Grammar Schools – Where to live nearby

Across the country, many house moves are driven by being within catchment of top grammar schools as parents seek to ensure their children receive the very best education possible.

A grammar school is a state-run secondary school that selects its pupils based on an examination. When there are too many qualified applicants the school considers other criteria such as siblings, faith and where the student lives in proximity to the school.  

There are around 160 such schools in England out of around 3,000 secondaries in total meaning competition to gain a place is often high and it is on this basis that families usually seek homes that are within a short distance of the best schools. In this blog, we highlight several of the top grammar schools and where to live nearby.

Queen Elizabeth’s School, Barnet EN5 4DQ

Queen Elizabeth’s School is frequently recorded to be the best boys grammar school in the UK. As with many selective schools, the first step of admission is a selection test and thereafter should two applicants score the same mark the admittance is based on the distance between the schools front gate and the child’s home address.

Barnet is a popular place to live, known for ready access to the countryside, easy transport connections, top schools, excellent amenities and large family homes.

There are two main postcode areas in Barnet; EN5 which covers the High Barnet area and EN4 which covers Hadley Wood. The homes which overlook Hadley Green are particularly desirable. The most exclusive addresses include Beech Hill and Camlet Way.

Local transport connections offer a 20 minute journey into central London and the M25 is only a short drive away for access to the wider motorway network. Barnet has excellent facilities and shopping options; the Spires shopping centre has a Waitrose, Waterstones and H&M along with a number of other well-known stores and Hadley Wood Golf course is nearby.

Other schools in the area include the Queen Elizabeth’s School for Girls which is non-selective. Whitings Hill Primary School and St Catherine’s RC School are both highly rated.

Colchester County High School for Girls, Essex CO3 3US

Colchester is well known for its exemplary schooling options. As a place to live it is ideal for commuters as the journey from Colchester’s North Station into London Liverpool Street is just 45 minutes.

Not only is the town great for reaching the capital it’s idyllic position allows residents to readily enjoy the nearby coast and beautiful Constable Country.

Along with Colchester County High School, other schools in Colchester that are highly rated include Royal Grammar, Sixth Form College, Oxford House and St Mary’s.

One of the most desirable places to find a property is the suburb of Lexden, which is conveniently close to both Colchester County High School and Royal Grammar.

Nonsuch High School for Girls, Sutton SM3 8AB

Families choose to move to Cheam for the good schools and quality homes on offer, along with a short commute into London. Cheam has a village feel with boutique shops, several mock-Tudor buildings and a strong community running year-round events. There are also many green spaces including Nonsuch Park and Cheam Park.

When looking for a home in the area its useful to know that Cheam is split into three areas; South Cheam, Cheam Village and North Cheam. South Cheam offers spacious family homes often with beautifully landscaped gardens and a sense of seclusion. Cheam Village has a lively high street and offers a mix of period and more modern homes.

Along with Nonsuch High School, other top schools in the area include Cuddington Croft school, St Dunstan’s and Avenue primary schools, Sutton Grammar for Boys and Sutton High.

Beaconsfield High School, Buckinghamshire HP9 1RR

Beaconsfield is perfectly located for those who need to reach London regularly offering a direct commute to London Marylebone in under 30 minutes.

The town is popular with families due to these excellent transport connections, the top schools and of course having immediate access to the Chiltern Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Beaconsfield High School is one of the UK’s leading grammar schools for girls aged from 11 through to 18 (A-levels). The area is widely known for its schools with many families choosing to relocate to wider Buckinghamshire each year in pursuit of a place at one of the renowned establishments such as The Royal Grammar School for Boys and John Hampden Grammar School, both in High Wycombe.

The most sought after houses in Beaconsfield are located on roads such as Burkes Road, Burgess Wood Road and Ledborough Lane.

Altrincham Grammar School for Girls, Greater Manchester WA14 2NL

Altrincham Grammar School for Girls is a high achieving grammar school and one of the top state-run schools in the North West region of England. Altrincham is a popular place for families to put down roots, popular for its proximity to Manchester and the excellent local schooling options.

Altrincham is a charming town that boasts a plethora of amenities including the renovated Market House which houses small independent retailers and several eateries. Homes in Altrincham vary in age and style, there is a good amount of period homes for sale and those within The Downs conversation area are particularly sought after.

The area offers easy access to the national motorway network and Manchester Airport is very accessible. Nearby Bowdon, Hale and Hale Barns are also highly desirable places to live.

Which areas have grammar schools?

Grammar schools are dotted across the UK, others that feature in many ‘top grammar school’ lists include Stroud High School which is surrounded by the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty where buyers will find many beautiful stone-built houses for sale.

King Edward VI Grammar School in Chelmsford is another top school in Essex and highly ranked against the rest of the country. Chelmsford is an incredibly popular place to live, offering residents a high quality of life and a short commute into London.

The Henrietta Barnett School is a grammar school with academy status in Hampstead Garden Suburb – families will be spoilt for choice with the number of large detached houses in the area, many set within pretty, established gardens that offer privacy whilst just a stone’s throw from Hampstead Heath and near to the independent stores and boutiques found in Hampstead Village.

Houses near grammar schools

Grammar school places are incredibly sought after by the parents of children who excel academically and finding a house that will put your child in the best possible position to attend such schools can put a great deal of pressure on the search for a property.

A property finder can alleviate a considerable amount of stress by applying their local area knowledge and expertise to source and secure the ideal family home. Whether a search is time-pressured or incredibly location-specific, a property buying agent will work tirelessly on behalf of their client to find the perfect property.  

Tell Garrington about your search and find your next home without worry.