Recommended Primary Schools in N1

[IslingtonDad]

Hello everyone,

We are new to N1 and I am just getting around to registering my 2 1/2 year old daughter for schools and was hoping for some recommendations. I have vistited a few schools and come up with a shortlist of the few schools and would really apprreciate any first hand thoughts from those more experienced in this process than us! We are looking for a good well-rounded school with a focus on academics but also on extra-curricular activities.

The schools are:

Charterhouse Square
Lyceum
South Hampstead High
North London (this may be way too far)
Queen's College
Channing
St Christopher's

Also, please do let me know if I missed any other schools we should consider.

Thanks for all your help.

Don't think any of your listed schools are in N1?
Have you looked at St Paul's Cathedral School, easy journey from N1, but hard to get a place, always over-subscribed.

At the risk of pointing out the obvious, none of these schools are actually in N1.

Tbh I'd save my cash and send her to William Tyndale or Thornhill, but I expect that's not the answer you're looking for.

I'm afraid I second agony beetle. We looked at three private schools (2 mentioned above) and one state school (mentioned by beetle) and opted for the state one. It's not that I wouldn't countenance private, but it would have to be pretty special to compensate for putting dcs through hideous journey. I was amazed by how much better the space and the head were at state round the corner...

I don't have experience of the others,but Charterhouse Square is lovely. They have a great head, recently they expanded so have more space which before was a bit of an issue. Outdoor space-wise they use the big garden in Charterhouse square and swimming/sports at Golden Lane (walkable) and Coram's Fields (short bus). It is a really supportive friendly environment, the ethos is that if children are feeling happy and safe, the academics well follow.

Thanks for all the responses thus far. Aside from the fact that the schools I mentioned are not, I accept in N1, does anyone other than ponyprincess, have any views on the schools I mentioned or other private schools within a 5 mile radius. Thanks.

Friends have a child at Lyceum. They have always spoken very highly of it. Seems very creative/musical ( all seem to learn instruments). They are sending their second child there shortly. I know they looked at Highgate as well - but obviously further and difficult to get in. Sorry not first hand but as you seemed to be struggling for helpful responses I thought I would chip in. They live in N1.

Hi
I just saw this, don't know if you're still looking for info. I too am in N1.

My daughter is at SHHS, she started last year at age 7. It is fabulous and I am more than delighted with it. She is stimulated and having so much fun but not being worked like a dog which some of the schools do I think. It's got good facilities, better than most you list and these are set to improve further as the Senior School has been given planning permission to be substantially rebuilt/updated etc. The junior school use quite a few of the senior schools facilities.

I looked at St Christopher's and liked it a lot, it was my second choice. SHHS was my first as it has better facilities, particularly for sport and avoids the 11+ exam which I think is pretty awful.

I know people at Charterhouse and they like it but the kids do work very hard as they are aiming for City of London Girls School so homework every night at age 5...

I don't know the others. I know a woman with 2 at Channing and they like it. NLCS is a long way and not really connected by transport and the nearest their buses come is Muswell Hill. I know people who send kids to Lyceum and they like it, heard nothing bad other than it is a very urban school with maybe no outdoor space, not sure though on this.

You have not put The Children's House on your list. It is N1 and is absolutely fabulous they have a nursery and then a separate building that goes through to Year 2/ age 7 then the kids take tests to go into their next school. It avoids the schlep of school runs for a few years and they get to make local friends and it really is a great school, amazing outstanding OFSTED etc. You generally have to register quite early eg by the age of 1, but if you like it I'd register straight away and hope a place comes up, they often do. The nursery starts at 2 and a half, they do short half days.

Also The Cavendish in Camden, Highgate and St Paul's which N1 families travel to. The Overground serves the Cavendish and SHHS.

In short there are a few options you can travel to, and they are all good.
Good luck.

I second the children's house. It is a really lovely introduction to school and better to be as local as possible at that stage. Quite a few of the schools on your list have 7+ entries, and even those that don't tend to have casual vacancies at that stage. In addition city of London girls prep is a possibility at 7+. I have heard that the childrens house is looking for a site to continue up to 11, but even if this does not come off within your timeframe I would recommend it even if your DD could only stay to 7.

The Cavendish is a lovely school - we have a daughter in Reception. Very friendly atmosphere, not too cliquey, doesn't feel as uptight as a lot of private schools - feels more like a good primary school than a private hothouse. Non-selective entry, at least at 5. Very approachable Head. Lots of N1 parents because the transport connections are quite easy from there - on the 274 bus route or North London Line.