If there’s one thing that can keep a local property market buoyant, it’s good schools. Having high-quality primary and secondary schools in the local area is fantastic for homeowners as parents will always pay a premium to get their kids a great education.
This is good news for Norfolk and the surrounding area, which is home to a selection of outstanding schools. Ranging from small independent academies to large comprehensives, the region boasts excellent schools to suit children of all ages and abilities. Keep reading to find out more.
The Sunday Times Schools Guide
Parent Power, The Sunday Times Schools Guide, is seen by many parents and teachers as the ultimate guide to schools across the UK. Now in its 27th edition, the guide lists the top state and independent schools around the country.
The 2020 edition of the guide lists a number of schools in and around the Norfolk area. Noted for the quality of the education they offer, as well as their extracurricular activities and teaching standards, these schools are turning out top academic talent throughout the region.
Top schools in East Anglia
The top Norfolk school listed in the guide was the Norwich School in the heart of the county’s capital. A co-educational independent school known for outstanding teaching and a nurturing environment, the school takes children from the ages of four to 18.
Other top independent schools in the area include The Perse School in Cambridge, Ipswich School in Suffolk and Chigwell School in nearby Essex. State schools in East Anglia also featured heavily in The Sunday Times list, with a number of local secondaries finding a spot in the guide.
The link between schools and house prices
As most schools – and state schools in particular – choose their students from a relatively small catchment area, homeowners who live near good schools can charge a premium for their properties. In fact, recent research has shown that having an ‘Outstanding’ school nearby can add as much as £100,000 to the value of your home. Even a ‘Good’ school can add £40,000 to the price tag of a property.
This means that, even if you don’t have children of your own, buying property close to a school can be a great investment. Take a look at The Sunday Times Schools Guide to find about schools in the local area or talk to your estate agent to find out about primaries and secondaries near your chosen property.
If you’re considering moving house, thinking about the schools available in the local area can help you to make the right investment. Get in touch with a member of our team, or pop in to one of our branches, to find out more.