New research from Lloyds Bank released on Friday indicates that average property prices in the postal districts of the top 30 state schools in England have now reached GBP344,446, an average GBP40,728, or 13%, higher than county averages of GBP303,738.
Lloyds Bank figures reveal that properties near the best performing state schools were valued at 9.2 times average gross annual earnings, which is reportedly significantly higher than the average across England of 7.7 times average gross annual earnings. Top schools are defined as those secondary schools that achieved the best GCSE results in 2014.
The banking company’s research found that the postal districts of a fifth of top state schools command a housing premium of over GBP125,000, when compared to surrounding areas. Parents of pupils who attend Beaconsfield High School in Beaconsfield pay the the largest premium for their homes, with properties selling at an average GBP636,132, which is 186% above the average house price of GBP342,166 in neighbouring locations.
House prices in the postal district of The Henrietta Barnett School in Barnet were the second highest, trading at a premium of GBP418,860, followed by St. Olave’s and St. Saviour’s Grammar School in Orpington with an average premium of GBP180,447, then the Tiffin schools in Kingston upon Thames at GBP137,665.
However, the research showed that not all top rated schools are located in expensive areas. Of England’s top 30 state schools, 16 are in locations with an average property price below the average in neighbouring areas. Homes in the postal district of Aylesbury High School trade at a discount of GBP122,506, compared to the county average of GBP342,166. The next largest house price discounts in cash terms, are in Reading, Berkshire, where Reading School and Kendrick School are located, at GBP119,485. The Reading schools are followed by Queen Elizabeth’s School in Barnet, at GBP95,681 and Westcliff High School for Boys Academy in Essex at GBP58,970.
Andrew Mason, mortgages director at Lloyds Bank mortgages director, commented:”In general, homes close to the nation’s top performing state schools command a significant premium over neighbouring areas. The presence of a top performing state school appears to help support property values in many of these locations as parents compete with other buyers to land the property that gives their child the best possible chance to attend their chosen school.”
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