Looking for independent junior school Watford

[Sevans82]

Can anyone give me some insight into independent schools in and around Watford. I've looked at RMS and St Hilda's but would love some extra info/recommendations. Not looking for academic hothouse, more all round education.

York House, Westbrook Hay and Edge Grove all fit the bill. Very good all round schools with children going into a wide range of schools at 11+ / 13+.

St Columba’s in St Albans is now co-ed

We loved St Hildas.

Our DC were at York house until recently. We had to relocate. LOVED that school. It’s a really outdoorsey school with a mini farm. They do fishing in their pond and have a bmx track. They are also sporty. Academically they sell themselves as not pushy.....and we found that to be the case; there is competitiveness in the classroom but it is driven by the children not the staff. They get lots of kids into local grammars at 11 or public school at 13. We are so sad not to be there anymore.

Thanks @Zodlebud I will take a look, any info on St Margaret's or Aldenham?

Thanks @Ravenspeckingearly that's lovely to hear, I will definitely look at York House

St Margaret’s turned coed in the last few years so still a bit “fresh” to see how the transition is going but I hear good stuff.

I wouldn’t choose Aldenham for a girl. The balance is ok in the prep but at secondary level it’s VERY boy heavy.

If you want an all through school then also have a look at Berkhamsted. Less academic than it makes out to be.

That's so helpful @Zodlebud thank you!

These are all co-Ed - Manor Lodge in Shenley and Radlett Prep both go to 11 and then there’s Edge Grove which goes to 13. They do all have a good track record for getting pupils into academic senior schools but all worth a look to give you some variety and choice. Also they all have lovely grounds and have plenty of outside space which is a big plus inside the M25.

Thank you @KatherineSiena I am interested in the idea of an all-through School, going to see if I can book into some open days to get more of an idea of ethos and values. Keen for an all-round school, decent academics, but not a hothouse!