Highgate School vs Soth Hamptead School

[Mamusik20]

Hello Ladies, we were unexpectedly lucky and my daughter received 7+ offers from both school and we are in a huge dilemma know. Logistically SHS is more convenient for us but I do not think that it is the most important factor to base your decision on. I know that both schools are great but from talking to other mums it feels as Highgate is a bit more into math and science whereas SH is more art/English and creativity. May I please ask you to share your opinion of both schools, I will appreciate any advice.

I have a DC at Highgate senior school. She did not go to the prep so i cant comment specifically on it (other than to say that her friends who went to the prep all seemed to really enjoy it). We have been to some talks held in the junior school hall and i thought it was an amazing space, a lovely place to go to school.

DD had offers at 11 from SHHS and a couple of other all girls schools. For her the deciding factor was the fact that she preferred co-ed and to my mind that feels like the biggest difference (also size), so in your shoes i would probably choose based on whether you have a preference for single sex or co-ed, at least assuming the journey is manageable (otherwise if you don't have a strong preference i would go for easiest journey).

Again cant comment on the junior school but DD's strengths are more on the art/humanities side and she is very happy with the teaching and provision in these areas and is doing well, so i would not say Highgate was weak in these areas. However, nor do I get a sense that maths and science are seen as being for the boys.

I would think about the following:
The traffic going up to Highgate is disgusting at the best of times so do factor in journey time.
SHHS is very small. I went to a job interview (finance position) there and there is hardly any outside space, the place is nice but small with lots of stairs. They spend a LOT of money on bussing the girls to their sports pitch a mile down the road.
Highgates grounds are, as I'm sure you've seen, amazing.
In your position I would really think about if I want coed or single sex, the journey and the level of extra curricular they offer. Highgate offers beekeeping and shooting but that's great on paper, not so great when your child has no interest in it and it's reflected in the higher fees.
Highgate is also much more diverse further up the school imo. They offer a lot of bursaries and the LAE Tottenham students are often at Highgate for events and share teachers and at times lessons. SHHS just doesn't have the size or money to accommodate that BUT some people really don't want that. Ultimately your child is v bright to get into those schools and she'll do well anywhere and can move at 11 if your choice doesn't suit her.

If you live near SHHS the journey to Highgate up over Whitestone pond is hideous at that time of day and all the back routes are full too. Take SHHS. Highgate junior IMHO is far too big, I don’t much rate the head who seems a bit slippery and with that choice and where you live I’d take SHHS.

Highgate is gorgeous (but then I've never been to SHHS). I would always pick co-ed over single sex, but that's just my personal opinion.

Thanks everyone for your advice, we accepted SHHS in the end. I am sure she will be happy there and more play dates with boys, luckily we have plenty of contacts 🙏

You will love missing that traffic so I think you've made a great decision. She will love it I'm sure.

We are keen on co-ed, anyone know much about Highgate Senior, is it extremely selective? Any info appreciated.

Any views on prep vs all through school specifically Newton prep vs Highgate?