Surrey Heath tops the charts in Jackson-Stops' Family Hotspots Index
- National estate agency Jackson-Stops launches its inaugural Family Hotspots Index
- The index combines ONS and Department for Education data, identifying locations across England where families are most likely to thrive
- Mole Valley, Woking and Rutland also feature in the top rankings, offering a combination of excellent well-being and strong school performance scores
- The research focuses on personal wellbeing data and Key Stage 2 results
With primary school applications due this month, schooling is top of the agenda for families. What’s more, demand for homes in areas with high-performing state schools is expected to intensify further this year, particularly as the Government has now added VAT to private school fees.
National estate agent Jackson-Stops has unveiled its latest research on the top family hotspots across the country. The analysis, which examines the latest data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) and the Department for Education, identifies the most desirable areas for families based on personal wellbeing data and school pupils’ results at Key Stage 2.
Top Marks for Surrey Heath
Surrey Heath - home to the charming villages of Bisley and Chobham – was crowned England's top location for family life. The area clinched first place by combining exceptional educational standards (65% of pupils meeting Key Stage 2 targets vs the national average of 61%) with one of the country's highest wellbeing scores (7.9 out of 10 vs the national average of 7.4). Neighbouring Woking took second place, while Rutland, Mole Valley and North East Lincolnshire rounded out the top five family-friendly local authorities to live in (see table 1, below).
Nick Leeming, Chairman at Jackson-Stops, commented: "Access to high-performing schools is a major factor driving demand in the family homes market. With Ofsted preparing to revamp its evaluation system and VAT now being added to private school fees, parents planning to move in the coming years will be reassessing which areas to target—or avoid. Competition for homes within the catchment areas of top schools has always been fierce, but it’s poised to become even more intense in the years ahead."
“Surrey Heath’s exceptional combination of happiness and Primary school results makes it a standout choice for families, while areas like Rutland and Woking highlight the range of hotspots to suit different lifestyles and needs. Whether it's the picturesque landscapes of Rutland, the vibrant communities of Chelmsford, or the excellent transport connections in Woking, all three make compelling cases with education and community at the core.”
Table 1: Top Family Hotspots in England
As Ofsted replaces its single overall school grade with a more detailed "report card" system in the 2024-2025 academic year, Jackson-Stops chose to focus its analysis on Key Stage 2 results to provide a clearer picture of educational performance in each local authority across England. Meanwhile, the personal wellbeing data combines scores on life satisfaction, happiness and anxiety across England.
Surrey Is Top Of The Class
Surrey dominates the Family Hotspots Index, claiming four coveted spots in the top ten and commanding the leading positions, with Surrey Heath, Mole Valley and Woking all featuring in the top four locations.
Analysis at a county level reveals Surrey ranks second nationwide for wellbeing and boasts the highest percentage of pupils meeting Key Stage 2 standards*. This schooling success is underpinned by 316 primary schools in the region, which together will serve nearly 90,000 students in the 2024/25 academic year**.
This exceptional performance underscores Surrey's unrivalled appeal to families, combining abundant high-quality schools, pristine countryside and strategically located suburban centres with excellent transport links to London for commuting parents. The county's unique blend of educational excellence and lifestyle advantages has created a powerful draw for families seeking the perfect balance of opportunity and quality of life.
Area focuses
First Place – Surrey Heath
Wellbeing score: 7.9 vs English average of 7.4 Primary School score: 65% vs English average of 61%
Robert Butterworth, Director at Jackson-Stops Woking, comments: “Surrey Heath has long been a popular choice for families, thanks to its excellent schools, abundance of green spaces, and strong sense of community. Areas like Chobham are particularly sought after as they give a semi-rural feel. “There are plenty of family-oriented events that make it an ideal place for raising children, while its low crime rates and quality housing options add to the appeal."
Second Place – Woking
Wellbeing score: 7.8 vs English average of 7.4 Primary School score: 65% vs English average of 61%
Robert Butterworth, Director at Jackson-Stops Woking, comments: "Woking is consistently top of the list for commuting families looking to be nearby to great schools. Its quick access to London makes it particularly attractive, with trains reaching London Waterloo in as little as 24 minutes. The town is also home to excellent schools, such as Hoe Valley School which is highly rated.
“Woking town centre adds to the appeal with a mix of amenities. Families can enjoy a night out at the New Victoria Theatre, with some of the best shows in the country being premiered, or pop to one of the town's many restaurants including the Hilton rooftop bar and restaurant with views over rural Surrey.”
Third Place – Rutland
Wellbeing score: 7.7 vs English average of 7.4 Primary School score: 69% vs English average of 61%
Nick Leeming, Chairman at Jackson-Stops, comments: “Rutland may be the smallest county in the UK, but it is well located with beautiful countryside, historic market towns, public schools and Rutland Water. With good rail links to London and limestone villages, it has all the ambience of the Cotswolds without the price tag.”
Fourth Place – Mole Valley
Wellbeing score: 7.7 vs English average of 7.4 Primary School score: 65% vs English average of 61%
Darrell Hughes, Partner at Jackson-Stops Dorking, comments: "Mole Valley’s Dorking has an enduring appeal to families which is underpinned by its exceptional schools, with half a dozen high-performing primary schools in the town alone, including the highly regarded St Paul's, St Martin's, Powell Corderoy and St Joseph's. This breadth of options continues through to secondary level with both The Priory and The Ashcombe schools maintaining excellent reputations.
"We're seeing a consistent flow of young families drawn not just by the schools and countryside, but also by deeper connections - many of our buyers either grew up in the area themselves or have historic family ties, creating a genuine sense of community continuity. We often see families return to the area who see their children go to the very same schools they went to - sometimes with the same teachers still there!
"What sets Dorking apart is its unique combination of amenities and setting. Nestled in the Surrey Hills AONB, the town offers families the convenience of a vibrant centre while being surrounded by some of the region's most stunning countryside. Box Hill and the North Downs provide great opportunities for outdoor pursuits, from cycling and walking to horse riding; perfect for bolstering wellbeing in the great outdoors."
Joint Sixth Place – Brentwood & Chelmsford
Brentwood & Chelmsford Wellbeing Scores: 7.8 vs English average of 7.4 Brentwood & Chelmsford Primary School scores: 62% vs English average of 61%
James Caffrey, Director at Jackson-Stops Chelmsford, comments: "Chelmsford's renowned grammar schools continue to be a significant draw for families whilst New Hall School is proving particularly popular amongst private school students. Meanwhile, Brentwood's schooling options are equally impressive, with Brentwood School remaining a major attraction for parents.
"Both towns benefit from excellent transport links into London, making them ideal for commuting parents, while the surrounding villages offer families additional choices for a more rural lifestyle without compromising on accessibility. The combination of top-tier schools, strong transport connections, and variety of housing options - from town centres to village locations - makes these areas consistently appealing to family buyers."
*Analysis of top 20 highest wellbeing and Key Stage 2 results at a local authority level
** https://snobe.co.uk/best-primary-schools/surrey
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