St Mary's school Hampstead

[Mosurgia]

Hello,
I have visited St Mary's school Hampstead and I was really impressed by the ethos and how relaxed and happy the girls seemed.

I am considering the school for Yr1 in September 2019.
Is there any parent whose children are currently at the school willing to give me some feedback, thoughts, positive and negatives?

Also we are not catholic so interested to know if this, or the single sex setting is an issue.
Thank you so much - We moved a lot and my daughter has already changed quite few schools so I need to get this right, I cannot afford to make mistakes...
Thank you so much, always got invaluable help from you all.

[WDPP]

I have a daughter at this school a few years on from Y1. I have a very high opinion of it. It's not overtly pushy like some other schools but gets great results out of the girls in a more "child centred" fashion. It's a very kind and nurturing environment and my daughter goes there with great enthusiasm. The head is excellent and gets the girls to take risks and be confident.
The Catholicism is a big part of the school but there are lots of non Catholic girls- Muslim, Hindu etc- who nonetheless feel very included (but the majority of families are Catholic).

[Mosurgia]

Thank you!
Can I ask how many hours of religion do per week? Also they gave the list fo destinations schools for 2017/2018. Any idea where I can view the 2019 one?
Thank you so much you confirmed my impression of the school.

[Frogusha]

the 2018/2019 information is on the website: www.stmh.co.uk/our-school/destination-schools/ RE is 10% of the timetable as per the National Curriculum. But there are also various events such as Praying together in the school chapel (girls write their own lines on whatever the topic, such as friendship, and sing lovely related songs, not hymns).

[Anca123456]

@WDPP @Frogusha Would you be able to tell me how is the outdoor space/playgrounds at St Mary's school? And how may girls are in a class? I am considering it for my daughter who will start Reception in September 2022.

[WDPP]

Outdoor space is an area where St Mary's is streets ahead of its rivals- it has great grounds. Parents from a rival school who came to a sports fixture before covid were really impressed by the space.
My daughter's class has been typically around 15 over the course of her time at the school.
Great school- really recommended. Some people write it off as it's non selective but it is sensitively streamed from about Y4 and girls work in appropriate groups for their strengths and weaknesses.

[Frogusha]

It’s a great playground, broken into different areas - there’s a grass area with a play structure, a small climbing wall, an area for early years, a court for games. It is better facilities than in all neighbouring schools, incl SHHS, St Cristopher, Devonshire House. Outside of London you can find better but I think it’s the best you’d find in this area. In my DDs’ years it’s currently 16 and 18 respectively

[Anca123456]

@WDPP @Frogusha Thank you very much! I am going to book a tour.

[firstppp]

I'm interested in this school too - does this school get oversubscribed typically for all age groups or is it easy to get a place ? Thanks

[Frogusha]

@firstppp, I think it's normally eaiser than in top academic schools but in the beginning of the year my youngest's class had 20, so would not be any room to add anymore. from next term 2 girls moved away (to different countries) and I imagine the places will be filled in with ppl on the waiting list, we'll find out next term. I believe if you transfer in-year there is an admission test.