Grimsdell v Hendon prep

[Sofshiz]

What are your opinions of Grimsdell v Hendon prep. The major factor for us was that Grimsdell is part of the Mill Hill School foundation and can allow her to go up to A levels, so missing out on the horrid 11+ exams. On the other hand Hendon prep is so lovely and (more academic I'd say) but does mean having to do exntrant 11+ exams. Despite Hendon prep having an impressive leavers school list I'm not sure what to decide.

Our heart was set in Grimsdell but now we have two options I'm more torn.

We loved Grimsdell - great facilities that the kids actually use, forest school, couple of instruments as part of the curriculum with good music and drama program. Not that enthused by the senior school as the results compared to the state comps in the area are the same, if not worse. But the pre-prep seems excellent to us and Belmont is also well regarded. Our plan would be to go with Grimsdell - it's very local to us and aim to move for year 3 or certainly at 13. Hendon Prep doesn't seem to offer as much as Grimsdell. Have you considered Highgate? Also close by, great academics and goes from 3-18. We have an assessment there in January

Thanks for that. Yes we were also impressed by grimsdell and its facilities. I also love the grounds and setting of both the junior and senior schools.

We considered Highgate briefly but realised we much prefer co-ed so didn't go ahead with application. Good luck with your assessment!

Highgate is co-ed too. I agree - Grimsdell has great facilities and the new curriculum looks like it gets the balance between learning and play right. We'll see

Ah yes sorry I was thinking of channing

Hi is there any recent reviews on both of these? I’m in a similar position, Grimsdell looks lovely ( grounds etc) but I think Hendon might be stronger on the academic front.

@Jasmine89H what did you decide in the end? I am in a similar boat.

Neither. Whilst Grimsdell was lovely I’ve heard too many bad reviews about the school (leading to Belmont) not being academic. Really didn’t warm to the head at Hendon.

Hi All. I am also looking for any reviews on both Hendon Prep and Grimsdell. I loved the facilities at Grimsdell and the fact that it’s a nurturing school. Which school is more academically focussed? I heard Grimsdell approach has evolved over the years. I am planning to prepare my daughter for 7+, so would love to hear some advice.

Grimsdell is definitely not academic in anyway. In fact I’d say there’s a huge lag in the academic teaching compared to other schools. Yes kids do come out happy and have a love for school but you’ve got to work out if that’s enough. If you’re prepping for 7+ I would go for Hendon prep. They are much more academic and on it with exam prep. Grimsdell has no interest in 7+ as their students go onto Belmont school part of the same foundation.

Thank you so much for your response. That makes sense to me. My focus is to build a strong foundation academically. I would do the extracurricular after school or on weekends.
Do your kid/s go to Hendon prep. Would love to chat with a hendon prep parent.