Sarum Hall vs. Pembridge Hall

[LostinSJW]

Sarum Hall vs. Pembridge Hall

Dear Parents,

Please help, I would love your advice. This winter, we went through the notorious and miserable North London 4+ assessments, but were beset by illness - my DD achieved a couple of waiting list places, but nothing solid.
We do have two concrete places at Sarum Hall and Pembridge Hall which I think are our realistic choices. Is there anyone who can share their experiences of the schools? I realise they are quite different, one being small and the other being comparatively large, but my daughter is relatively academic and strong willed (!) and I would like to give her the best chance possible for secondary school and the 11+. Does Sarum Hall have an academic or holisitic advantage over Pembridge Hall or vice versa?

I am slightly anxious about the new management of Pembridge following their purchase by the PE firm Inspired Education. The new headmistress at Sarum sounds great, but she has also only been in post for two years and the school is very small, it may run into trouble with VAT added to fees etc... Anyway, I would really appreciate your honest view on your daughter's and your own experience at either school and indeed any feedback you might have.

Thank you so much in advance for your help.

Although a while ago, all 3 of my girls went through SH. The building and facilities were fab for a small school. I of course have no clue about the future and VAT but it has always been popular right back to when I was young. I always hear that people struggle to get a place. I also like that it is not owned by a company such as inspired. I’m sure Pembridge is lovely too, I don’t have any experience of it

Thank you so much @afewtoomanychoices, I really appreciate your taking the time to reply! May I ask how you found the 11+ process and finding the right schools for your daughters?

My girls didn’t all go to the same secondary but they really prepped the girls for the right school for them. I don’t know if they still do this but they it’s a one form entry all the way through except year 6 when they halve the class according to ability. They never said it was to ability but was quite obvious. My youngest daughter was placed in the lower set and was upset about this. But nevertheless she got into great schools. From her class I remember all 20 girls went to top schools and mostly their first choice. Only one memory of one girl who didn’t get NLCS but ended up at CLSG!

@LostinSJW i just saw this thread and wondered what your final choice was? Sarum Hall seems to achieve such great resulte year on year