Which private preps are excellent and commutable from N1 (Canonbury)? Keen to hear about St Andrew's Montessori / St Christopher's (Hamstead) or anybody that has left N1 for better schools?

[Canonburylass]

DD1 18 months. Not overwhelmed by the local state options in Islington and figure private prep is worth the money to prepare DD1 for 7+ or 11+ (depending on the prep).

Have ruled out Gower and the Children's House based on local knowledge / very unhappy parents pulling their children out.

Do any N1 / N5 Mums do the rat-race to Hampstead Preps? Or Highgate PrePrep (so oversubscribed that keen to hear from anybody that has got in!). I have heard good things about St Andrew's Montessori (an option for pre-prep) and St Christopher in Hampstead. Or is it time to consider elsewhere - St Albans / Herts for the best of State and Private?

We are looking to move to a bigger place and are coming round to the fact we may have to kiss goodbye to our beloved Upper Street!!

HELP!

I meant Hampstead!

Both my sons went to the childrens house (last one still there) and loved it. Every parent I know who was unhappy had happy children but wanted different results. My boys both at prep school until 13 now in st jw. Every parent makes the best of the choices they have but the rat run is fine and the schools are good just a shame none have grown here. TCH and St. Andrews are very similar in quality it's just TCH goes to 7 and it is now a very difficult age to change school I would advise going to either but be organised and have 4+ or 5+ options ready and applied for to avoid 7+. 11+ is a much more natural transition.
Good luck!

I have sons but everyone I know at st Christopher's very happy with it. Have several friends with children there.

Ive got good friends with kids at Highgate. Great school but the entry exam for the little ones will need a lot of prep.
Good luck.

My son is at St Andrew's and every parent we met are very happy about them. A lot of the families have sent more than one child there. Good exits too.

I wholeheartedly recommend St Andrew's. Very nurturing, warm school with amazing teachers. My eldest went there and my youngest will be starting soon. I echo above regarding good exit results.

The Avenue in Highgate is also lovely. St Christopher's is also super. I almost sent my daughter there but parking in Hampstead is a pain.