Top Of The Class Postcodes

Professional property finder Daniel Rowland discusses the challenges of finding a home in a location that offers the right schooling

- Daniel Rowland

One of the many factors that makes Hampshire such a popular location to live is the number of highly regarded state and independent schools located across the county. As a result competition for places at the premier schools is fierce, as is the demand for homes in the desirable surrounding areas, presenting both challenges and opportunities for parents seeking to find a balance between the right school and the right location to buy a home. Family priorities Living close to a top performing school is always going to be an attractive proposition for family buyers, but at what cost? The debate between funding an independent education or allocating money to buy a superior property in a good catchment area is a frequent one for those able to consider either option, and with no clear answer.

Family priorities and needs have also been changing year by year and the option of allowing children to travel to school with their friends or other nearby parents has become even more important; especially as parents try to juggle their increasingly demanding work commitments.