Families opt to rent so they can move fast to buy a home close to London’s top schools, according to a lettings agency chain.

Winkworth says this is just one of the desperate measures taken to secure a place at a leading school in the capital.

On the latest episode of Winkworth’s podcast, company chief executive Dominic Agace says: “Which comes first – the prime area or the school? Just look around London where the famous schools are and the neighbourhoods are equally famous – St Paul’s in Barnes, Highgate School, the American School in St John’s Wood. 

“These are internationally renowned schools so it’s not only domestic demand that’s supporting property within these areas, it’s also high net worth families relocating to London from overseas.  

“There are streets where people rent to try to wait for a house to come up for sale. Availability is really the issue. There aren’t the houses coming up for sale in these areas.”

And Melanie Sanderson, managing editor of The Good Schools Guide, tells the same podcast: “In the eyes of parents, there is a very clear hierarchy. At the top, there is St Paul’s, Westminster and, very close behind them, is King’s College School in Wimbledon. 

“For girls, St Paul’s again, Godolphin & Latymer and a number of others across London. 

“The schools are ferociously difficult to get into and even if your child gets a place, they really need to be able to keep up. 

“Parents should err on the side of great caution before upping sticks and moving house in the hope their child will win a place because the chances are tiny.”

And she continues: “Places are at a premium. You either need to be a regular churchgoer or need to live very close. If you can get that golden ticket, undoubtedly you’re on to a winner. 

“Around the more affluent areas, there are some fantastic primary schools. In Clapham, parents are out with pedometers to double check their distance to the school gates. You need to be within 250 metres of the school gates to get a place.”