More cash less stress

Corpus Christi Catholic Primary School in Brixton was one of the winners in the 2001 Evening Standard London School Awards and Barbara Philpott, 26, was its star teacher.

But while friends working in more glamorous professions were buying new houses she was sharing a flat in Crystal Palace with a friend for £600 a month in rent. "With my student loan to repay I was getting even deeper in debt and with no hope for the future," she said. Brixton's loss is Huntingdon's gain. Ms Philpott is now working at Stukeley Meadows Primary School and living a few minutes away by bike in a flat which costs a third to rent.

"I now have more time and more money, but less stress. I am sad to have had to leave Brixton but the irony is that I can actually enjoy weekends in London now."