Moving house to secure school catchment place for 2013

The schools may have only just broken up for summer – but now is the time to start thinking about a move in time for the September 2013 intake.

Moving into the catchment area of a good school is becoming more and more important for homebuyers, and something to start thinking about now if a particular school is in your sights for the 2013/14 academic year.

The findings of one of the most recent studies into the trend reveals that on average, people would be willing to pay an extra £5,663 to be able to set up home in a good catchment area.

It claims also that one in four people with a child aged 11-17 see schooling as a major concern and would be willing to pay an £11,564 premium for the privilege.

This could have an impact on the admissions intake in YOUR area for September 2013.

The deadline for secondary school applications for September 2013 is in some cases as early as this October.

Primary school applications for September 2013 close around mid-January next year.

So if you have identified a preferred school – selling or buying your home and moving to the catchment area before Christmas could be the key to securing a place.

Development director at Harrison Murray, Jackie Scotten said: “School catchment areas have always been an important issue for homebuyers, but it seems that they are becoming more of a priority for many parents.

“It may seem slightly odd to start thinking so far ahead when the schools have only just started the summer break. However, with the deadline for school applications for 2013 admission just a few short months away, now is a perfect time to move into the catchment area for a preferred school to get the family settled before the process begins.”