically converted Chapel, now a fabulous, five bedroomed family home, presented in immaculate condition with ample parking and within walking distance of the town centre. Chapel House, dates back to around 1776, and has been imaginatively converted into a wonderful, family sized home. Brick built with a slate roof, the building was originally a United Reformed Church. It is Grade II listed and attached at the rear. The conversion has maintained most of the original features of the building, reflecting its original purpose, with large gothic, stained glass, mullioned windows, and original cornicing.

WINKWORTH DEVIZES: 013 80 729777 | devizes@winkworth.co.uk | winkworth.co.uk/devizes

Asking £2,500,000 LEASEHOLD 2 1 2

• Council tax band: F

• Lease length: 997 yrs left

• Ground rent: £800 P.A.

• Service charge: £10,500 P.A.

• Original show apartment

• Includes furniture

• Includes parking

• River views

9 Millbank is located in the heart of Westminster being adjacent to the river Thames and on the door step to some of London's most iconic landmarks. Residents at 9 Millbank have access to a 24-hour concierge, a state-of-the-art gym, luxurious swimming pool with spa and treatment room, private cinema screening room, meeting rooms and underground parking. EPC: B

WINKWORTH NEW HOMES

020 7355 0284 newhomes@winkworth.co.uk newhomes.winkworth.co.uk

£1,500,000 LEASEHOLD 2 1 2

• Council tax band: G

• Lease length: 979 yrs left

• Ground rent: £300

• Service charge: £8000 P.A.

A beautifully presented two bedroom, first floor modern duplex apartment located in the much sought after Berkeley Home complex called 'The Gallery' which is located a short walk from St Pauls Cathedral. EPC: C

WINKWORTH CLERKENWELL & CITY 020 7405 1288 clerkenwell@winkworth.co.uk winkworth.co.uk/clerkenwell

£7,000,000 LEASEHOLD

• Council tax band: H

• Lease length: 997 yrs left

• No ground rent

• Service charge: £14,400 P.A.

£4,000,000 LEASEHOLD 2 1 3

• Council tax band: H

• Lease length: 107 yrs left

• Ground rent: Peppercorn

• Service charge: Self repairing

• Mews house with integrated garage

• Refurbished to a very high standard

This meticulously refurbished mews house has been upgraded to the highest specifications ensuring exceptional quality throughout. EPC: D

WINKWORTH KNIGHTSBRIDGE & CHELSEA 020 7589 6616 knightsbridge@winkworth.co.uk winkworth.co.uk/knightsbridge-chelsea

• 2 En suite bathrooms

• Underfloor heating

• Miele & Siemens appliances

• Designed by Elie Saab

Bayswater Road is a brand new luxury development boasting exceptional living space which has been masterfully designed, nestled at the heart of London and overlooking the green expanses of Hyde Park. EPC: B

020 7355 0284 newhomes@winkworth.co.uk newhomes.winkworth.co.uk

WINKWORTH NEW HOMES

£4,650,000 LEASEHOLD 3 1 3

• Council tax band: H

• Lease length: 994 yrs left including ground rent

• Service charge: £15833 P.A.

• Views over river Thames

• 24 Hour concierge

A truly exceptional three double bedroom, three-bathroom fifth floor apartment offering breath-taking views of the River Thames. Upon entering the property, you are immediately surrounded by an abundance of style and luxury. As such, it is perfect for someone looking for an ingenious mix of contemporary living and comfort. EPC: B

WINKWORTH SHOREDITCH

020 7749 7650 shoreditch@winkworth.co.uk winkworth.co.uk/shoreditch

£2,750,000 FREEHOLD 6 2 4

• Council tax band: G

An immaculately presented six bedroom, four bathroom, “Lion House” located on a prestigious Parsons Green street backing onto the Peterborough Estate. EPC: C

WINKWORTH FULHAM & PARSONS GREEN 020 7731 3388 fulham@winkworth.co.uk winkworth.co.uk/fulham-parsons-green

• Council tax band: H

• Victorian detached house

• Indoor swimming pool

• Bespoke alfresco dining area

• Cinema

• Steam room

• Games room

Guide Price £13,850,000 FREEHOLD WINKWORTH

Located on the Barnes Village side of Castelnau, that takes its name from Castelnau-le-Lez, a village on the outskirts of Montpellier in southern France. In 1691, the 10th Baron of Castelnau and St Croix, left France for England and his son, Charles Boileau, bought land and settled in Barnes, SW13. The house is wonderfully private and has fabulous views over the London Wetlands with sheep and highland cattle regularly grazing on the bank at the bottom of the garden. This substantial property is one of the largest houses in Barnes, measuring 9397 sq/feet or 873 sq/metres. EPC: D