Best nurturing secondary schools North London/Hertfordshire

[KiwiUKMumma]

Hi parents, we are looking to potentially make the move back to the UK from NZ. The school system is a lot more structured and strict in the UK and therefore we are looking for a school that offers great pastoral care for the kids. I have a son who will be in year 4 in September and a daughter who will be in year 6 so we want to get our ducks in a row if we do move.

State or private?

St Chris in letchworth. Not pushy. Certainly hot on pastoral care.

Most private schools now have a far more relaxed atmosphere than lots of state schools. Many state schools have become strict but you could look at Ashlyn’s in Berkhamsted or Tring School in Tring -.both West Herts and more rural than London but both have good train links. Berkhamsted also has a very good private school.

I think St Christopher’s is a bit quirky. I know dc who have gone there (and others who absolutely would not) so you would need to evaluate if your dc would fit in. The other issue with private is entrance tests. Some schools are more choosy than others. I know people who like Aldenham, Haileybury and Queenswood too regarding pastoral care.

It sounds like you need a primary school for September? Year 7 is when secondary starts.

I like St Ed’s in Ware for pastoral/nurturing feel.

Are you aware of all the entrance exams, registration etc?

Another option would be Stormont for your daughter which has an agreement with St Albans Girls. I only have sons but friends have been very happy with it. If you did that then Lochinver is the closest boys school to Stormont.

Have a look at St Chris in Letchworth. It’s definitely quirky but it works for some kids really well. They have no uniform and call teachers by their first name. This is extremely unusual in the U.K. and gives the impression it’s a bit too “out there” for some families. They also have alpacas and goats!

There is a bus service from some areas of North London and lots of kids commute in this way.

I wouldn’t recommend Haileybury for good pastoral care, personally.

my daughter was delayed but has absolutely thrived in hitchin girls school

I know people who really like Haileybury and felt dc well supported there.

There must be a St Chris support group on mn. It’s seen by many as alternative provision at a cost. Obviously suits some but you have to want what it offers and, for most I know in that area, it’s too different. Not sure how it compares to NZ schools? Could be similar of course.

I think NZ state schools have a very good staff/pupil ratio. State school class sizes might be a shock here!

@Twilightstarbright yes we will to start with but know the primary schools well as used to live in Barnet and I’m not so concerned about school at that level.

Simon Balle in hertford. Transformative for our DD who we moved there after she got terribly bullied at the school she was at and her mental health was in tatters. Can’t say enough good things about it!

Thanks @piscofrisco and sorry to hear what you went through. Glad she’s better now 😊

Westbrook Hay in Hertfordshire has recently converted to a school that goes through to GCSEs (used to previously only go to 13).

Very outdoorsy and small school - only 40 in a year from Y7 onwards. Every child is known and they focus on the child’s strengths (so sport, dance, art are just as important as academics). It’s a real contrast to some of the other pushy academic schools nearby. You could also have both children in the same school and not have to go through the 11+ process.

Other schools worth a look would be St Margaret’s in Bushey and St Columba’s in St Albans. Both bigger schools and all through.

I don’t know it personally but I’d also look into Sherrardswood.

No not sherraswood

I know two parents there that had a terrible time. .

Hi OP. We relocated from NZ during the pandemic, and St Margaret’s, Bushey has been brilliant for my two. It has junior and senior schools on the same campus and they transfer across at 11. Lovely nurturing vibe, excellent teaching and really good leadership in both parts of the school.

You may find (as we did) that there’s some catching up to do in (especially) maths as they transfer from the NZ system. Not a problem if you’re in a suitably supportive setting.

I highly recommend St Chris I have 2 kids there (very different characters) and my 3rd will join soon. It has a stigma of being quirky and alternative but to be honest it’s losing that in a positive way. They are really focused on the bright and able kids now as well as the one who made need that slightly different environment. The school is very very well kept with amazing opportunities. You can tell that money goes in to the school. Lastly everyone is happy that I know . New kids seem to just slot in. It’s a great place. It’s structured enough without being to strict and pushy! We looked at Sherrardswood but felt it was so run down and lacked facilities. My daughter has 4 coming from there to St Chris this year.

@BruisedNeckMeatmay i know more about your comment on haileybury? why is it so? can u share? thanks