Devonshire House & North Bridge House

[googlesmom]

I am 2 months new to London and am trying to figure out about schooling for my 2.5 year old DD. I have applied only to the above two schools as I am keen for my DD to have a co educational school experience. While i liked North Bridge House, I was honestly very impressed with Devonshire House. I am confused why many people call both these two schools as backup options (what are the preferred first options then??). Also which amongst both these schools are better?

[sanam2010]

don't worry about people calling them back-up options, there are some fiercely competitive schools in North London, like Highgate (co-ed), Arnold House and The Hall (boys' only), they can have 5-10 applicants to one place and people stress about it for years, hire tutors, send their kids to certain overpriced nurseries to give their kids better chances of getting in, so in that sense DH could be a back-up option. But it doesn't mean it is not a good school nor that everybody gets in, in fact I know quite a few bright children who didn't get into DH either (NBH I think most get in).

[googlesmom]

thanks sanam2010.. its very overwhelming figuring out about schools here. between Devonshire House and NBH which is a better school, I keep getting mixed reviews? Devonshire House has a good rating in Oftsed and NBH has an outstanding rating in Ofsted

[Tiggermum14]

i think they are fairly equal although anecdotally I know more people who are happy with NBH. It seems to me like DH is often used as a stepping stone as it might be the only place that has spaces when someone moves into the area, so perhaps has more expats. But that could be a skewed reference pool! Geography is important too, DH is in the heart of Hampstead whereas NBH junior has the two sites. Both seem to do pretty well at 11+. I guess it comes down to your gut feel - good luck with your decision!

[letsplayscrabble]

Yes, as sanam2010 said they are anecdotally not people's first choice as they are less selective than some others in the area.

[Lovkesh]

Hello Zombie,

I was going through this theard and like to know more about the North Bridge House Nursery School. We got offer from the school for Sep 2016 Reception class for my son. Please could you guide us whether you are satisfied with the school ? We are looking for the Acedemics school for my son. Thanks in advance for your response.

Regards,
Lovkesh