St Christopher's Hampstead - why so many heads? also St Christopher's v South Hampstead High

[Orsman48]

Toured St Christophers and really liked it. The current head is only temporary and have heard they have had several heads these last 6 years? Any idea why? Any St Christopher's parents out there .. is all ok there? Or have these changes been disruptive?

Have yet to tour South Hampstead High but how does it compare to Channings and St Christopher's ? Channings girls seemed more subdued and traditionally studious.. St Christopher's more gregarious and intellectual. How does SHHS compare? I know it's meant to be the most 'academic' at least based on test results of the three.. but what is the overall flavour?

[user149799568]

Mrs West, who had been head for 14 years, retired in 2016. Mrs Symes, her replacement, left on very short notice with little official explanation in early 2017. Mrs Lough was appointed interim head through the remainder of 2017. Mrs Crawford-Nash was appointed the new head at the beginning of 2018. Mrs Crawford-Nash stepped down in early 2019 for medical reasons. Mrs Lough is now doing a second stint as interim head until the governors can appoint a new permanent head.

How does SHHS compare? I know it's meant to be the most 'academic' at least based on test results of the three.

What test results do you consider applicable to all three schools?

[dietcokemum]

there are no test results applicable to all 3! Clearly if you can get into a through school and avoid the 11+ you'll do that, so St. C is generally going to have those in it who didn't get in to SHHS, Channing, Habs or NLCS at 4. Doesn't necessarily mean they are less bright, they might just not have been ready for the 4+.

[user149799568]

Clearly if you can get into a through school and avoid the 11+ you'll do that, so St. C is generally going to have those in it who didn't get in to SHHS, Channing, Habs or NLCS at 4.

Actually, that's not clear at all. Many Hampstead parents have higher hopes than SHHS or Channing for senior school, e.g., SPGS. And many Hampstead parents decide, on further reflection after receiving multiple offers, that an hour-and-a-half every day on the bus to Habs or NLCS is too much for a 4 year old.

You are correct that St Christopher's has some girls who did not get into one of the all-throughs at 4+, but it also has plenty of girls who turned down the all-throughs at 4+.

[Orsman48]

Yes.. Liked St Christopher's much much more than Channing. Although Channing might be more 'academic' I found the girls at St Christopher's much more impressive (more dynamic and articulate, not as mousy as those we observed at Channing) Haven't toured SHHS yet so was curious how it compared (not just academically) but in terms of personality (for lack of better word) as well
I myself went to an 'elite' all through and was desperate for a change at secondary but certainly recognise that 11+ is v stressful

To any St C parents here, I take it the changes re head of school have not been too disruptive ? Or have they ?

Lastly might one say that St Christopher's is similar to Trevor-Roberts ? (other than the fact that TR is co-ed of course..) similar atmosphere and ethos ? Or quite different

[JustOneDD]

@Orsman48 OP, which did you choose in the end and are you happy? We are in a similar position trying to choose between St Christopher’s and SHHS and would love to hear your views.