SHHS v NLCS

[NW3Weinberg]

Hello, has anyone strong views on SHH JS v NLC? My husband and I would like our daughter to attend NLC SS when she's 11 but the bus drive seems a bit much at Junior School level ... (40min from Belsize Park, while SHHS is a mere 5min walk). On the other hand, I'm worried about the level of competition for the 11+ entry at NLC. Many thanks for your help!

You might not get into either. This is really a question for when you have offers.
On a purely theoretical level, I have known 2 girls who changed from SHHS to NLCS during junior school as they weren't being sufficiently challenged. At 11+ it is trickier. You will need to tutor as SHHS does not prepare girls to leave. Why would they? Your competition will be girls from preps that exist to get through the 11+ and bright state primary girls who have been tutoring for 2 or more years.
Also theoretical without offers, the coach journey from Belsize isn't a big deal. DD will have a chaperone and plenty in every year group come from the area. We did it from 4+ and DD has always been super confident and independent.
When you have offers you will need to gauge what your DD is like and what type of parent you are. A clingy child, no matter how bright, might not fare well at NLCS because the school requires them to be independent enough to behave for the chaperone and organise themselves. They must carry their own bags, and follow directions. Girls do get banned from the coach if they are not mature enough. DD1 had a charge a number of years ago whose mum was constantly phoning to ask DD to carry things - sleepover bags, musical instruments, projects- in addition to her own heavy kit. Also kept DD waiting at the door on many occasions while charge had a strop and was habitually risking missing the coach. The coach privilege was withdrawn by the school.

How old is she and does she have a place at either? Both fairly hot-house types of places and not for the faint hearted as has been said above, NLCS much nicer space/grounds but further away from you. If you look at all the angst on here about the 11+ I'd suggest you avoid if at all possible.