Private Schools - North London

[befree200]

Good evening,

I was wondering if any North London mums can help me.

I am looking for a private school, ideally co-ed, for my son and daughter, Reception and Y4. I am also open to having my daughter in a girl's school and my son in a boy school as long as they are close to each other as I will be doing the school runs. I am looking for a more structured school for her (Y4) she is more artistically inclined but enjoys structure. My son is more academic, very sporty, and musical.

I would love to find a school that focuses on music, arts but is also quite academic and that is local, not more than 15/20 drive from Highgate which is where we live.

I am currently looking at St Marys, Gower, Highgate, The Academy School, Les Petites Ecole Bilingue (we speak French/English at home).

Has anyone had any personal experience with any of these schools? This process is quite overwhelming and I would appreciate your insight!

Thank you

Hi @befree200 From personal experience, I'd highly recommend St Mary's for your daughter.

We're lucky in the area as there are so many brilliant schools, but I think it stands out thanks to its broad curriculum (plenty of focus on the arts, music and drama as well as science and sports) and incredible space and facilities. Somehow, they achieve great results, but without the same pressure that I've come across in other schools.

The girls seem so happy there and all new starters are warmly welcomed by the whole community. They're only really 'new' for their first day!

I appreciate that it's not easy if you've been looking for co-ed. Lots of sibling brothers head to St Anthony's, The Hall, UCS or Devonshire House which are all within walking distance.

Good luck and please PM me if you'd like any more info.

As they are already school age I would call around the schools in the area and check for spaces. The most perfect school is useless to you if full with a wait list!

Sarum Hall is on the same road as Hereward House and The Hall which are both boys schools. As well as the Village down the road for girls. There is also St Christophers which is excellent for girls. St Anthony's boys now have a girls school, and I know they have a bus running between them to help with drop off/pick ups.

Another St Mary's parent with DC similar age, both have been there since pre-school. The girls are very happy, the school results are good and it's fairly local. We declined all through schools which we'd have to travel much further to. Also there a LOT of French-speaking families. At one point it was about 1/3 of my eldest class!

Morning @befree200

Heathside definitely worth a look too. My DD loves it and we can't rate it highly enough.

Central Hampstead Village Location, CoEd, academic but non selective.

Amazing 11+ results this year and online live streaming last term was just superb.

Several children (including my brothers) at Devonshire House used Heathside's 'Hampstead Learning' during lockdown!
Feel like I'm going on....soz ......but its just so great!

Hi @befree200

Lots of really great schools to choose from - academic and arty.... however, not many would cater for both.

Hall and Highgate really great and academic.... would steer clear of St Anthonys hearing very bad things on the NW London Mums network.....

Agree with @Lucinda76 hearing that Heathside is definitely back to brilliant - what a turn around after the previous owner left. CoEd, Academic, Music and Chess focus, also creative with new Art hub.
Hearing great things about the new Head too - apparently a super star child's tooth fell out in the 11+ exam for City Girls and obviously she did badly, but the Head just spoke to the Head of City and she got a place! Apparently she is really well connected.

Good Luck

@PipaJJ I was just wondering what you have heard about St Anthonys - I'm new to that school so would be interested to hear what more experienced parents are saying about it - many thanks!

@PipaJJ very interested in your insights on Heathside. We’re your kids always there or did you move them there? Is it hothousey as I am looking to move my DS out of his current school, which isn’t meeting his needs. What is SEN provision and ethos like?

My friend is in heathside as well, very happy with the school!

Hi @usernamealreadyexists
My DS was at Heathside for prep - now at Westminster. Still connected to the network of Hampstead Mums tho .....and hearing that its is back to being even better than before!
I would say that the ethos is, inclusive, academic and friendly. From what I hear it continues to be really personalised and give ALL children the confidence to really thrive. Its definitely not 'hothousey' - rather than pushing children through the system, they enable children to find their passion and push themselves through. It's definitely something different from the normal North London choice and really well, very special.

Not sure on the SEND provision - I know they are mainstream - but also know families with mild dyslexic and very bright children, who are thriving with their approach.

I would go and meet the new Head and discuss with her.

Good luck :)