7th September 2021

Back to School

For many of us, the arrival of September signals a new start. As we eek out the embers of the last summer BBQ’s or take a final paddle in the Solent, the scramble to see if last year’s school uniform still fits and digging out winter PE kits is on the agenda.


If your children are starting school for the first time or stepping up another rung of the ladder to ‘big school’ things can feel daunting. What will your new teacher be like? Who’s in my class? Nerves mixed with excitement, but a few rings of the break time bell later, new friendships are forged and everything is just fine.


The New Forest is blessed with some of the best schools across the country with many rated as ‘Good’ or ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted. For parents, the breadth of schools is also impressive. From those who have a passion and focus on sport such as Hordle CE Nursery & Primary School with its own sports academy, awarded the Platinum School Games Mark.


To Moyles Court School, set in heart of stunning woodlands near Ringwood where children are actively encouraged to learn about wildlife, conservation, and natural habitats and where subjects such as Geography, Science, History and Art thrive.


The New Forest is also home to schools that focus on specialist learning such as New Forest School an independent specialist provider of education in Fawley, on the edge of the New Forest. They support children with a range of severe or complex needs arising from life trauma, autism, attachment disorder or a phobia of education.


Or Coxlease School is an independent specialist day school, which was awarded ‘Outstanding’ status in all six categories by Ofsted in July 2017. Located near Lyndhurst, Coxlease School enjoys a beautiful setting in the heart of the New Forest. Typically, pupils that have associated learning difficulties and many of our young people will previously have encountered negative educational experiences.


Walhampton School set in ancient woodland offers both day and boarding options. In 2018 it was shortlisted by the Times ‘Top Prep Schools’ in the country. Or the award-winning Ballard School in New Milton which caters from nursery to prep ages.


Being a few roads away from a top state-funded or independent school will likely see a fairly substantial increase in house prices. Whilst the annual cost of sending your child private has stalled over the last two years due to the pandemic the cost still sits around £16,000. Add on the ‘day to day’ running of child uniforms, excursions or after school clubs it is often a tricky financial balancing act.


As local property experts as well as parents, the question of ‘school catchments’ is one we’re often asked and through years of experience we’re able to guide you through each area of the New Forest.


To help, we’ve created a handy ‘school catchment map’. Whether you’re new to the area or looking to move within it’s a good place to start your search. With the new school term signalling a ‘back to normality’ the property market also typically sees an increase in new instructions.
If you are thinking of marketing your property or are interested in finding out the value of your property in the current market, give our friendly team a call we would love to chat.

As the leading Estate agents in the New Forest, we are proud to have a reputation for reliability, efficiency, and of course extensive local knowledge in this unique area.