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Original poster

JCoSS (vs a top private school)

31 replies

Buru · 21/04/2023 11:59

Good morning all. There is an old thread on JCoSS, so I thought I’d start a new one to get more recent reviews and insights.

We have just unexpectedly received a place at JCoSS, which was our top choice for a state school together with Yavneh. However, as our original state school option was at the bottom of our wishlist and DD did very well on 11+ exams, we accepted an offer from a top private school in north London.

We feel a bit confused now, as a private school is of course a lot of money (and we have two more children), and JCoSS seems to have a great reputation. Can moms please share their experience and views on JCoSS and the area for raising children (in particular, if there are many options for extracurricular activities at a semi-professional level (sports, gymnastics, ballet etc)? Would you choose it over a selective private school if you had that option?

We will be moving up north from central London, so it’s a huge change for us and I would welcome any views and opinions on the matter.

OP posts:
PatriciaHolm · 21/04/2023 12:32

thesunsoutagain · 21/04/2023 12:07

You will get more responses if you clarify what these acronyms are for. You are assuming that we all know what you are talking about

If you don't know what JCoSS stands for, you don't know anything helpful for the OP, though.

OP, JCoSS is an excellent school, but of course what you get there that you won't get at the alternative is the Jewish education, so I suspect a large part of your decision should be on how important the Jewish side of it is. Compared to, say, NLCS, it will be quite a different focus, as well as saving you £20k+ a year!

Lochroy · 21/04/2023 12:30

No worries OP, thanks for explaining. I also used to live in SW London but to me, up North was Yorkshire!

Hope you get some actually helpful replies Smile

Original poster
Buru · 21/04/2023 12:26

Thank you @Lochroy and @thesunsoutagain and apologies - I see a lot of acronyms used on Mumsnet and assumed it’s customary/expected.

JCoSS is the Jewish Community Secondary School in New Barnet, London. The other school we are considering is also in north London. We’re not considering moving outside of London but it’s nevertheless a big change for us, as we are now in SW area.

DD is “darling daughter” if I correctly understood Mumsnet jargon.

OP posts:
Lochroy · 21/04/2023 12:19

Well I looked because I'm inquisitive and whilst I'm still none the wiser on the acronyms, (no, not going to google because I'm not that interested), I chuckling away at the description of moving "up North" and had to double check the OP still meant within London.

Watch out, OP, I've heard it's grim up North Smile

DorotheaDiamond · 21/04/2023 12:13

thesunsoutagain · 21/04/2023 12:07

You will get more responses if you clarify what these acronyms are for. You are assuming that we all know what you are talking about

That’s unnecessary! Anyone who has info to help the OP will know so if you don’t know it’s not relevant to you anyway!

thesunsoutagain · 21/04/2023 12:07

You will get more responses if you clarify what these acronyms are for. You are assuming that we all know what you are talking about