With the release of school league tables and the Autumn term under way, parents across the country are once again reminded of the importance of living near a good school. With increasing numbers of parents planning years in advance, competition for school places is more spirited than ever, along with interest in family homes located near some of the countrys top schools. As a county with a strong selection of both private and state schools, Dorset is no exception.

These days people will move to be near the good Dorset village schools in places like Cerne Abbas and Buckland Newton, says Julian Bunkall of Jackson-Stops & Staff Dorchester. There is also quite a scramble to move into the catchment area of Thomas Hardye secondary school in Dorchester, which has a good academic record. Jackson-Stops & Staff Dorchester, have a number of properties for sale, ideal for young families with one eye on education. Hooke Farm, an attractive late 19^th century former farmhouse, and Glebe House, a period country house, are both within easy reach of prize public schools in Sherborne, Shaftesbury and Milton Abbbey, as well as state schools in Beaminster (St Marys and Beaminster School) and Bridport (Sir John Colfox School).