Can we do stereotypes of parents at the various london private schools?

[FireWail]

I know, I know, not everyone fits the mould etc, but every school must have a particular vibe.

I'm curious to know how you would describe the typical family at various London schools - are some more corporate, some heavy on the highlights and gold bangles, some more liberal and creative?

Personally I am interested to know about South Hampstead, Channing, Highgate, City of London Girls, Haberdashers Girls, North London Collegiate, Belmont, King Alfred's, Highgate... but would be quite entertained to hear others too!

[Tansie]

This won't end well....

[Shootingatpigeons]

Is there an emoticon for

[Unexpected]

Why would this be of interest?

[Mintyy]

Isn't this something of a niche subject?

Its going to be a rare person who can compare the parents at all those schools.

I'm all agog for the replies!

[Shootingatpigeons]

Mintyy Yes I think it is something more often discussed over lunch in Hampstead amongst other north london yummy mummys

[GoldenBeagle]

Is this a state/private thing? I doubt it, I am sure the OP is from one of those supposed cliques herself. Who else would know about the steretypes projected on to rival schools?

Come on OP, you start! Perhaps with your own school

[NinjaCow]

Um...why just London? And, in general, just why?

[diabolo]

This really won't end well. It'll descend into a state v private slagging match like always, with all the usual posters.

And who wants to stereotype people like this anyway. I'm about as opposite as it's possible to get from a "typical prep school mum". And glad about it.

[BrianTheMole]

You start with yourself then firewail. What stereotype do you fit in to?

[diabolo]

A typical imaginary MN type prep school mum I should add.

[handcream]

Why do you want to know? Do you want to be one of them?

I have two children and very well known private boarding schools. There are all sorts of parents. Dont try and fit in or put them in stove pipes. There is a real mix from children on full busaries to ones who dont even think about the school fees.

[Helpyourself]

ninja those aren't even just London schools- they're Marks and Spencer schools of an absolutely tiny demographic.
I wouldn't have joined in if it was about schools I know, oh no.

[VoyageDeVerity]

What on earth are you on about?

[ThreeBeeOneGee]

I went to one of the above schools. Was living with my grandparents, but my grandfather died when I was 13, so my grandmother raised me as a single parent. She didn't drive due to visual impairment. We lived in a 3-bed semi. Is this the sort of thing you're looking for?

[ThreeBeeOneGee]

I'm fairly certain my grandmother would not have been happy if you'd tried to fit her into a stove pipe.

[LoveIsTheDrug]

ThreeBee - you elitist monster

[LoveIsTheDrug]

[squeaver]

Very interesting first ever post, FireWail...

[ThreeBeeOneGee]

at LoveIsTheDrug

[tumbletumble]

I went to one of the above schools. My parents were pretty average middle class I'd say - both worked in the public sector (civil servant and health visitor). No family money. Definitely not corporate, definitely no highlights or bangles (my mum was a bit too busy working full time and we didn't have a cleaner). Not particularly liberal or creative either. Just normal really! I was on a scholarship if that makes a difference.

[Mignonette]

Are you a journo? Sounds like somebody researching one of those daft Tatler articles.

[DowntonTrout]

I have a child at a London private school, but not one you mentioned.

Firstly, I'm very nice, a northerner, quite down to earth. I do wear make up everyday but I don't have highlights or Botox.

Some mums are Hampstead ladies who lunch. One or two are celebs. Some are wealthy Russians or Middle Eastern expats. Some have chauffeurs picking them up, some use public transport.Most are just ordinary people who work hard to pay the fees and come in all shapes and sizes. Nobody cares. Not sure why any of that would be entertaining.

[squeaver]

South Hampstead - sleepy
Channing - grumpy
Highgate - hammy
City of London Girls - frumpy
Haberdashers Girls - dozy
North London Collegiate - beaky
Belmont King Alfred's - titchy
Highgate - scratchy

HTH!!