Ian Mollon advises how independent schools can enhance property value through outreach and connection

For enterprises as unique as independent schools, property value extends far beyond standard commercial valuation metrics. A school’s physical site can increase in value through purposeful community engagement, which in itself builds local goodwill, improves postcode desirability, and may even attract investment. Schools that create strong ties with their surrounding communities can enhance the perceived and actual worth of their property, driving long-term financial returns.

Community engagement and a school’s property value

Property value is influenced by more than simply location and facilities. A school embedded in its community becomes a true local asset, thus raising the profile, desirability and ultimately, the value of its site and the value of the residential homes nearby, which can benefit from association with a well-regarded school. Schools that are integral to local community life experience:

1. Higher property valuation: Local partnerships and consistent community engagement turns schools into desirable local assets with increased demand for services and therefore revenue opportunities.
2. Increased surrounding property prices: A successful and thriving local independent school can drive up nearby residential property values.
3. Reduced risk of development restrictions: Strong community relationships can facilitate smoother planning permissions and support for school expansion projects as the community will be less likely to object to development which they themselves may benefit from; examples might include a new sports hall to which the local community has partial access.

Creative strategies for community engagement

Independent schools can adopt several strategic outreach initiatives to increase their property’s value:

1. Local partnerships and events

Collaborate with local businesses, charities, and cultural organisations. Hosting public events such as fairs, exhibitions, performances and lectures draws positive attention and positions the school as a community hub. Such initiatives are often a boost for your admissions team too – the very best way to showcase and market your school is often simply to get potential families through that door.

2. Educational outreach programmes

Offer enrichment workshops, summer camps and specialised classes for local pupils from both state and private schools. This signals long-term investment in the wider community’s development.

3. Facility sharing and facility rental

Open sports fields, theatres and meeting rooms for public use. Depending on the usage, you might choose to charge for use, or not. Regardless, community access to your spaces strengthens ties and maximises the site’s usability, making the property more valuable.

4. Hot desk and co-working spaces

Convert underutilised areas into hot desk or co-working spaces for parents. Offering flexible workspace solutions not only supports working families but also generates additional income and fosters those all-important deeper school-community connections. School leaders know that their community is often a brilliant source of career mentors for pupils; why not offer them a space where they are accessible far more often?

5. Environmental stewardship

Improve the quality of life for everyone in your local community by investing in sustainability initiatives. This might include solar panels, conservation areas, and green spaces such as wildflower meadows. Eco-friendly developments and improvements increase property appeal and may well qualify for grants or tax incentives.

Community engagement is not merely a public relations exercise but a tangible strategy to enhance an independent school’s property value. By cultivating strong local ties, improving the environment and local infrastructure, and positioning the school as a valuable community asset, independent schools can create lasting financial and property-related benefits. In the VAT era, leveraging community engagement as a property value booster is a smart move, and one that brings about so many other benefits to your school’s brand and reputation.

Ian Mollon is head of alternative valuations at property consultancy Aitchison Rafferty

Ian Mollon