Top Independent Schools in Lancashire: Where to Live Nearby
For families relocating north, Lancashire offers an exceptional balance of countryside, coast, and connectivity, and some of the top independent schools in Lancashire are set within its most desirable landscapes.
The county combines excellent education with a remarkable variety of places to live, from the green hills of the Ribble Valley to the elegant villages and coastal towns of the Fylde.
Below, we explore two key regions, the Ribble Valley and the Fylde & Preston fringe, each home to top independent schools in Lancashire and desirable locations for family homebuyers.
The Ribble Valley
Characterised by rolling countryside, market towns and handsome stone villages, the Ribble Valley is among Lancashire’s most desirable districts.
It is prized for its rural beauty, space, and direct links to Manchester, Preston, and Clitheroe.
Stonyhurst College: Clitheroe
A historic school with roots dating back to 1593, Stonyhurst College is the oldest Independent Jesuit Catholic day and boarding school in the world.
Set in a 1,000-acre estate, the college’s striking architecture reflects its heritage, while its academic reputation and strong international outlook attract families from across the UK and overseas.
It is also home to the oldest museum in the English-speaking language, providing pupils with a unique experience as well as an inspiring resource for learning.
Westholme School: Blackburn
Set on the western edge of Blackburn, Westholme School provides a unique independent education for students aged 4-18, all together on one site, in the rural Lancashire countryside.
Established in 1923, it is known for its academic achievement, community values, and all-arounded growth, appealing to families who want proximity to both countryside and city amenities.
Where to live near Stonyhurst and Westholme
The Ribble Valley’s villages are among the most desirable in the North West and form a heartland for many of the top independent schools in Lancashire.
Hurst Green, minutes from Stonyhurst, offers a classic English village feel with stone cottages and surrounding farmland. Whalley combines independent shops, wine bars, and Georgian terraces, while Waddington and Ribchester provide quiet lanes lined with handsome period homes.
Langho and Mellor sit on the southern slopes of the valley, balancing rural scenery with accessibility.
Clitheroe, the area’s market-town hub, offers character homes and excellent daily amenities, while Longridge, on the edge of the valley, appeals to those wanting newer properties, views of the fells, and an easy drive to Preston.
Property here ranges from restored farmhouses and converted barns to substantial detached houses with gardens and views, often attracting families relocating for space, privacy, and schooling.
Clitheroe to Manchester takes around an hour by train; Preston is 30 to 40 minutes by car.
The Fylde and Preston Fringe
Stretching from the coast inland towards Preston, this area offers a blend of seaside sophistication, village life, and excellent transport connections.
It suits families who want proximity to leading schools, airports, and motorway routes, yet still value space and intimacy.
Kirkham Grammar School: Kirkham
Founded in 1549, Kirkham Grammar School is a selective, co-educational private day and boarding school with an exceptional academic reputation.
Its position between Preston and the coast makes it convenient for families based in both the Fylde and the surrounding villages.
Rossall School: Fleetwood
Overlooking the Irish Sea, Rossall School combines the tradition of a historic British boarding school with a modern, outward-looking ethos.
It is well known for its international community, strong performing arts, sports, and broad curriculum.
AKS Lytham: Lytham St Annes
A modern, independent day school in a coastal setting, AKS Lytham offers academic rigour in an uplifting, active environment.
Its focus on personal development, creativity, and wellbeing makes it a natural choice for families drawn to the Fylde’s lifestyle.
Where to live near Kirkham, Rossall, and Lytham St Annes
The Fylde is home to some of Lancashire’s most refined addresses and several of the top independent schools in Lancashire.
Wrea Green remains the jewel in the area’s crown, a classic English village with a duck pond, wide green, and fine period homes.
Lytham St Annes brings seaside elegance with Georgian and Edwardian architecture, leafy streets, golf courses, and vibrant centres filled with cafés and boutiques.
For families seeking easy commuting while retaining space, the Preston fringe offers excellent options. Fulwood is a long-established, leafy suburb with grand detached homes and tree-lined avenues.
Goosnargh and Longton provide a semi-rural feel with substantial houses and open views, while Penwortham has become one of Preston’s most popular residential areas, offering large family homes, green space, and quick access to the motorway.
Together, these locations create a cluster of communities that combine high-quality housing, strong transport links, and convenient access to the top independent schools in Lancashire.
Kirkham and Wesham to Preston typically takes 10 to 15 minutes by train. From Preston, the M55 and M6 provide direct links across the North West. Rail services to Manchester take around 50 to 60 minutes.
Lancashire’s educational quality
Families drawn to Lancashire are often motivated by the combination of space, value, and access to outstanding schools.
Between the Ribble Valley and the Fylde, a notable mix of quality schools can be found, making it a popular choice for education-focused families.
These not only include independent schools but also selective state and grammar options, making it an attractive region for relocators.
Finding the right home near the right school
The schools we’ve featured are surrounded by outstanding places to live, each offering a distinct balance of setting, accessibility, and character.
Whether your family is drawn to the open countryside of the Ribble Valley or the coastal calm of the Fylde, Lancashire presents a wealth of options that combine strong education with an exceptional quality of life.
Garrington’s regional property finders have detailed local knowledge across Lancashire, from the Ribble Valley’s historic villages to the elegant homes of Lytham, Wrea Green, and the Preston fringe.
If you are relocating with family, choosing the right school will be high on your list of priorities. Our team can help you identify the best areas and properties to suit your family’s needs.
If you would like expert guidance to find a home near one of the top independent schools in Lancashire, we’d be delighted to hear from you. Contact Garrington for a no-obligation consultation.
