State/Church primaries in NW3/NW6?

[beforesunrise]

i am starting to think about school for dd1, who is currently 2 1/2. she is down for all the local private schools but i am getting less and less happy with the idea and the practice of her going to private school... not just the costs (which in these credit crunched times ARE a consideration!), but also the social implications of it are starting to really grate on me (ok so maybe i should stop reading the guardian...). plus while i think she is a bright kid, i don't necessarily want to hothouse her- i want a happy, caring school, with a real mix of backgrounds and abilities, and the possibility for her to make local friends. i don't care if she doesnt learn mandarin or violin, tbh.

trouble is i don't know anyone around here who sends their kids to state school! we live at the edge of NW6/NW3.

i was wondering if anyone here has any direct experience of local state schools? church schools could be within our reach as we are catholic.

many thanks in advance!

[bigfatbump]

Malorees Infants is lovely (I used to teach in the Juniors years ago). Haven't been there for a while though but it was always a good school. Lots of fun in the curriculum and arts/music.

[dannyb]

I think that the church school on the corner of Mill Lane NW6 is meant to be good. A friend of mine has been confirmed with a view to sending her daughter there as well as having her down for the local private schools. Knowing the area I understand your concerns about the private schools as there is serious hothousing going on round there. I have another friend with her 3 year old "sitting" this year and the stories she tells me are incredulous. From what I understand, Northbridge house is non selective and meant to be lovely. In addition would you consider Montessori? A friend teaches at the Rainbow school and it sounds great. Likewise what about King Alfreds, I rather like their philosophy.