Nicest all-through (4-16) school you’ve come across? Moving back to the uk (possibly London).

[Littlesock]

So I’ve been posting a lot about schools lately! As I’m trying to work out the best thing to do.

We’re equally led by area and school. But there’s so many I don’t know where to start!

What’s the nicest all through (4-16) school you’ve come across? One that is a warm and happy place where kids enjoy being there?

Our favourite areas are in London (east / north) but we’d look at a completely different place, too. But if we’re not doing london, tempted to go somewhere completely different rather than commuter belt!

Help me get my head straight!!

Please give more info:
Private
State
Mixed
Single sex
Religious
Near London
Miles from anywhere eg norfolk
In a village or town
Academic
Etc etc

Yes that info would probably be helpful!

-Private as I’m guessing state doesn’t exist in this category?
-Definitely mixed
-I’m not religious but I’m not against religious schools - so as long as they welcome (completely) secular families
-Either in London (north and east are my preferred areas) or wild card out! And if out, then we like the Cotswoldsy type places and Somersety places! But if I’m excluding somewhere really amazing in another part of London or the country then i’m interested. Probably giving myself far too much choice!

We have the freedom to live where we want (we have always been wfh even before covid) and it’s great but very, very confusing! London is where we were before and where we enjoyed being and where our family lives. But we’re open to another life!

Honestly, it depends on your children. mine are happy at 2/3 schools we have.

What part of the world are you currently in and do you want a diversity/culture? For example there is a lovely school in Woodbridge in Suffolk but the area isn't very diverse although rich in traditional country culture.

The Westgate school in Winchester is an all through mixed state school. My children haven't been there but it has a good reputation. It's in Winchester which is beautiful and only an hour from London.

I hear great things about Caterham, and also Sutton Valence.

If you’re happy to look as far out as Somerset, have a look at www.hazlegrove.co.uk/about/king-s-bruton-foundation. It is one foundation through from nursery to upper sixth, with Hazlegrove prep and Kings Bruton senior. Highly recommend it - have had great experiences with the whole school.

If you are committed to London but would consider SE, then I would recommend Alleyn’s - have had a very positive experience so far. Warm, welcoming, academic, musical, theatrical etc and pastoral care seems very good for the limited times we have needed it

There are through school in the state sector - Dunraven and St Mary Magdalene, for eg.
I don’t think they are a great idea though. It’s good to be able to leave behind your 5 year old self a bit, and that’s harder in the same school. Also secondaries w 6th forms are def better than those without, but one school 5-18 is (IMO) a poor choice…

St Margaret’s in Bushey, Hertfordshire is well worth a look - co-ed, 2-18, something like 70 acres of lovely outdoor space which they really make the most of, and a bus network which extends into north London for easy access.

Kings wood in Bath (Methodist but mostly non religious pupils, know several families with kids who have been there who are not religious)
cheltenham college

If We had more freedom of location I would try and get ds1 to one of the above as it always feels better if you have some knowledge of the school than have to pick based on website/open day.

I suspect there are loads of good options all over the country. We are single sex heavy very locally to us (Oxfordshire) with mostly separate junior/secondary.

This is just my opinion, but I have friends/colleagues/relatives who have said the London private school scene is more competitive and generally stressful than outside London and there are not many coed’s. Not to mention house prices!

It depends on your child. I agree on Alleyns but its very academic and difficult to get into. If you aren't fussed about the school being very academic then you'd open up a lot more options by considering a prep and then a secondary as London doesn't have lots of all through co-ed options.

My search for an all-through is because my DS will be 9 when we get back, and I think it’s better to go for one school move - rather than one now and one in a year or so to secondary. I’m not sure, feels like it would easier on him?

What sort of boy is you DD what does he like? What sports! Or is he interested in arts? Is he academic? Or does he need support? All of that is going to affect suggestions.

I work in a not-all-through independent, and it's really not uncommon to have families place a child in prep for a couple of years on arrival in the UK, and then move to a senior school. They generally seem to do fine. So if you can't find a school that feels right all the way through, then I wouldn't worry too much about another move.

NB if you're going to do that, then you're probably better to decide on the secondaries you want to aim for first, and then look for a prep/primary in the same area.

If 'not London' then maybe Sidcot? www.sidcot.org.uk/

...and I should mention Leweston as it's round the corner from me! Nearer for visiting London family too.
www.leweston.co.uk/

Aldenham
Royal Russell
Berkhamsted (coed to 11, single sex to 16, coed sixth form)
Bedford Modern
Westonbirt

A little bit further out but still great rail links into King's Cross and Liverpool Street is King's School Ely which goes from 3-18. Worth a look perhaps.

If you go private your son can move at 13 not 11 so still plenty of time. Also the case in counties w the 3 school system.

Rutland is a lovely area, and popular with commuters, but beautiful countryside etc.

It has 2 very good private schools (Oakham and Uppingham) as well as at least one extremely good state secondary school (Catmose College). The sixth form college, Harrington School, which is a state school is VERY VERY good and has ties with Russel Group universities and had something like 54% of results were A* or A in the summer. For primary school there's the private Brooke Priory, or there are several very good state primaries.

Downside - not much to do! As the kids get older, they tend to have to travel for cinema, bowling, etc. But it really is a lovely part of the country.

Have you looked at Highgate?

My friends grandkids go to Sidcot in Somerset. He highly rated it (he pays the fees) It's preschool-18.

there is a non-private c of e school that covers the whole age range, in hendon.
might be a bit difficult to get into if you are not churchy.
in the private sector, what about king alfreds, golders green, edge of the garden suburb.
most kids would appreciate being in london.
far more to do independently, with good public transport.
out in the sticks you have to take them everywhere, which limits their social life, imo.