Research from Barclays has found that property prices in the catchment areas of the top 50 state primary schools is on average 33% more expensive than in other areas of similar locations.
The average house price in the catchment area of the 'better' results schools was £194,507 whereas the average on local areas outside catchment was £146,676.
Our view
These figures are not surprising although they can be mis-interpreted. Higher ranking schools tend to be in middle earning areas rather than the poorest. It goes hand in hand that parents who can afford larger homes can generally afford to provide their children with more educational tools e.g. having a computer at home or may be are better educated themselves.
Whilst there are many fantastic schools with great results in poorer areas, the fact remains that if the school is in a poorer area or multi-language due to ethnic mix or in the middle of a state owned property estate it is a much harder, and perhaps, a more rewarding job for teachers.
We do not agree entirely with the current grading and assessment system anyway as schools in these areas are penalised on grading.
In our view, Barclays are trying to headline grab with these figures. House prices and educational establishments are not directly linked and never will be.
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