The most affordable places with the best state schools revealed

ONE key factor in property prices is the quality of nearby schools, but research has shown some of the highest-achieving state schools in England are not in expensive areas.

eMoov.co.uk highlighted the top 50 state schools across the nation which offer the best mix of a good education and affordable property prices. They took the top 100 schools in England and compared the average house price in the surrounding area to the average GCSE score obtained by pupils at the school, based on the property price per a GCSE point (PPGP).

Although the top spot went to Heckmondwike Grammar School in Kirklees, West Yorkshire, which has a GCSE pass rate of 98% and in an area where the average house price is just £113,507, there were a fair few North West based schools which made the top 50.

The Blue Coat School in Liverpool made it to number three in the table. Pupils at the school, which is based in Wavertree, have an incredibly impressive pass rate, with 100% of them obtaining A*-C grades and the average house price in the area is £138,055.

Founder and CEO of eMoov.co.uk, Russell Quirk, said: “Choosing a school is one of those life mile markers that often goes hand in hand with moving house, so doing your research into both can make a big difference in securing a good education for your child and a realistic move for your family as a whole.”

Also making the top 10 were the likes of Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School in Waterfoot, Lancashire at number nine in the table, with an average house price of £149,600 and a 99% GCSE pass rate. Just making it into the top 10 was Lancaster Girls’ Grammar School, which has a 100% pass rate and an average house price of £163,258.

Wirral Grammar School for Girls made it to number 18 on the table and Altrincham Grammar School for Boys just about made it into the top 50 at number 48.

Check out the top 10 below or to see the top 50, head here.