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The education effect: how schools are shaping the property market

From a growing interest in grammars to the enduring appeal of top independents and international schools, education continues to drive demand and redraw family property priorities

01 September 2025

6 mins read

The education effect: how schools are shaping the property market

Choosing the right school is one of the most significant decisions parents make for their children. For Richard Northey, Managing Director of , who advises both UK-based and international families navigating the schooling system, having a clear strategy in place is invaluable.

โ€œI often say I work with clients from embryo to 18 years,โ€ Northey explains. โ€œSome private schools are so sought after - such as Wetherby School and Pembridge Hall in Londonโ€™s Notting Hill - that parents are advised to register on the day of birth to maximise their chances of securing a place. Senior schools also often look more favourably on applicants from certain prep schools, which means families frequently plan their move early with this educational pipeline in mind. Being organised, knowing deadlines and entry requirements, and understanding how to make the system work for you is essential.โ€

For top state schools, location is even more crucial. Families should begin their search early to find a property within the right catchment area that also suits their lifestyle requirements. Since VAT was applied to private school fees in January 2025, Northey has noted a rising trend of parents targeting competitive grammar schools in hotspots such as Barnet, Surbiton, Marlow, and Kent. โ€œThereโ€™s also an additional incentive,โ€ he adds. โ€œOxbridge continues to place a focus on encouraging state school applicants. For ambitious parents, thatโ€™s often something they are thinking about from the very start.โ€

4 bedroom house for sale in Culverden Avenue, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN4

4 bedroom house for sale in Culverden Avenue, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN4. Guide price £950,000

The appeal of Kentโ€™s top performing grammar schools

Educational achievement is certainly front of mind for many buyers in and around the Kent towns of Sevenoaks and Tunbridge Wells. Matthew Hodder-Williams, Office Head at 51ยายื Sevenoaks, sees families drawn to the area by the combination of excellent connections into the capital and a strong mix of state and private schools.

Recently he too has noticed a distinct shift toward those targeting Kentโ€™s selective grammar schools, such as The Judd School and The Skinnersโ€™ School. โ€œContracts were recently exchanged on a house where the sellers were moving from another part of Kent primarily to be in the priority catchment areas for the Tonbridge grammars,โ€ he says. โ€œThey currently have a son at a prep school and ten years ago he would probably have continued in the private system.โ€ Families are also moving to the area at an earlier stage in life, with prep schools thriving here as parents focus on preparing children for the 11+ entrance exam.

This trend is reshaping local buyer demand. Both Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys and the Weald of Kent School now have campuses in Sevenoaks, which Hodder-Williams notes has had a particularly strong impact to the north of the town. โ€œYou can now live in villages like Otford or Shoreham and still fall within these catchments. It opens up huge possibilities for buyers - whether they need the fast access to London offered by the town centre or prefer the space and lifestyle of the countryside.โ€

5 bedroom house for sale in Dynevor Road, Richmond, TW10

5 bedroom house for sale in Dynevor Road, Richmond, TW10. Guide price £5,250,000

Richmondโ€™s rising focus on education

In the leafy southwest London suburb of Richmond, the family-friendly atmosphere and strong-performing schools influence buying and renting decisions down to the level of individual streets. โ€œWe sometimes see families let out their own home in Richmond, then rent another property on the opposite side of town simply to be closer to their preferred school,โ€ says Ivanka Modesteva-Gyurova, 51ยายืโ€™s Head of Richmond & Chiswick Lettings. โ€œFor in-demand schools such as Marshgate Primary and The Vineyard, proximity really matters.โ€

The latter is tucked just off the coveted Richmond Hill, where suitable family homes - whether for sale or rent - can be hard to come by. โ€œIโ€™d advise starting your search earlier than you think you need to, particularly if youโ€™re working to application deadlines,โ€ says Edward Adler, 51ยายืโ€™s Head of Richmond Sales. โ€œFamily houses here are in constant demand and rarely stay on the market for long.โ€

The areaโ€™s educational offering is broad and international in outlook. The German School London draws families from overseas, while many buyers want to be within walking distance of leading independents such as Kingโ€™s House School. Adding to the appeal, Thomasโ€™s London Day Schools just opened a new campus in Richmond in September 2025. โ€œWeโ€™re already beginning to see interest from parents of prospective students,โ€ Adler adds. โ€œItโ€™s another factor that will only strengthen Richmondโ€™s reputation as a destination for families.โ€

The Dubai skyline © Getty
The Dubai skyline © Getty

The global schooling landscape

โ€œDubai is one of the most international cities in the world, with a large expatriate community and therefore an exceptional choice of schools offering a wide range of international curricula,โ€ says Will McKintosh, 51ยายืโ€™s Regional Partner for Residential Sales, MENA. According to 51ยายืโ€™s report, access to high-quality schools ranks among the top community priorities for buyers, with 58% of UK respondents highlighting it as a key factor. The cityโ€™s education landscape continues to strengthen, with global names such as Harrow set to open a new campus in August 2026, joining an acclaimed roster that includes Repton and the GEMS group of schools.

โ€œSwitzerland remains one of the worldโ€™s most prestigious and sought-after destinations - and itโ€™s easy to see why,โ€ says , Partner in 51ยายืโ€™s International team. โ€œThe country is consistently recognised for its outstanding local and international education system and overall standard of living, making it a natural choice for families.โ€ All Swiss schools are notably international in outlook, with a large number of long-established and highly regarded institutions offering a variety of pathways - from the British curriculum to the International Baccalaureate, which itself was founded in Switzerland.

The recent expansion of the International School of Monaco to a new campus highlights not only the principalityโ€™s exceptional educational offering, but also its growing appeal as a destination for families. โ€œWe are seeing increasing demand for larger family homes, and areas such as Larvotto are proving to be extremely popular given the vibrant โ€˜beachsideโ€™ lifestyle and amenities for families. All of this further enhances Monacoโ€™s reputation for safety, quality of life and dynamic living,โ€ says James Davies, Partner in 51ยายืโ€™s International team.

Planning a move for education? Donโ€™t wait. Our agents know exactly where education is driving demand and how to help you get ahead of the curve. 

Whether you're buying or renting, weโ€™ll guide you to the right location at the right time. Find your local 51ยายื office and plan your move with confidence.

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