School admission criteria differs between local authorities, however catchment is usually a key factor. The level of importance families attribute to local school performance also differs throughout the UK. Londoners scored the highest, with nearly three quarters (72%) of people in the capital indicating local school statistics are an important factor for moving to the area.
Manchester came second highest at 63% with Sheffield 62%, Newcastle 59%, Birmingham at 54%, Yorkshire 52%, Liverpool 51%, Southampton 49%, Wales 54% and 59% in Scotland. Movers in East of England scored the lowest, with just 41% of people in Norwich stating school performance as an important factor.
Focusing solely on primary schools, 52% stated the performance of local primary schools is important when deciding where to live. We see a similar story when looking at secondary schools, with 53% saying it is an important factor when deciding where to live.
Angus Elphinstone, CEO of AnyVan.com, commented “We move thousands of families each month, and it’s fair to say a large number of them are moving for the good of their children. The pressure to find a place in popular London schools is intensifying. It can be challenging to find a home in a good catchment area, with some as slim as few hundred square meters which essentially means you need to live within a couple streets of the school to secure a spot for your child.“
AnyVan has also highlighted the best 20 state schools in the country and the house prices in each location. 80 per cent of the top 20 schools in England are based in the Southeast and girls-only secondaries make up half of them overall. Wembley High Technology College is currently rated as the top school in the Real School Guide.
Local property expert Victor Bryan, director and co-founder of the award-winning Wembley estate agent Bryan Maher & Co, commented: "Wembley High Technology College is known across the local area as one of the best schools in the country. However, because of the entry criteria, there actually isn't the property premium you have for other schools in the area, especially primary schools."
AnyVan’s tips to find the best local schools
Here are moving expert Angus Elphinstone, CEO of AnyVan, tips for moving house in order to secure a place at a top school for your children:
1. Visit the schools you are considering
As impressive as a school’s ratings might be, it will still be important to take the time to check it out, along with the local area.
2.Checking the school performance
Any parent knows about Ofsted but to get an in-depth summary of performance you should visit the Gov.uk website. Progress 8 and Attainment 8 scores are important factors you should look for when selecting a secondary school.
3. Admissions criteria
For most state secondary schools, the catchment area will be key but for the best schools you will also have admission tests, sometimes referred to as a ‘transfer test’ or ‘11 plus’. Faith schools may also have slightly different admissions criteria and staffing policies than general state schools.
4. What if my application is denied?
The most common reason for an application to be denied is if the school is oversubscribed, or you live outside the catchment area. About a quarter appeals are successful, so if you have a solid argument it can be well worth trying to appeal. The necessary appeals forms will be available from your local council.
5. Moving during a school year
Known as ‘in-year admissions’, these transfers require a great deal of communication and planning. It will be best to start by contacting the schools and your new local authority to let them know that your child is moving to the area. It will be best to have a few schools in case you struggle to find available spots.
