North Bridge House Junior, N. London

[LoveWatermelon]

Hi, would anyone have any views on how good North Bridge House Junior (near Hampstead) is?
I know the senior school hasn't got the reputation of being very strong academically, but was wondering whether things are any different earlier on .
We are considering sending our children there next year as we'll be moving nearby, so any advice would be hugely appreciated

I have a friend who's dd yr 1 has just started her second year there. They are VERY happy with the school having seen lots of pushy selective schools in the area which terribly academic. Her child is bright yet wasn't selected for the Hampstead school of their choice even though she was at their nursery. This is a mixed, quite relaxed and creative sounding school and she's been enthusiastic about the teachers. Yesterday she was raving about the upper school where they were shown around by happy, bright, switched on 11 yr olds and they were impressed by the Headmaster too.

My son was offered a place there at 8 but we did not take it as he got a place at UCS and could go all the way to 18 there. I have lots of friends with children at NBH and all are very happy. Their kids are all happy (I know a child in just about every year). I loved the atmosphere there. Creative chaos! The kids do well at 11+ and 13+. The senior school only goes to GCSE which is why it tends to be more mixed ability but for a late bloomer, this may be perfect. I think it is a super school.

Thank you very much for the comments belletolls and horsemadmom. Very reassuring words at the right time!

Not sure it helps but my brother, sister, cousin and I went to NBH (many, many) years ago. We all loved it and it was always a big regret that in those days there wasn't a secondary school ...

If I could afford it (and could face the ordeal of traipsing them over to Finchley Road/Hampstead every day) I would send my kids there like shot.

I've a couple of friends with children there and they both seem very happy. They both started reception in September and are reading - they have a big focus on literacy in the first year.
Do you have their names down? I tried to get DS1's name down for the waiting list for reception when he was 2.5 and they said I was too late!
Devonshire house usually has last minute places as they have 4/5 classes in each year group

yes same experience with me as with Karoleann, when I learnt about NBH and tried to get DD on the waiting list (this was early this year for reception 2011) I was told the waiting list had shut 18 months previously!!!..seems like you have to be ultra organised for N London private schools.

Thank you all! certainly feel more confident about it. But waiting list for a 2-yr old? sounds insane... I wish I could be that well organised... Don't give up hope though, people are moving so places do become available. Thanks again!!!