UCS vs Highgate

[anisk2s]

Hi All,

Our DS has offers from both the schools. His heart is all set on Highgate whereas we prefer UCS. Would anyone kindly share some pros and cons from experience?

Thanks a lot!!!

Easy - whichever is nearer. Or not necessarily nearer, but easier to get to, preferably by public transport. They are both hellacious if you need a car, esp if you've a primary school aged child so can't drop them a few minutes' walk away (presume this is 7+ entry).

Honestly don't think the schools are different enough to merit a longer journey unless you feel v strongly about co ed v single sex. Similar academic standards etc. Highgate def a bit flashier and more celebby but prob not my him it really.

Thanks. That's really helpful...UCS would be easier for us but DS has set his heart on Highgate...I also heard Highgate is more academic while UCS is a bit more liberal...but obviously this is based on what others have told me...

I suspect that the perceived differences between them are less in reality. They are both highly privileged selective North London schools after all. Highgate definitely seems to give more homework but in the end they achieve almost identical results (one year Highgate's higher, the next UCS, but you have to bear in mind that the presence of girls is going to boost Highgate since on average they get better results everywhere).

Why is your boy so keen on Highgate? It might be something daft like the Kitkats at the interview.

Thanks...I think it's more down to more play area, greenery whereas UCS junior is smaller....or at least that's what he tells me...but for us Hampstead works better...

UCS will be going through a period of 'getting its sh*t together' after a few dodgy years. DS1 just left and I think the cultural changes came too late for his year. It is no longer as complacent as it was in his time. I'm hearing good things about the changes in the JB and lower down the SS. Some great staff hired in key departments as well. See both schools again and look at journey by public transport (junior school is only a fraction of the 11 years at school), the culture of each and talk to current students and parents. Then, go with what feels like 'home'.

Does any one know whether Highgate's 7+ deadline has expired and the WL shut down?

Deadline for Highgate acceptance is next Wednesday. We were told they would call/e-mail/write if the Reserve List shut down earlier. We have heard nothing. Hope this helps?

Hi Anisk2s we are in the same position. What did you choose?

Where did you both choose in end? I understand from another thread that Highgate is now full & there will no other offers to the Reserve list

My DS was offered Habs, UCS and Highgate and after much agonising (and stalking these threads) we went for Highgate. Was a tough choice - they are all amazing schools - but just felt Highgate was a better fit for him in terms of its focus, distance, co-ed and extracurriculars. Looking forward to September!

nwlmum3 - congrats to your son. Quite an achievement to get three offers. Great but tough choice for you all. Look forward to meeting you the Highgate intro events prior to September. We are all very excited and relieved :-)