Families pay £43,773 on homes that will get their children into the best schools
It turns out that some state schools aren't fee-free at all: families looking to get their children into the best primary schools are paying a hefty premium to live in the right catchment area.
Research released today shows that families shell out an average £43,773 to live within the catchment area of a primary school that has an 'outstanding' Ofsted rating.
Estate agents HouseSimple.com found that properties near high-achieving schools on average cost nearly a fifth (18 per cent) more than other properties in the same area. The research looked at average house prices in areas of 50 state-funded primary schools across England.
Read more: How to cut the soaring cost of private education
Over half the schools commanding the highest premiums are in the south of England.
The school with the highest property premium is St Luke's Primary School in Brighton and Hove, where parents pay £151,121 to live within the catchment area, which is more than the royal family paid to send Prince Harry to Ludgrove School (£101,400).
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So where can you get the best value for money – and live near a great school? The Mayflower Primary School in Essex, Henry Cavendish Primary School in Lambeth and Highfields Primary School in Leicester all offer excellent education, without homeowners having to pay a property premium.