Private secondary schools east London?

[Schoolquestionnnn]

Ds is unhappy at primary so we’re starting to consider private schools for secondary.

Are there any apart from Forest in East London?

Would love any insights!

@Schoolquestionnnn

How old is he at the moment, OP?

Do you know why he feels so unhappy?

There is Bancrofts in Woodford Green. Very academic coed school. Also Chigwell just across the Essex border, not quite as high flying, but selective and very solid. Further out and less selective, but still sound is St Edmonds Catholic private school.

Honestly I don’t know.

He says it’s boring and he doesn’t get to play enough. He also says it’s boring because the learning they do isn’t exciting (no fun science experiments, lots of writing sentences in literacy and it’s not interesting - he says) but this is me dragging the “why” out of him. But he cries going in and out of school some days (just to me and his dad, not in front of friends or teachers).

I’ve spoken to his teacher who says he’s a bright child with friends, so she doesn’t know. It was a very unhelpful conversation. She says she knows he doesn’t like school though.

He does very well at school if you only judge him by his end of year report! But he hates it.

It’s a week away and the tears have started up about it again.

But he’s been like this since the beginning of primary (he’s year 4, going into year 5) so I’ve decided that he needs a secondary that he’s going to enjoy - it’s his one and only childhood, after all! I know I’m quite late in the day to consider alternative private schools, but I’ve been hoping it wouldn’t come to that!

East London itself is a black hole for privates…. Bancroft, Chigwell and Forest are seen as the main East London ones. All selective and have in recent years been harder to get in to. Northbridge house Canonbury is smaller but another option depending on where you are. If Hackney way and near overground Hampstead school could be an option. If close to tube more central could work City of London boys for the super academic, St Paul’s cathedral goes to Y9 so an option, Wetherby is also central London. Some busses go south of river from Canary Wharf to Colfe’s and Eltham (latter quite academic). If near Stratford Brentwood could be doable on the overground. If you are state and considering this I would start looking into open days now (most are Sept or October) and also consider tutor or prep with Atom / bond books now - little and often so he can get used to the types of questions/styles/exam techniques.

Thank you! We are Hackney way. My preference would be a really lovely warm school rather than a very intense academic one. But I have absolutely no idea what I’m doing when it comes to the private space!

@Schoolquestionnnn

Would you be able to cast your net beyond Hackney itself, OP?

I'm wondering whether you might be able to take him to school initially, with him perhaps taking the bus/underground/overground when a little older.

There won’t be a lot of playing in any schools at that age!!

Have you looked at your state options? Why do you think private would be more fun? Can you definitely keep up with the fees for a minimum of 5 years?

@Schoolquestionnnn St Edmunds as referred to by a PP is worth a look as it’s what you want but it’s a journey from Hackney. They do offer boarding though.

Northbridge house Canonbury is possibly what you are looking for which shouldn’t be too much of a commute and is less academic and more nurturing apparently. I’d have a google and then sign up to open days in the next few months and visit the schools. You’ll get a vibe as to what they are like and identify if it’s the right fit or not.

St Edmunds has flexible boarding where they can decide at the last minute to stay for a night or teo as they like.

Normanhurst in Chingford and Braeside in Buckhurst Hill are part of the Oak Tree group. Small schools going up to 16. They are for profit ventures and less selective.

Bancrofts, Chigwell, Forest and St Edmunds are all nurturing schools. A school won’t feel nurturing, if the child cannot keep up. Private schools tend to pitch to an aptitude band. Fitting comfortably in that band is really important.

There is also city of london school for boys

Hi @Schoolquestionnnn i know this is an old thread but do you mind me asking what school you went for? We are in Hackney and weighing up choices for secondary. My main concern is warmth and support as my unbelievably obedient and anxious DD does well when she’s nurtured but might sink in one of the strict Hackney comps.

@rollito Hi there, we are in Hackney too with similar DD. If you do not mind me asking, which secondaries are you considering? Any feedback on CGA and NBH? Thanks

My DD is in Year 7 at Forest and is extremely happy. Feel free to ask any questions if this is a school you are considering.

@Jumpingthroughhulas Hi, would you mind if I DM you?
Thanks.

No problem.

Forest is probably the best option if you want an East London private without heading out to Essex.

@Whyherewego It does not have to be in East London, but accessible from Hackney, not cut-throat selective and, most importantly, with really good pastoral care. DD is ND and anxious, but sporty and very creative.

Forest has good sports. Reasonable pastoral but less good ND support (ime). The Northbridges are better on ND small school vibe but not good on sport.
It all depends on exactly where you are in Hackney too ! I have friends who sent kids to Channing and Highgate for example but doesn't work for all parts of Hackney depending on transoirt links near you and how far you're prepared to travel. BTW neither family would recommend those lol !

If you're on the Overground you could get to most central-ish schools. E.g Queens College is 30 mins from Hackney Central, FHRP is about 40 mins, St Margaret's is 40 mins, South Hampstead is 35 mins, City Girls is 30 mins. The latter two are more selective but have good pastoral care. If you live further from the station you'd have to add that on to the journey time.

@Whyherewego Thank you. We are 10min walk from Dalston Junction. I don't think DD is academic enough for Highgate or Channing, hence looking at less selective options. From the state options, we are walking distance to SNS and CGA, but mindful of the large class sizes.

@Crackson Thank you, regarding Queens College, do you mean overground to Highbury and Islington and then Victoria line to Oxford Circus? Not too long on the overground/tube, but so busy in rush hour. In terms of pastoral care and selectivity, how would you rate Queens College, FHRP and St Margaret's Hampstead?

My DD goes to QC and while it is academically selective it’s I would say in the mix with FHRP and Channing (DD had offers for these too). Feel free to PM me if you would like more info.

@Herewegoagainnnnnn Thank you, will do.