Tips on property location and school applications

As parents across London finalise their secondary school applications and with the primary school deadline still to come, many might be thinking about the impact the location of their home can have on where their children will be accepted.

Many of the best schools in London operate strict catchment areas and will not accept applicants with the wrong postcode. Parents therefore need to be prepared to pay a premium on properties close to schools with the most highly sought after places. It is estimated that the top-performing schools can add up to £21,000 to the price tag of a local home. Family homes to rent can also see a similar jump in price.

It is also important to remember that primary school place availability can decrease in years when a large number of younger siblings are applying. It is worth communicating with schools to establish when this might become an issue. It could mean that you need to be even closer to your target school.

Stephen Ludlow, chairman of ludlowthompson, commented: "It is definitely worth planning ahead. Considering which schools are likely to benefit from investment and improve in the coming years could be a good strategy. Institutions which have received poor Ofsted reports could become the focus of government expenditure and therefore have good prospects in the long term. Getting in contact with school governors to find out more information would be a good place to start. 

“Competition for places in the best London schools is fiercer than ever and parents have to do their research to make informed choices when buying or renting a home if they want to have the best chance of getting a place for their children in the school they want.”