Navigating School Catchment Moves: What Families Need to Know
The most popular reason families move is to secure a larger home to meet their growing needs, AKA ‘upsizing.’
However, moving to a property within the catchment area of a good school is a very close second.
What is a catchment area?
Catchment areas are geographic regions from which schools draw their pupils. According to the Post Office, catchment areas are based on your child’s permanent address but can change.
Therefore, it's best to research the schools in your area and contact them directly for the most accurate, up-to-date information.
While it might be ambitious to complete your move by the start of the new academic year in September, it’s crucial to start planning now if being in a specific catchment area is essential for your family.
Here are five key things to think about when planning a move due to school catchment areas:
- Expect to Pay a Premium: Properties within the catchment areas of schools rated 'Good' or 'Outstanding' by Ofsted are in high demand, and their prices reflect this. Be prepared for higher costs.
- Shortlist and Visit Schools: Create a list of schools you're interested in and visit them. Don't rely solely on Ofsted reports; seeing the school in person can give you a better sense of its environment and suitability for your child.
- Do Your Research: Speak with parents who have children attending the schools you’re interested in. Community Facebook groups can be a valuable resource for gathering advice and experiences from other parents.
- Plan for the Future: Many families buy properties in desired catchment areas years before their children reach school age. Think long-term and plan to secure your spot in a preferred location.
- Calculate the Costs: Moving to a specific school catchment area can be expensive. Calculate the total cost and spread it over the years your child will attend the school to ensure it’s a feasible financial decision.
We’ve assisted hundreds of families in moving to their preferred catchment areas.
If you have any questions about moving for educational reasons, please get in touch with us today.
Thanks for reading,
Abigail & the team at Grey & Co xx
