Choosing between Hampstead Hill, Channing and the 7+ process

[Thumper21]

I've a choice between keeping my kid at Hampstead Hill for year 1 and 2 namely for 7+ assessments or moving her to Channing for year 1. Despite her being youngest in her year she's very bright (currently scoring exceptionally above average) but I'm worried about the stress of 7+ on her and not sure what would be good wholesome schools to send her to where there wouldn't be continued assessments etc I would love input from anyone with recent experience of these schools and the 7+ process. Thank you!

Hi - I don’t have experience of the 7+, only 4+ but I have been a parent at both HH and Channing and I would take the Channing place with both hands.
It has far better facilities, more experienced staff and a far broader curriculum.
Sports, drama and selection of clubs is outstanding compared to HH.
Channing manages to challenge the girls while still being a hugely supportive environment.
The school is extremely forward looking and ambitious for the girls.
HH I found to be a very restrictive environment, the site and buildings are overcrowded for the number of children.

Former HH parent - they prep very well and give you realistic info on your chances and target schools. Prep is very intense, that's true, and a couple of friends left as they didn't want this pressure for their DC. In our cohort DC I know have all secured top schools so I think HH know what they're doing. Are they not expanding to 11+ btw?

Re. Channing - if DC is very bright, it's probably not the best choice though of course everyone's experience is different.

Having said that, if you move to Channing and realise you're not happy, you would still have the options to do 7+ and 11+, just with external tutors. I don't know if Channing would keep a place for you at seniors if they realise you're prepping to leave, but I have a strong feeling they would, especially these days.

I should have added that HH is doing proper testing continuously, that's why their targeting is spot on, they wouldn't advise to apply to Westminster if the required underlying ability is not there. This means if your DD scores exceptionally above average, that's very likely to be true and you can aim high.