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Original poster

Latymer or Henrietta Barnett

36 replies

Magnificentkitteh · 09/10/2025 07:57

My daughter seems to have a decent chance of getting into either of these schools. We are waiting for rank 2 results for Latymer but will never get these for Henrietta Barnett so need to decide which to put as first preference without knowing for sure if she has a place (we are just outside three miles).

They're both a fair journey away (50-60 mins on public transport) but I'm learning towards HBS on the basis that the journey is nicer (one bus and a walk across the Heath extension, or a 2 bus option to the door in bad weather, as opposed to a train and bus or bus and walk along a busy road), but that's fairly marginal.

Obviously one is a girls' school and I can't decide if that is a pro or a con. Dd1 goes to a girls' school but will move for 6th form. DD likes maths and I think Latymer leans towards maths- but so far she's less keen on science. She likes geography/countries and girls' football (though not at high level and could do this out of school).

OP posts:
Foxesandsquirrels · 16/10/2025 11:15

user799568149 · 16/10/2025 09:16

Which rankings are you talking about? When was the last time that HBS didn't have the highest GSCE and A Level results of girls state schools? Or, for that matter, any state schools around London that accept girls?

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Huh? I didn't say they don't. You can look this up yourself? I'm not google?

user799568149 · 16/10/2025 11:51

Foxesandsquirrels · 16/10/2025 11:15

Huh? I didn't say they don't. You can look this up yourself? I'm not google?

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HBS isn't always top

That's what you said. Prove it.

Foxesandsquirrels · 16/10/2025 12:59

user799568149 · 16/10/2025 11:51

HBS isn't always top

That's what you said. Prove it.

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It's your own responsibility to fact check what you read online. I hope that helps.

user799568149 · 16/10/2025 13:10

Foxesandsquirrels · 16/10/2025 12:59

It's your own responsibility to fact check what you read online. I hope that helps.

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I'm just highlighting to other readers on this thread that you're talking BS. Hope that helps.

Foxesandsquirrels · 16/10/2025 17:32

This reply has been deleted

Message deleted by MNHQ. Here's a link to our Talk Guidelines.

Araminta1003 · 16/10/2025 20:27

I do know people who moved for HBS to be close to the school who had eg Non Such or Newstead offers pretty much guaranteed, it does happen. Depends on the family and sometimes what the child wants and often if they already know others at the school. There are also people paying 60k a year for private school or commuting very far for private school even if they get a top grammar school. Each to their own. People need to decide themselves what is best for their families.
On the ethnicity front I have the folllowing to say: Both India and China are the most populous of nations and we often end up with some of their very talented people here and their offspring. Add in the strong work ethic, it is really not something that needs to put anyone off. Most of these kids are gifted, and not just academically.

user799568149 · 17/10/2025 14:28

This reply has been deleted

Message deleted by MNHQ. Here's a link to our Talk Guidelines.

Actually, HBS isn't particularly known for strong emotional intelligence. It is, however, known for requiring good reasoning ability. I doubt we'll run across many children with your attitude towards facts there. Ta-ta.

Original poster
Magnificentkitteh · 17/10/2025 14:44

It's sad this thread has descended into insulting each other. Good luck everyone in making a choice.

OP posts:
justanothermother2023 · 26/09/2026 21:17

Just my opinion here but I personally do not like schools that are single sex or faith based. Single sex schools in particular offer less diversity and therefore in discussion for example, you'd have more skewed views. Girls won't learn to interact with boys on a day-to-day basis. The real world, university, and the modern workplace are mixed. All girls schools delay the daily experience of collaborating, negotiating and communicating with the opposite sex.

I personally would choose Latymer over HBS. Yes, Latymer is in Edmonton where everyone gets mugged but I lived in Edmonton (and went to Latymer) and I never was.

I know everyone has their own opinion and I respect that. This is just mine.

XelaM · 27/09/2026 06:16

justanothermother2023 · 26/09/2026 21:17

Just my opinion here but I personally do not like schools that are single sex or faith based. Single sex schools in particular offer less diversity and therefore in discussion for example, you'd have more skewed views. Girls won't learn to interact with boys on a day-to-day basis. The real world, university, and the modern workplace are mixed. All girls schools delay the daily experience of collaborating, negotiating and communicating with the opposite sex.

I personally would choose Latymer over HBS. Yes, Latymer is in Edmonton where everyone gets mugged but I lived in Edmonton (and went to Latymer) and I never was.

I know everyone has their own opinion and I respect that. This is just mine.

Edited

All of this.

Latymer is a fantastic school and I have not heard of anyone being unhappy with it. I would always choose mixed over single sex.

Stowickthevast · 27/09/2026 08:23

Old thread so presumably @Magnificentkitteh has chosen and their DC has started.

FWIW my DD never got mugged at Latymer and I think only a couple in her year had their phones nicked. I would imagine most London schools have similar stats.

She has just left to go to SMMA for 6th form though as she wanted to be in a nicer part of town with a more convenient journey. It seems like a great school so far.

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