Is Your Dream Home in the Right Catchment Area?

By Lizzie Burt, Associate Director at Chinneck Shaw Estate Agents

School’s nearly out – and if your kids are shooting up like sunflowers, it might be time to think ahead. Not just about holidays, but your next big move.  As in, a house move that puts your family in the right spot for the right school.

Because yes, kids grow up fast. One minute it’s finger painting, the next it’s GCSEs and career plans. So, if you’re thinking of moving, now’s a good time to ask, is this home in the right catchment area?

School fit matters

Every child is different. One might be mad about football and need a school with a massive playing field. Another might be shy and do better in smaller classes. Maybe your child loves drama and dreams of being on stage. That’s why it helps to plan your move around schools as much as bedrooms and garden size.

Why Portsmouth and Southsea works

If you’re looking at Portsmouth, good news. This city has loads to offer families—great green spaces, the seaside on your doorstep, and plenty of school options to suit your child’s interests. For example, one school might be brilliant for sporty kids. Another may offer a solid mix of academic and creative subjects. Or perhaps you have a budding engineer and want to live near a school renowned for its STEM curriculum.

There’s something for everyone—if you know where to look and land in the right catchment area.

Get the local data that really matters

On the Chinneck Shaw website, you’ll find a Locrating tool – a simple but powerful way to check local area data in just a few clicks. It brings together everything you need to know about schools, transport links, amenities, and local demographics – so you can make confident decisions about where to buy or rent.

Take this listing as an example:

Westover Road, Portsmouth

Scroll down to the full description and you’ll see nearby schools, how they’re rated, and how close they are. Click the “Nearby” button, and a map will pop up – showing how the property is situated close to five secondary schools and five primary schools, offering a great variety of choice.

Want to know more? Click the school’s name to see pupil numbers, OFSTED reports, achievement scores, and even catchment insights.

It’s all powered by the Locrating tool – a quick and easy way to check if the street (and the schools) fit your family’s needs.

Ask the local property experts

Local estate agents like Chinneck Shaw aren’t just selling houses – they often live in the area too. They know which streets fall into which catchment zones, which schools are oversubscribed, and which are hidden gems. Some of them even have kids at these schools.

As they say, it’s not just what you know – it’s who you know. So don’t be shy. Ask questions. Use their website maps and get the insider info.

Think ahead

Before you fall in love with a house, find out what schools it links to. The right move now could give your kids the best start for years to come.

If you want to live in Portsmouth or nearby Southsea, and give your children great school options, plan smart and ask trusted estate agents the key questions. It could be the smartest move you make.

Get a free valuation from Chinneck Shaw today – No obligation.

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