england's top area for high-performing schools revealed — and it’s in london

London and the South East dominate the top areas for state school performance (Picture: Getty Images)

Richmond Park has been identified as the leading location in England for access to high-performing state schools.

A study by estate agency Savills analysed academic results and school performance across parliamentary constituencies,highlighting areas where pupils excel academically and families benefit from proximity to top-tier schools.

The research evaluated average academic attainment at Key Stage 2 (KS2) and Key Stage 4 (GCSE level) for pupils in each parliamentary constituency,using data sourced from the Department for Education.

To assess overall school quality in each area,researchers considered the proportion of schools ranking in the top 20% nationally,offset by those in the bottom 20%.

Which areas in the UK have the best-performing schools?

Over two-thirds (68%) of areas with the best access to high-performing schools were found within London and the South East,and this regional dominance has a significant impact on residential property values.

Even when adjusting for typical regional pricing differences,homes situated within the top 10% of school-performance areas attract a premium averaging 28% above comparable properties in the same region.

Richmond Park leads the rankings for both primary and secondary education. Properties in this constituency command an average price exceeding £1 million,representing a 51% premium compared with the broader regional average.

Outside of London,Altrincham and Sale West emerged as the top-performing area for access to both primary and secondary schools.

Properties here average more than double the North West region’s house prices,with prices standing 121% higher than the regional average.

This premium aligns with Savills’ observation that buyers are prepared to pay significantly more to live near grammar schools and other high-achieving institutions.

Lucian Cook,head of residential research at Savills,said: ‘There is a well-established link between house prices and access to high-performing schools.

‘Families often judge the desirability of an area by the reputation of its schools,based on a long-term track record,and are willing to pay more to live in the associated catchment areas.’

Houses in Richmond fetch upwards of £1 million on average (Picture: Getty Images)

Cook further anticipates that this trend will strengthen as private school fees continue to rise,prompting more families to seek places in top-performing state schools.

This dynamic is expected to intensify demand for homes near these institutions,driving property prices higher.

House prices in Richmond Park

The Savills research put the average house price in Richmond Park at £1,016,265.

According to Rightmove,the average house price in Richmond as a whole over the past year was £946,655 — 3% down on the previous year and 15% down on the 2022 peak of £1,115,144.

The majority of properties sold in Richmond during the last year were flats,selling for an average price of £610,970.

Terraced properties sold for an average of £1,095,519,with semi-detached properties fetching £1,465,116.

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The Savills research confirms that access to high-quality education remains a potent influence on housing markets across England,particularly in London and its surrounding areas.

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