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Original poster

Commute from St Johns Wood to Highgate(Channing)

21 replies

Sanya83 · 31/01/2018 14:50

Hi all

Our daughter has been offered a place at Channing for Reception. We are really happy but just can’t seem to work out the commute. Channing unfortunately doesn’t offer coach services and the tube is not much of an option as it would be too much of a trek for a 5 year old. I just saw that the private bus project run by local parents is not active anymore. Looks like I’d have to get my license and buy a car along with other expenses. Any other options anyone? If anyone knows of a minicab service or a car pool service would be highly useful. Thanks in advance!

OP posts:
EdwinaMarlow · 01/02/2018 09:42

I'd send your dd to a school closer to home. Even with a car that's a horrible school run you're committing to twice a day for potentially the rest of your dd's school career. If there's no public transport what happens at secondary when she will want (and should) to travel on her own to school? It also means you'll be out of the loop for playdates and social life generally.

buzzingmama · 01/02/2018 16:30

It's not the most pleasant ride in morning as you would still need to leave early but then again it is against the traffic as usually the traffic goes the other way into town! It is a fab school though I hear- amazing reputation. Have you had any offers though from schools slightly nearer?

DullAndOld · 01/02/2018 16:32

I wouldn't contemplate it, tbh.
(had children at school in Highgate and a job in St Johns Wood)

DullAndOld · 01/02/2018 16:32

also I knew a girl who was at Channing and had to leave because of really unpleasant bullying.

pigshavecurlytails · 02/02/2018 06:15

lots of channing girls are local so I think your chances of finding a rota are slim, though of course you only need one! Ask the school for a class list with addresses before she starts and suss out if anyone in her year lives close to you. yes, would be very difficult on public transport.

Original poster
Sanya83 · 02/02/2018 10:04

@EdwinaMarlow I agree.. it does seem like a difficult school run. We would be able to think about moving closer maybe in a couple of years - just couldn't do it right now coz of job and other reasons.
@buzzingmama unfortunately haven't got any other offers from nearer schools.

OP posts:
Original poster
Sanya83 · 02/02/2018 10:08

@DullAndOld this is the first negative opinion I've heard of Channing tbh. It's giving me second thoughts!

Can anyone share more info about the school?

OP posts:
Original poster
Sanya83 · 02/02/2018 10:10

@pigshavecurlytails that's a good idea! Thanks so much.

OP posts:
DullAndOld · 02/02/2018 10:11

well tbh it's a school of bright, mostly well-off girls isn't it? There will be some bullying.

Original poster
Sanya83 · 02/02/2018 10:12

@buzzingmama I meant to say thanks too:) yes so far I've heard only good things and hope it all works out!

OP posts:
DullAndOld · 02/02/2018 10:15

have you thought about NLCS - easy tube ride from St John's Wood - or am I stating the obvious?

Original poster
Sanya83 · 02/02/2018 14:33

@DullandOld unfortunately we didn't apply to nlcs:( We didn't think it would suit our daughter's personality.

OP posts:
MrsMarigold · 02/02/2018 14:49

C11 bus from Finchley Road?

buzzingmama · 02/02/2018 15:06

I wouldn't be put off by a report of bullying. There is bullying in EVERY girls school in the country! totally normal, unfortunately you can never escape it. I have known lots of people who have sent children there and overall only fantastic reports back. I would totally advise taking up the place though personally if it is your only offer. To get a place in the first place at Channing is wonderful. You will work around the journey, it's not impossible. Of course if you had an offer from SHHS for example which is much nearer, then that would be different but since no other offers then I would be inclined to accept

Original poster
Sanya83 · 03/02/2018 09:01

@buzzingmama thanks and I agree, majority of feedback has been quite positive. We had applied to SHHS but she didn’t receive an offer. We have decided to accept the offer here and figure out the logistics :)

OP posts:
buzzingmama · 03/02/2018 18:12

Good luck and hope it all goes well for you and your DD!!

McBc15 · 19/02/2018 18:12

Advice please: travelling to upper latymer from Stanmoret

buzzingmama · 20/02/2018 14:10

You take jubilee line to westminster then change onto district for ravenscourt park..
This is a significant journey though for a child?!

Needmoresleep · 20/02/2018 17:12

Play around with TFLs journey planner.

Try it at different times. Also try it without tube, so you know what you do if there was a tube strike. There can be some surprising train routes which work well. Safety, reliability and frequency can be as important as distance. It also helps if you commute against rush hour. DD seemed to get a lot of homework done.

Yvest · 21/02/2018 09:59

Advice please: travelling to upper latymer from Stanmoret Are you really planning on doing this without moving? If so why? Did you not get a place in a local school? It's a fair old trek and I really wouldn't want to be doing it for 7 years. If you have an alternative I'd seriously consider it not least because you'll have next to no local friends. I've never heard of anyone doing that journey when there are so many good local independants

FanDabbyFloozy · 24/02/2018 21:38

I'd go state and try again at other local options at 7 or 11.

It's a good school but is it really worth that trip for such a small child?

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