How Far Will Parents Go to Secure a Spot at a Top School?

New Research Reveals One in Four Parents Bend the Rules to Get Their Child Into a Good School

Just prior to the January 15th primary school application deadline, a survey conducted by Zoopla - a website and app that helps people find properties for sale or rent in the UK, revealed that nearly a quarter (24%) of parents admit to flouting school admissions criteria to secure a place at their preferred local school, according to their latest study.

Zoopla surveyed parents of school-age children to understand the lengths they go to in pursuit of the best education for their kids. The findings highlight that families willing to relocate to a desirable catchment area pay, on average, £82,960 more for a home. In London, this figure soars to over £200,000.

While many parents acknowledge bending the rules, most do not feel comfortable about it:

• 55% of parents believe manipulating school admissions is unfair and should be stopped;

• 56% of those who broke the rules admit to feeling guilty;

• 6% were so frustrated with the system that they reported another parent for dishonesty: and

• 11% believe rule-breaking is acceptable, while 19% feel it’s unfair but say it’s common practice.

Among parents of school-age children, 17% confessed to lying, bending, or breaking school application rules, while another 7% said they ‘played the system.’ This means one in four parents are taking extreme measures to secure school places.

The tactics used vary:

• 27% exaggerated their religious beliefs to gain entry to a faith school;

• 21% used a relative’s address closer to their preferred school;

• 10% lied outright about their residential address; and

• 8% temporarily rented a second home without actually living there to meet catchment area requirements.

Bribery and ‘Donations’ Play a Role in School Admissions

Do Parents Feel Guilty About Bending the Rules?

‘We Paid a Premium to Be in Our School’s Catchment Area’

Nearly One in Five Parents Admit to Lying on School Applications

Financial incentives also influence school placements:

• 16% of parents who bent the rules admitted to making a ‘voluntary donation’ before applying;

• 8% went further, offering a bribe to secure a spot;

• 20% volunteered at the school ahead of applying, hoping to gain favour; and

• 14% built relationships with senior school figures to increase their child’s chances

The Price of Living in the Right Catchment Area

For many parents, simply moving into the right neighborhood is the best way to secure a place at a desirable school.

Our research shows that 28% of parents with school-age children purchased a home specifically to be within a top school’s catchment area. However, this comes at a significant financial cost.

• The average premium paid for a home in a good school catchment is £82,960; and

• In London, this premium jumps to £209,599.

Case Study: Cath and Tim Firmin

Cath and Tim Firmin moved to Harpenden, Hertfordshire, with their three children to secure access to high-performing local schools. Previously living in St Albans, they struggled to find a suitable property for their growing family.

“We weren’t initially considering Harpenden, but since my husband grew up here, we knew about its excellent schools. When we found a home in the Roundwood area, we decided to move.”

Their new home is right next to Roundwood Park School, an Ofsted ‘Outstanding’ rated institution.

“We offered above the asking price, and despite competition from another buyer, the sellers accepted our bid because they knew how important the school was to our family. We estimate we paid a premium of around £20,000 to be in this location.”

Cath acknowledges that some parents exploit the system: “It’s frustrating when you’ve paid a premium for your home, only to see others bending the rules to get in.”