Pleas help -Highgate or South Hampstead for daughter

[CupcakeMilly]

I didn't think we would be luckily enough to get offers for both so I know a lucky position but now totally confused. We have always been very keen on Highgate and now I am questioning whether my 7 year old daughter be happier at SH. Academically they are on equal footing however it is where she will be most happiest and feel most confident as she grows up. My daughter loves art, music and drama. She is for sure a sensitive soul but popular amongst her friends. My thinking was that mixed is healthier, less intense especially as she grows older. However I am now thinking that at an all girls would suit her as she is not at all interested in boys and often complains about them at her current school. Logistics wise we are easy as even though we live more highgate direction it is not an issue as we have to go to Hampstead anyway to drop son. I would love to know from any current parents especially from either school with daughters what their experiences have been, are your daughters happy? how does the school deal with the usual friendship issues? We adore the grounds of Highgate and my daughter wants to go to simply as she loved all the space. I think SH also sometimes unfairly gets a bad press which is why we have always favoured Highgate, but to be honest when we visited the girls all seems pretty enthusiastic about school life there. Main question is where do you think girls would have a more positive time? (fun/dynamic/creative time?) Any thoughts be greatly appreciated.

[MN164]

Very much watching for responses here.

One bit of research on the drama front. As a measure of the seriousness and resources put towards it.

Drama GSCEs 2015
SHHS 25 getting A*/As (on average)
Highgate 14 getting As

Clearly both good, but SHHS is exceptional in London.

[LarkDescending]

What a great dilemma to have! I know, and have known, very happy students and parents at both schools.

What I would say about Highgate (which I know more about) just as a personal observation is that the children I know there have been very happy regardless of personality - sensitive children just as well as more robust types. There seems genuinely to be room for everyone.

The same may well be true at SHHS for all I know, but it just happens that the girls I've known there have all gone in robust & confident to start with.

One factor you may want to bear in mind is the uncertainty as to future leadership at SHHS following the head's announcement that she is moving on this summer after only three years' tenure.

Re Highgate, I agree with your DD that "all the space" is a real selling point, as is the fact that the school is closer to where you live (walkable when she's a bit older perhaps?). Once she gets into all that is on offer at school, you may well find that DD being able to go to & fro independently is a real bonus.

[TashLenny]

Hello! So curious where you ended up sending your daughter! I am facing the same dilemma now! Please reply!!