St Mary’s School Hampstead vs St Anthony's Girls

Anca123456 · 2022-01-18T13:02:39+00:00

Hello, I am trying to decide between this schools, joining in Reception. I like both of them, though we are not Catholics. I feel they are both very nurturing and caring, focusing on each individual girl. The facilities at St Mary's are impressive, the playground, the tennis court, the music room, the science lab, the library ... and I also share the headmaster belief that it is ok to fail, failure will take you closer to success. At St Anthony's I like the small class size, the location, and the headmaster was so calm and approachable. The leaver's destination list is great for both schools. I am going to look in more detail at the clubs, after school care, activities etc but in the meantime it would be great if you could share your experience with any of this schools. Thank you.

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Child2016 · 28/01/2022 11:03

We're looking at St Anthony's girls too for a reception entry and trying to decide. The exit results are great so far, I love the class sizes, the environment, the location. The head genuinely seems to know all the girls and it seems like a great environment for the girls to grow in confidence. I wonder if you have made your decision?

Schoolsear · 29/01/2022 18:05

Hi, St A school for girls is our first choice for DD (reception) and DS (nursery) for several reasons. Now trying to find out what’s the right neighbourhood for us to move to (we are more to the east but have been planning to move for a while), only issue to sort out before we accept.
Would love to get in touch if any of your daughters is also joining reception 2022.

Original poster

Anca123456 · 29/01/2022 19:38

Hi, we love both schools ... it is so hard to decide. We are moving as well from N8. What neighbourhoods are you considering? My partner and I work in the City so we can't go to far out, and I don't drive. Pricewise, I believe Golders Green is more accessible than Hampstead.

OP posts:

Schoolsear · 08/02/2022 14:50

Hi Anca, just to let you know we decide to accept StAnthony in case you want to talk. BeSt of luck!

Original poster

Anca123456 · 15/02/2022 22:28

Good luck! I hope your daughter flourish there, it is a great school. We decided for St Mary's only because it has afterschool care until 6pm and the commute to work is a bit shorter. St Anthony's will introduce afterschool care this September but I am worried that not many parents will be interested. I wish you all the best!

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Schoolsear · 16/02/2022 08:36

Hi! I heard great things about ST Mary’s, best of luck!!!

Alyssa2018 · 21/01/2025 13:13

Anca123456 · 15/02/2022 22:28

Good luck! I hope your daughter flourish there, it is a great school. We decided for St Mary's only because it has afterschool care until 6pm and the commute to work is a bit shorter. St Anthony's will introduce afterschool care this September but I am worried that not many parents will be interested. I wish you all the best!

Hello there, could you please share your views about St Mary's Hampstead for us? Is it very religious? Do they force children into religion? I really liked the school however a parent and few children mentioned that they are very strict about religion and force children to attend mass..

Original poster

Anca123456 · 23/01/2025 22:37

Hi @Alyssa2018! It's an amazing school and all the teachers are so good, everyone is so friendly, always welcoming you with a smile, it feels like being part of a big family. Also very good academically, great facilities, lots and lots of clubs offered by the teachers during school time (music, drawing, sports), after-school club, holiday camps with extended hours. The girls are very well looked after, my daughter loves it there. They are not strict about religion, and only a few families are Catholics (we are not Catholics or very religious). The girls attend mass at school as part of their weekly schedule, I think it's Friday morning, and they have something called Praying Together where there they prepare 1-2 songs linked to a religious theme, and we go and see them perform in the chapel. But it's so lovely, all the parents love it, and the girls as well, very nice songs, and it's only 30min. My daughter is Year2 and until now she never complained about religion, or attending mass or other services in the chapel. And I don't remember hearing parents complaining about religious education, or even mentioning it. There is nothing to worry about. The school priest is such a great men, very kind and intelligent.
I highly recommend the school. Please let me know if you have other questions.

OP posts:

Alyssa2018 · 16/03/2025 20:07

Anca123456 · 23/01/2025 22:37

Hi @Alyssa2018! It's an amazing school and all the teachers are so good, everyone is so friendly, always welcoming you with a smile, it feels like being part of a big family. Also very good academically, great facilities, lots and lots of clubs offered by the teachers during school time (music, drawing, sports), after-school club, holiday camps with extended hours. The girls are very well looked after, my daughter loves it there. They are not strict about religion, and only a few families are Catholics (we are not Catholics or very religious). The girls attend mass at school as part of their weekly schedule, I think it's Friday morning, and they have something called Praying Together where there they prepare 1-2 songs linked to a religious theme, and we go and see them perform in the chapel. But it's so lovely, all the parents love it, and the girls as well, very nice songs, and it's only 30min. My daughter is Year2 and until now she never complained about religion, or attending mass or other services in the chapel. And I don't remember hearing parents complaining about religious education, or even mentioning it. There is nothing to worry about. The school priest is such a great men, very kind and intelligent.
I highly recommend the school. Please let me know if you have other questions.

Thank you ever so much! I really appreciate you taking the time to explain it all. We did a trial day and little one liked the school and 11+ results just came out and they look great so we will be joining the school September 2025 from year 2! Thank you once more! ;)