Non selective private schools in London that put happiness first?

[Legoeverywhere123]

We’re looking to move back to London and I’m struggling to find a school that isn’t very academically / results focused.

My kids are bright and love learning, but I want a school that puts happiness first and helps kids become autonomous learners and concentrates a lot on helping children to understand themselves, and support their mental health and self esteem. (Basically the stuff that lots of wonderful private nurseries do!)

Can anyone recommend any schools that I can look at that truly put happiness first? But that aren’t totally chaotic at the same time?!

(I’m not really into Steiner.)

Have a look at schools that offer the IB PYP programme.

www.ibo.org/programmes/find-an-ib-school/?SearchFields.Region=ibaem&SearchFields.Country=GB&SearchFields.Language=English&SearchFields.BoardingFacilities=&SearchFields.SchoolGender=&SearchFields.ProgrammePYP=true

Mount House fits your criteria. It's a very nurturing school.

Not in London, but commutable - St Christopher’s might be worth checking out.

www.stchris.co.uk

Gardener group - Kew and Maida Vale.

@Legoeverywhere123

The Cavendish is Camden - www.cavendishschool.co.uk/
St Christopher's Belsize Park - www.stchristophers.london/
The Village - Belsize Park - thevillageprepschool.com/
King Alfred School - www.kingalfred.org.uk/
St Margaret's Bushey - www.stmargarets-school.org.uk/
St Margaret's Hampstead - www.st-margarets.co.uk/
Heathside Hampstead (if they've sorted out their issues)
Aldenham - www.aldenham.com/
Channing School (can be good, but parents need a watchful eye to navigate the party social scene during Years 9 -11). www.channing.co.uk/

@Snoopsnoggysnog and @Holidaydreamingagain can I ask why you think that? My (very sensitive) LO has just started there and I'm a bit worried to read this :(

Coming onto echo St Chris in Letchworth, Herts. It’s a wonderfully different school. DS is in seniors there but I wish I’d moved him sooner. He has many friends that take the school bus from north London.

@TinaYouFatLard (fab username!), how long does the bus take from N London and what are the academics like?

I never understand this. Are children just getting brighter and more academic. Where have all these super bright kids come from? And who in the private sector is catering for children of average or beow average academic ability?

@goldfinchonthelawn , there are lots of options for dc who can't get into Claremont / Radnor:
St Teresa's effingham
The Manor House Bookham
St. James's Ashford
Halliford
Ewell castle
Downsend
LVS Ascot

I would say it's more dc going to the central London day schools rather than boarding schools that has put pressure on central London schools, so someone who may have gone to Kings Wimbledon now goes to Epsom college and the person who didn't get into Epsom now goes to Claremont etc.

Lots coming over from Russia and Ukraine right now.

@goldfinchonthelawn to add to what @hockeygrass said, a lot of families have opted for London day schools because boarding is so expensive now. However, there isn't much difference in cost between the two once scholarships of 20% plus are factored in.

@hockeygrass I had no idea most of those schools had easier admissions than Claremont and Radnor. Good to know as people do ask.

Halliford School in Shepperton

but it is outside your area sorry

Source? There was a silly thread a few months ago saying that privates were suffering from an exodus of Russians. Your statement seems equally silly.

I work in a school. I take calls. I work with relocation agencies.

Still silly?

so rude!

I think the OP is looking for co-ed, but if you would consider all girls then St Augustine’s in Ealing is a beautiful school. Very focussed on pastoral and an amazing rich co-curriculum programme, with incredible grounds (13 acres) a farm with ducks and lambs, allotment. It is not as liberal as St Chris, so would suit someone looking for a supportive, easy-going school in terms of the pressure from the pupils/parents and teachers, but with a more traditional set up. They still get great results despite not being super selective on intake. It really is a God Send when you consider the other all girls choices in west London.

My point is that people don’t just walk into a selective school, hence, Russians and Ukranians can’t possibly be taking up spaces yet. Plus, there’s the issue of waiting lists for people who have already applied.

Not all privates are selective. Not all selectives have the same competition - ie St Paul’s versus a private in a commuter town.

But hey, my colleagues and I must be dreaming then.

The Academy School in Hampstead might fit the bill (but could be marmite) academyschoolhampstead.com

King Alfred’s already mentioned - if you can get a place - be very very persistent and it can happen.

the Cavendish in Camden (girls) is lovely.

Northbridge House is less selective than others around and the prep is excellent.

Northbridge has a very good reputation. Nice Head.

Sorry I know this is an old thread but I’ve been looking at Mount House for my dd for sixth form. Do you have personal experience of the school @XelaM ?

Yes, my daughter is in Year 9 there and we love the school.

It has been great for my daughter and there are many new joiners in her year. She has really changed from a kid who was absolutely not at all academic to one who is now doing super well. It's been a total transformation this year. The kids are nice and there are countless extra curricular activities and really nice school trips. My daughter is currently in New York with the school.

I'd say it has the right balance between not being too strict but still maintaining good behaviour standards.