Walk the pavements by a top-rated London school and you might see a parent measuring the distance to a block of flats. Or someone sizing up a rental home in readiness to buy on a particular street. Indeed, finding a place in the right catchment area is big business in the city, with people willing to pay 15% more for properties near good schools, according to research by Santander.
So when you’re considering the appeal – and value – of a property, it’s worth looking at where it sits in terms of catchment areas.
Here’s the key information to get your head around.
What are school catchment areas?
A catchment area defines a geographic zone around a state school where residents are given priority for a place over people who live further away. The idea is that children are educated near their homes, encouraging families to mix and helping local authorities share resources effectively.
While living in a school’s catchment area doesn’t guarantee a child a place, it does increase the likelihood. That’s why parts of the city where Ofsted have rated a school ‘good’ or ‘outstanding’ can be incredibly popular with parents and guardians – with price tags to match.
How are catchment areas set?
This varies across London boroughs and areas. You need to study the specific admissions criteria on a local borough’s website and a school’s own website. Also note: a catchment area can change from one year to the next – for example, if a new housing development is built nearby or the school expands.
There are four ways schools calculate their catchment areas, and they’ll sometimes combine these methods:
- Straight line catchment
This measures the distance from the school directly outwards, then draws a circle to create the catchment area.
- Walking distance catchment
Can you reach the school on foot? The local authority usually sets the shortest ‘safe’ walking route to define the catchment zone.
- Priority admission area
A fixed geographical area is defined around a school.
- Nearest school catchment
Suited to parts of London with lots of schools, this splits areas into different geographical zones to create catchment areas.
Does living in a catchment area guarantee a place?
No, it doesn’t. Living in a school’s catchment area is one factor among others that the admissions team will look at. This is particularly true of schools that receive a high number of applications every year.
So what else do schools consider when deciding who to admit? Most prioritise the siblings of existing pupils. Next, depending on the school’s values and criteria, they’ll see where a child lives as well as:
- Whether they attended an official feeder school
- If it’s a faith school, the child’s religion
- If a grammar school, the child’s academic ability
- Any social or educational needs of the child
If there is any room left, the school will then offer places to children from outside its catchment area.
Some schools will also insist you’ve lived within the catchment for a minimum period of time, so factor this into your plans, too.Final thoughts
Living in a school’s catchment area can play a crucial role in securing a place for your child. Take a close look at the particular criteria and application process for the school in question, even if you’ve studied this in previous years. Finding the right education can be highly competitive in London and calls for some planning. If you’re looking to move, get in touch with your local Winkworth branch for expert guidance and property insights.
