Belmont/ Mill Hill School

[neverstandonlego]

Does anyone have any views on the Mill Hill Foundation schools of Belmont and Mill Hill?

I know they used to have a poor reputation academically but hear this is changing under the new head. Is it really though or is it marketing talk?

Would it be a mistake to send a bright or possibly very bright child there when most such kids scuttle off down the road to Habs instead? My theory is that since they stream for maths and English in the prep, the top of the streams should be a good level and I don't mind if the whole school isn't full of Habs type super-bright children. It looks like a lovely, balanced school - not hot-house style, but I want to feel dc will be taught at a somewhat faster pace than his current school manages, otherwise I might as well keep him there.

Any views would be great.

There was serious staff turnover under the previous head with talk of great unrest and up to 20% of staff left in a single year. As for now, can't really say.

A year later than the last comment in here but we are considering moving to Mill Hill from East London end of this year as our DS turns 2. We have been told by many that the Mill Hill area is full of amazing primary schools and have a good few preps as well. We did have a look and found the Mill Hill schools but havent visited them yet. Please can someone from last year/this year whos kids have attended this school provide any information?

A big thanks in advance x

We went there today (they had an open day). Did you get a chance to visit freespirit? The pre-prep also has another open day on Monday 08 may.

Hi all
We are considering Belmont Mill Hill for my 12 years old DS. I know it's for a year only and maybe he will join Mill Hill afterwards, but we wanted him to experience the environment. I have geared good stuff about the school education and discipline wise.
I have to move to another country leaving him and his Dad in London. Is it worth it !!
I'm very concerned and as a mum it breaks my heart but if it is for the good worthy experience I'll do it for him.
Please anyone have comments on Belmont !!

My husband is an alumni. If you want your kids to go elsewhere than Mill Hill then Belmobt shouldn't be your first (this is a good general rule for all prep schools tied to a public school). MillHill isn't the best place for academically able children but is great for kids who are sporty/need a good kick up the backside. We won't be send out boys to Mill Hill given the choice but we wouldn't be devastated if they ended up there either. It's perfectly respectable as are it's graduates.

Just wondering if anyone has a view on how the mill hill foundation schools are doing now as considering it for my DD. Grimsdell seems lovely and nurturing and Belmont seems to have a real focus on sport. I have two girls who don't appear to be that sporty so just not sure if it's right for them. I understand people are drawn to get their kids into grimsdell as they can then relax without worrying about the 7 or 11+ buty view is that's only truly appealing if MH is a great and desirable school. Appreciate that what a great school is varies hugley on what you want as a parent. It would be so useful to hear from any parents who currently have children at Grimsdell, Belmont or Mill Hill plus others who may know some of the schools weaknesses? I've heard it's less academic for Haberdashers, City, NLCS, SHAHS etc but is it still considered a strong contender. Thanks for any insights! Also looking at applying for Goodwyn if anyone knows much about that school which is also in Mill Hill.

Goodwyns is rather a marmite school. I don't want to out myself but I know people who left and others who had disappointing outcomes at 11+. The family who own it are seen as cliquey with some local families and the head is a family member unless that has recently changed.

I would be happy for my kids to go to Belmont but not Goodwyns.

We are considering Belmont for our son who will be transferring from a local state primary at 11. He’s sporty, quite bright and very laid back. I think he needs a school that will be on his case to work hard and do his best or he really won’t bother. Any advice would be appreciated.