NLCS School Uniform - I dislike it

[LeoOliver]

This thread is somewhat arbitrary. I have been exploring schools and preparatory institutions in North London and Camden, and I have noticed minimal distinctions among them. One aspect that particularly catches my attention is the school uniform. I have a strong interest in NLCS; however, I find the uniform unappealing and, in fact, quite dislike it. Conversely, I have a favourable impression of the uniforms at SHHS and St Mary's.

I am interested to know if others experienced a significant reaction to school uniforms and whether this impacted their choice of school.

And brown uniforms in general remind me of Malory Towers!

Or the Chalet School! (Brown tunics and flame ties and hatbands.)

My school (a girls' grammar) had navy skirt with box pleats and choice of blouse, either white with navy and turquoise stripes or turquoise with lilac and pink stripes. No tie, which was a blessing. I still like all those colours. Maybe not all together though...

I wore red blouse and red socks with grey skirt and jumper as my uniform - didn't bother me as we all wore it

Yes, it’s Hill House - various sites in Chelsea, not far from Harrods

The uniform was originally designed to be unisex and survive boil washing, and (in keeping with the Chalet School) be suitable for Switzerland

It’s also got a shorts option and I think even a skirt these days

If you don’t think there is much difference between the schools you have outlined, such that the uniform will be a factor in your decision making, then you really aren’t paying enough attention to the VERY different nature of those schools.

I can understand not liking a uniform if it is obviously impractical or uncomfortable. In a way, having a weirdly coloured uniform may just mean that a girl will avoid that colour in adulthood - so perhaps it is better to avoid brown or dark orange than navy or grey.

The downside of an unusual colour combination is that you can only get the uniform from the school shop. If your child rips her school trousers, it’s easier to get some from M&S than the school shop (which may be miles away).

Hill House unifor has nothing on Christ's Hospital though.... https://www.telegraph.co.uk/family/schooling/breeches-knee-socks-frock-coats-meet-children-starting-school/

There's also a school which has a uniform of red dungarees.

Practical but rather distinctive

I appreciate what you are saying, however for the things I am specifically looking for there is negligible differences. I think at prep stage proximity will be more of factor. I think I would prefer NLCS at secondary school stage.

The King attended Hill House almost 70 years ago. I wonder how much the uniform has changed since then?

Obviously it’s your decision. I don’t know how much experience of London day schools you have, but even at prep level they are very, very, different schools. And children are very different and will do better or worse in different schools. Frankly it is madness to narrow - at application stage! - based on uniform.

I actually like the Christ’s Hospital uniform. At least it’s interesting.

There was a thing about the girls at Rugby who chose to keep the long skirts so they can wear pyjamas underneath.

Rugby pupils long to keep old-fashioned skirts

www.thetimes.com/article/2c51835c-4f58-11ea-b112-75acb94b3417?shareToken=91c6e674e07563b967f624107112b466

I am only considering North London - more specifically Camden.

• St Mary’s School
• St Christopher’s School
• Sarum Hall
• South Hampstead High School
• North London Collegiate School
• City of London School (7 plus)
• Highgate
• Hampstead Hill Prep

None of the school mentioned tick all boxes and I would prefer a girls school. I am not particular keen on doing the 7 plus. I am not sure if it is good to choose an all through school at such an early stage. The location will also factor.

Are you applying for Sep 2025 entry, or later? It's not all girls, but Westminster Under School is accepting applications from girls for Sep 2026 4+ entry.

Though I don't know what their KS1 school uniforms will look like😄

When my cousin was at Hill House the uniform shop was actually Harrods.

so maybe they wee sticking yp
on socks after school!

That’s a good choice of schools with backup options but I would prioritise them in terms of which suits you and your dd best.

However based on my experience and those of my friends, what choices you have is really dependent on what offers you get especially for NLCS , SHHS, Highgate and to lesser extent st Christopher’s (that’s easier to get in that previous 3). St Mary’s (which we thought was lovely) & Hampstead hill usually have places come up and assume it’s similar with Sarum hall. You might want to look at Mulberry also
then if looking at doing 7+.

we know quite a few girls who got NLCS but not shhs for 4+

It is understandable that admission to SHHS at 4+ may be more competitive ; while NLCS is an excellent school, SHHS offers greater accessibility for parents from Camden and Islington. Nonetheless, it does not adequately prepare students for the 11+ examination, which is tricky as may not be the school at 11.

Highgate pre prep and junior have completely done away with compulsory formal uniform. The pre prep kids wear what look like maroon prison tracksuits, with an optional polo shirt for those who want to look a bit smarter. The junior school no longer require blazers, sports kit is acceptable every day and the “formal” for photographs or very rare church services is a blue v neck jumper with a badge.

Went there and still can't wear brown over 20 years later.

40 years on I can just about wear beige trousers but nothing dark brown !!!

Interested to hear your thoughts OP on the pros/cons of the schools you mention (besides uniform), as we are looking for a girls' prep in a similar area. NLCS probably a bit far for us. There is such a huge choice in north London.

It is my observation that the majority of children generally thrive regardless of the school they attend. St Mary’s appears to provide a more nurturing environment. Nevertheless, SHHS seems to offer pastoral support, including counseling and therapy, for both junior and senior students. NLCS is designed to be more academically rigorous and competitive; however, I suspect that at the Junior level, there is minimal distinction compared to other preparatory schools. Regarding language offerings, some institutions provide Spanish while others focus on French.

In my ideal world, my child would have the opportunity to learn both French and Spanish. Additionally, the would have the opportunity to be involved in extra curricular etc - unfortunately what I want it doesn't really exist.

I went to that one!

Lol - I think it may be a red uniform.

I don't know much about the under school

Thank you for your thoughts. Agree that St Mary's seems more nurturing.