The Hall School Hampstead

[Skygirls]

My DS2 has got an offer of a place at The Hall. He is currently in a lovely school where he is happy and an older brother also in the same school. I am in a dilemma as to what I should do.
DS1 did not get a place at The Hall when he went for assessment at 3+ but he isnt the type of boy to have thrived there (not very sporty and quite a sensitive soul).

DS2 is quite different in that he's sporty, very independent etc so would probably do very well there. However, I have heard both positive and negative things about The Hall and wonder if it would be the right thing to change DS2 from a school where he's happy and doing well to a top academic school with a no nonsense approach and great facilities.

Also wondering on the impact of having the boys in different schools as the boys are quite close.

Has anyone else been in a similar situation?
Any thoughts on this and any insight into The Hall would be much appreciated.

I think you have to balance 3 things:

• need to treat each child as an individual and do what is right for them
• how you think your child will desk with the upheaval
• the logistics of managing the two school runs

Thanks for your reply Twisty. The difficulty is that apart from everything else, the term dates are different which would mean problems for holidays and half terms.
I have asked DS2 what he thinks and he said that even though he liked the new school(Hall), he liked his old school better.

I know we have to consider every aspect and I take your point about treating each as an individual. That said, his current school gets good results too and I'm sure he will do well there, but The Hall has great sports facilities and great results, but a different, more formal approach.

Such a difficult decision.......

I assume ds2 has a place at ds1's school?

It would depend on the school your ds1 is at. I know the schools round there and they are all different but ds2 could thrive at ds1s school too.

I wouldn't underestimate the pain of differing term dates tbh. Plus different uniform, clashing school concerts, sports days etc

However, if you really feel the hall is the best place for ds2 you should go for it

Misread - it would really depend on the school he is at

Are the Halls sports facilities that great?

They are not on site and have to spend a whole afternoon commuting their and back. They can't just pop out for a football match or whatever.

Op I am going to PM you!

@Heartstrumpsdiamonds, I PM'd you.

Thanks for everybody's comments.

It's still a difficult decision as both schools are different and we like them both!