Help with choice of schools Northwood area

[Babymay]

Hi all, just wondered if anyone had any views on a few schools for my DD. First choice is do we go private or state? And which schools in the area are good. We have been to see a few inc. St Helen's, Northwood college, Eastbury Farm, Reddiford but confused as what to do. Have heard NLCS is good but the travel from northwood would be too much. Also seen Frithwood. Our top choice is Northwood College or Reddiford, but do you think it's worth the money? Is there any difference between the schools? Difficult choice, do we go state till 11 then private? Just wondered if any one had views?

Any advice please?

My experience is of state primaries in Northwood. They are all pretty good - and I know a few children who have started in state and moved to private at 8 or 11 (and in the other direction too!).

When are you applying? I have heard the Head of Frithwood is retiring soon so worth bearing in mind. I used to hear very good reports of Eastbury Farm but the people I know have moved onto secondary now.

I can't help with the decision on whether it's worth spending to go private - personally I did very well coming from the state primary and secondary schools on the area but I am old and not you!

EF is my closest! I am the other side of Sandy Lane though. Think Frithwood is going to be my third of the four choices I get on the Hertfordshire form. Not at all sure what to put fourth. I'm trying to avoid a couple of the schools on the estate. Holy Trinity is good, apparently, if you meet the faith criteria?

Babymay sorry for slight hijack - Andifatentontruck I am guessing you're considering driving to Frithwood from S Oxhey? Look at Hillside in Northwood too.

Frithwood is good but, as said above, head is retiring next year. For private you could also consider Royal Masonic in Rickmansworth - seems to have a good blend of academic, sport and pastoral.

drive or cycle that big beast of a hill! , yes. depends on whether school run combines with a further commute by car/tube really. I think Hillside is so far on the list by distance (i.e. there are many closer which aren't oversubscribed) that it would be a wasted bid unfortunately.

Also sorry for hijack ... your actual question was state vs private. We are only considering state, but have been 'advised' left right and centre that private primary can offer a head start in preparing for grammar school entrance (which means 'free' for the important years in which a lot of the extracurricular expenses also fall). Spend to save, you might call it!