A good school could not only get your children into university, but help pay their way too according to this new piece of research from Hometrack. Improving schools (as judged by the DfES) improve the value of the properties in their catchment areas - radically! London's most improved is in Stepney Way, E1, and here property prices have increased since 2001 by 56% within the catchment area as opposed to 13% outside. The next best is in St Pauls Way, E3, where the differential is 35% to 13%. (its all happening out East these days). I guess it pays to get involved in the PTA.