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!!

Wells Cathedral School in Somerset

I wouldn't focus on a through school.
I'd focus on the right school.

FWIW we moved (back) to the UK when the kids were 8 and 10. Oldest did one year of primary, then moved again. In some ways it worked well, as he adjusted to the UK, but got a chance not to be the kid with the weird background at secondary - most of his mates now probably dont know he lived abroad. He is a social bod tho.
Youngest found it harder - yet had longer at primary (all be it covid affected). But he is an introvert who hates putting his name out there.

Blundells in Devon. It's incredibly friendly and inclusive. It's only 2 hrs on the train from London and boarding from Yr 7.

Choose something pleasant outside London with quick and convenient public transport to your chosen school and near shops, cinemas, and other adolescent recreational sites. I lived far away from the other girls at my private school, and could only walk to relatives’ or family friends’ houses. It wasn’t fun.

I wonder how much difference it makes being in an all-through school. I think most are larger for the 11+ year groups, so there's still a certain newness as lots of new pupils arrive. If a 9 year old arrived in our village primary they would then move on with the majority of their classmates who form about 40%+ of the intake at the local secondary, so it's not like starting all over again.

I like the American School and Highgate