Written by Lisa Proffitt | 12th March 2024
There are many factors to consider when choosing a family home, and proximity to good schools is one of the most important. Families looking for their “forever home” are often weighing in the balance how their life will change over the next twenty years, so want a home that suits not only the young children they have now, but the teenagers and young adults that they will become.
In a change in buyer priorities, proximity to the train station has been replaced in importance by proximity to the school. With home working a way of life for many, the school run is the most important journey of the day. Many of our buyers tell us that they won’t consider a property that involves being in the car for a round trip of more than an hour.
Whether you need a primary school, secondary school, grammar or independent, we are fortunate to have some of the best schools in the country in our area. On our website, each of our properties for sale or rent comes with details of local schools in their particular catchment area. The following are a sample of some of the most sought-after schools in the areas we serve:
Bucks county has more grammar schools than any other county, and favourites include The Royal Latin in Buckingham and Aylesbury Grammar School for Boys, Aylesbury High School for Girls, and The Sir Henry Floyd Grammar School.
The Wheatsheaf is a within a 10 minute drive of the Aylesbury Grammar Schools:
https://michaelgraham.co.uk/property/rps_mig-AYL230087
Akeley Wood School has schools across three sites, catering from children all the way from kindergarten through to 18 years old.
Beachborough School in Westbury on the Bucks/Northants border is a non-selective prep school for children from 4 – 13 years old. The school sits in a bucolic setting of 35 acres which include fields, woodland and a wetland area, as well as playgrounds.
Stockingwood Farm is just three miles south of Buckingham:
https://michaelgraham.co.uk/property/rps_mig-BUC230327
Stowe School has a spectacular setting in Capability Brown parkland and takes boys and girls from age 13 – 18 years old.
Equestrian property Park Farm in Stowe is minutes from both Stowe and Akeley Wood, and just a 20 minute drive from prep schools Beachborough, Winchester House in Brackley, and The Royal Latin grammar in Buckingham:
https://michaelgraham.co.uk/property/rps_mig-BUC130067
Swanbourne House School is a co-educational boarding and day school that prides itself on it’s family ethos. For ages 3-13 years in North Buckinghamshire.
Bedford is known for The Harpur Trust, a charity that has been providing education and supporting the community since 1566. Over the past 10 years, it has awarded over £11 million in grants to local organisations and individuals, helping the most vulnerable in the community.
The Trust owns and manages four independent schools which include Bedford Girls’ School, Bedford School and Bedford Modern School (for pupils aged seven to 18 years old), and Pilgrims Pre-Preparatory School (for children aged three months to 7 years).
The Harpur Trust also supports local state schools through a range of education projects and grants.
This three-storey, six-bedroomed townhouse in Bedford is within walking distance of the Harpur Trust Schools:
https://michaelgraham.co.uk/property/rps_mig-BED230383
Winchester House School in Brackley is based in and around a former hunting lodge just off the high street, with wrought iron gates guarding an 18-acre campus. It definitely attracts escaping Londoners who have children aged 4-13 years old - the main building is so characterful it doubles as a wedding venue in the holidays.
Pitsford School is an independent school for 3-18 year olds in the village of Pitsford. Originally Northamptonshire Grammar School, the school changed its name in 2011.
Spring Hill Farmhouse is an equestrian property for sale within walking distance of Pitsford School:
https://michaelgraham.co.uk/property/rps_mig-NOR230090
Maidwell Hall has a beautiful rural setting and offers boarding and day options for children aged 3-13 years.
Oundle School is a public school for pupils aged 11–18 and is situated in the market town of Oundle, near Peterborough in Northamptonshire. Oundle School has long been associated with the very best of modern independent education, especially boarding.
In this county, eight out of the 10 regions have at least one outstanding secondary school.
The Bishop’s Stortford High School is a top-rated secondary boys school with a co-ed sixth form, rated outstanding by Ofsted in every area. The School’s sporting facilities are among the best in the country with six football and rugby pitches, and three cricket pitches.
Hitchin Girl’s School is a secondary school with academy status in Hitchin. The school is in a consortium for sixth form teaching with Hitchin Boys' School and The Priory School.
Hitchin Boy’s School is an 11–18 boys academy-status secondary school with sixth form, located in Hitchin.
This Edwardian detached house is within walking distance of Hitchin town centre:
https://michaelgraham.co.uk/property/rps_mig-HIT230072
Copford House is a six-bedroom detached family home with a swimming pool, located in a village just four miles from Hitchin:
https://michaelgraham.co.uk/property/rps_mig-HIT230072
Watford Grammar School For Boys is an 11–18 partially selective academy in Watford.
Watford Grammar School For Girls has a long tradition of academic excellence.
At Michael Graham, our team of property experts live and work locally and know all the family homes in their area that might suit your needs, and the available schools in their catchment. If you’re thinking of moving and would like to know more about the schools in your chosen area, they would be delighted to help. Please call us today for a no-obligation chat, or if you’re thinking of selling, we’d love to offer you a free valuation of your home.