Hampstead Hill vs Northbridge House vs St Mary's Fitzjohn's

[ZaphodBeeblerox]

Just that really - any feedback on these three prep schools? We've visited all three, have offers from 2 and on the waitlist for 1.
Liked NBH but it seemed a wee bit chaotic, with a hodge podge of classes. Liked St Mary's a lot but we're not catholic and there seems to be a LOT of religious education. HH seems really academic, but our child is a girl and they don't prep or allow you to take 4+ (although seem to have really impressive results at 7+).
So many questions, and DH and I keep going round and round in circles. We didn't grow up in the UK so finding this whole private school business quite tough to navigate. Although we both did thrive in very academic and competitive schools/colleges/higher-ed.

[waterbottle12]

if you want good preparation for the 4+ try Golders Hill in Golders Green.

[ZaphodBeeblerox]

Thanks for replying. @waterbottle12 - do you think so? That's interesting. It's v close to us, but the hours are not working mum friendly at all.

Thanks @Tigermom79 - I'm leaning towards HHS personally. We had a not so great experience with MH - registered days after she was born and they lost our registration and mucked us about a bit. Broadhurst wanted us to start with just afternoon sessions and seemed a bit like they were using us to raise funds, asking for a very large non-refundable deposit very early etc.

Not sure what our target schools are yet - right now perhaps I'd like to focus on schools that are closer to us rather than commuting all the way to Habs or NLCS. But who knows!

[waterbottle12]

@ZaphodBeeblerox they are great at getting into the good schools at 4 and that is the main reason why they no longer have older classes, as so many leave at 4 and 5. I agree the term time hours aren't great for working parents and you'd need a nanny too. Your other option is Clowns which has a different, more pressured approach. HHS will not guarantee to hold your place at reception if you sit the 4+ (unless anything has changed recently)