South Essex’s latest league tables show the area has a variety of secondary schools at either end of the spectrum and, following a Great Leighs mum’s decision to move in with her parents to get her child into a good school, we asked parents in south Essex if they would move to a different area to get their children into a better performing school.

Maja Jefferies, 42, Thorpe Road, Hawkwell, said: "I would definitely consider it, however we’re in a slightly different position because we have a child with special needs and two adopted children, who are given priority, so in a way we are lucky that we don’t have to worry.

"I know one of my best friends moved from Southchurch to Hockley in order for their children to move primary schools – I think the thinking was go to a private school or move house, and moving was the cheaper option."

Jenny Crump, 48, Victoria Drive, Great Wakering, said: "We’ve had this situation with my daughter, who wanted to go to a particular school but didn’t pass her eleven plus so couldn’t go – it wasn’t a grammar school but it had a grammar stream.

"I did appeal, but we weren’t going to move, so she is now at a different school and is perfectly happy.

"It’s a very good school, I don’t think it’s outstanding, but she’s happy there and I believe, if a child wants to learn, they will learn wherever they go."

Kerry Smith, 36, Tiptree Close, Eastwood, said: "I’m originally from Bethnal Green and I moved here from there eight years ago to ensure my kids could go to a good school.

"I wanted to get out of the area anyway because, without wishing any disrespect, I didn’t want them going to schools where most of the children were speaking English as a second language, so moving for a good school is definitely something I would do."

Shelly Drake, 34, Rylands Road, Southend, said: "In our situation, it wouldn’t help. I have a son at Bournemouth Park and a daughter at Temple Sutton, while my youngest is in nursery.

"I’m trying to get my son into Temple Sutton, but can’t get in at all, even though we’re in the catchment area and sibling there.

"He’s on the waiting list and I speak with the council as often as possible but so far they’ve been in separate schools for over a year."

Hannah Yeomans, 38, Thorpe Green Mews, Shoebury, said: "I’m doing it right now, or trying to, at least.

"I’m in the process of moving house because I really don’t want my son going to Shoebury High.

"Whatever school you send your child to, it’s a bit of a gamble, but the fact Shoebury High has police officers at a mini police station spoke volumes to me.

"My son has already been picked on by older boys who go to Shoebury High so I don’t want him there.

Edina Zilahy, 38, Cheapside West, Rayleigh, said: "My daughter is three years old and I’m already talking about schools, but I think whether you would move depends on a lot of circumstances, like whether you can afford to.

"I’m happy with the four schools in my catchment area, so I don’t have that problem, but I definitely would consider moving in a different situation.

"One of my friends drives her child to Southend every day because she decided her child has to go to a private school."

Tanya Mimpress, 38, Blythe Avenue, Shoebury, said: "I had this issue with my eldest child because we lived in the catchment area for Futures and there was no way I was going to have her going there but we weren’t in a position to move.

"I spoke with her teacher in primary school how we could make sure she went to Shoebury High, which involved standing your ground with the council, and it worked.

"When we got a council house, I made sure it was in Shoebury so we could get into that school."

Dennis Thompson, 40, Eastcote Grove, Southend, said: "Personally I wouldn’t move to get closer to a good school, though if the schools were that bad, I might consider moving out of the area.

"But I think having additional education outside school is more important to me, regardless of the school.

"The reason I started the Greedy Fish project was to encourage child literacy, because encouraging children to read outside of school is probably as important as the school, whatever its Ofsted rating."