PROPERTIES close to top performing primary schools are worth up to eight per cent more than neighbouring homes, a study has found.

According to the Department for Education, being near to a good primary school adds £18,600 to the average house price in England. In London the figure is even higher with £38,000 added to the value of properties near to one of the top 10 per cent of primary schools.

Homes close to top secondary schools would be worth £15,800 more on average in the UK, according to the study.

Overall the study found that there is a clear link between the price paid for a home and access to a good school.

School Standards Minister Nick Gibb criticised what he describes as a situation where there is “selection by house price”. He said: “With almost 1.8 million more children in good or outstanding schools than in 2010, more families are able to secure a good place for their child than ever before. However for too many young people their chances of success still depend on how much money their parents earn and where they can afford to live.

“This new analysis sheds a light on far selection by house price is restricting ordinary parents’ access to the best schools. We want to end this unfairness and our proposals will create more good school places in every part of the country, so every child can have the excellent education they deserve.”