Perren Property- Peek of the Week

Catchment areas: moving to be near a good school

As the new school year begins, it has got me thinking about academic addresses and how important and valuable a property could potentially be when it is close to a great school.

So how much planning goes in to finding your perfect home close to a good school?

I have taken a chunk out of an article written a while ago (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/education/7995024/Catchment-areas-moving-to-be-near-a-good-school.html)  But has some great points to think about when your searching for that academic address.

• Check the admissions criteria of your chosen school. Most primary schools accept children with siblings already attending as a priority and also give priority to children with special needs as well as children in foster care. Distance only comes into play after all these applicants have been allocated places. At some schools there may be other criteria – faith schools might insist on attendance at church, for example.
• Most schools and local authorities require you to stay in the same address from which the application is made until your child starts at the school. If you apply for a place in the new academic year and are offered it in April, you will have to sit tight until September.
• Some authorities demand a level of permanence to the move: that means at least a 12-month rental contract.
• Don’t believe that you can get away with renting (or buying) a place in name only. Local authorities demand to see council tax and utility bills as well as making unannounced home visits.
• If your child already attends a school, think about how you will handle the transition period between moving and being offered a place at your chosen school. Since a place will only be awarded when one becomes available, you may have to stick with the old school for a few months. Will the commute be possible after you move? Might friendships built up over time at the old school (the one you dislike) be just as valuable as the things you like about the new one?
• Keeping in with the admissions officer doesn’t work; those at popular schools are used to bothering and/or flattery by parents. Any breach in protocol to allow a parent to slip their child in before others is bound to come out at the school gate, leading to successful appeals and, potentially, the school having to employ extra staff if their intake goes above the preordained number. It’s just not worth it for them. However, calling frequently will make you feel better and you may glean the odd bit of gossip about possible spaces.

 With all that in mind I have found, what I think is a lovely property and only a stones throw away from the ever so popular Priory School.  http://www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-35649273.html

  

Check out Rightmove’s new school checker as well this will help you search for that perfect academic home.

Remember if you need any help or advice I would love to chat just give me a call... 07794056668 
or email charlotte@perrenproperty.co.uk