Please advise ASAP - which secondary school to choose?

[alena17]

Dear all,
I really need your help, and urgent! After taking 11+ exams this January my 11 year old son initially got a place in Aldenham for year 7, and was on waiting list for Mill Hill (Belmont). Today the place in Mill Hill (Belmont) got confirmed. Which one you would advise to choose? Mill Hill wants the answer urgently.
We live between East Finchley and Muswell Hill. Going to Aldenham will mean earlier school bus (7.20 instead 7.40), and day in Aldemham is much longer, they finish at 5.30 pm all days except Fridays. Aldehnam is set in a very picturesque rural surrowndings, we met the Head there - wonderful impression... Actually, both schools are good...
My son was put off Aldenham a bit because of the length of the day and travelling time... Although, the school holidays are the longest in Aldenham.
Does anyone know about their academical susses? Anybody's children going in either of them, personal impressions, etc?
I really have no one to ask for advise. Would be glad to hear your view and comments.

Yours,
Alena

[totallyuseless]

Mill Hill

[AnneOfCleavage]

My nephew is at Mill Hill (Belmont) in Yr6 and is loving it now - took him a while to settle in (came from Lyonsdown). It's a very sporty school which isn't exactly his cup of tea but he is doing well and has been offered an English & Maths scholarship.

Sorry don't know the other school so can't comment. I do find when making very important decisions that a pro & con list for both options is very useful as it helps to see in black & white what you really think.

Good luck with your decision.