Shoreditch, three kids (3-8), looking for good private school

[katevillage]

Flummoxed by lack of top private schools in the N1/EC1 area.
Have a boy (very bright) and two younger girls (one smart, one arty).
Ages 3-8. DH and I want to plan their schooling now so that we don't have to think about it anymore. Relocating from abroad to our old neighbourhood, which we love. Shoreditch is certainly a more interesting place to live in than Hampstead, but it seems that NW3 is where all the good private schools are!
Any advice gratefully received...

Hello, didn't want you to go unanswered as you've posted various messages. I'm in N1 but was so horrified with the private schools I looked at locally that I opted for state (and am really happy with my decision on many levels). Westminster is a gamble however bright your son is and if you were really set on trying for it, I'd probably opt for one of the NW3 prep schools. That said, I did just hear of a boy doing the 10+ for Colet Court from a normal state school and getting it but he is off-the-scale bright.
I think you might have missed the 7+ and the 8+ exams anyway so it might be just where you can get spaces. Another option is to find a nice state school and do some tutoring and go for the 10+ at City Boys. They take at least half their intake from state schools so you're at no disadvantage.
On a completely different note and nothing to do with me, but don't you worry about classifying your children as arty/smart at such a young age? My children are the same ages and genders but I'd be really wary of it becoming self fulfilling as they're always changing and developing.

The Lyceum is fairly local to you. Have a friend whose kids go there and love it.

lyceumschool.co.uk/index.html

Wouldn't you be in catchment for Prior Weston? Can't see much reason to pay if you have that on your doorstep, tbh.

Lyceum, my DD goes there and loves it. Non-selective intake, nursery till age 11. Don't know what spaces they may have.

Many arty Shoreditch parents seem to choose state, and I agree with others that you shouldn't rule it out.. Prior Weston & Columbia Road are top choices. Alternatively, I've heard of Rosemary Works in N1, but only by name. Gatehouse is definitely popular, but it's the far end of E2.

Presume you've checked out the Children's House - www.childrenshouseschool.co.uk/schools.html?

hi, I see some primary kids in the n1 area who have as their school uniform rust coloured breeches and oatmeal socks. Its a very distinctive uniform do you know what it is?
Theres always clsg - which is not easy to get into

I've never seen that uniform and I've lived and breathed Islington and it's schools for the past 12+ years!!

Rust coloured breeches sounds like Hill House school.

Thanks for the advice - was not aware of state school options, so good to know. I will now investigate. We may also look at Dallington for the arty and St Pauls Cathedral for the smarty. With a view to upgrading all to St Pauls if arty turns smarty... Really wish there was a wider choice in Islington... unsure about the City London schools - reminded me of giant factories/offices. Mine might get lost in the mix.

Mumsnet is great!