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Original poster

Bute/NLCS/City/Latymer

32 replies

dunelmkaren · 03/02/2022 20:46

Hi all,

Could any parents who can kindly share their experience of bute house, NLCS, City Junior and Latymer prep?

We are based in Hammersmith and our DD is more keen on bute and NLCS, as she said the teachers are the lost encouraging and kind.

We are not keen on using the coach service but will have to use it for NLCS or city. We still have a younger sister who is still in a local nursery.

It is the decision week and we are still struggling. Many thanks.

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LucySong · 13/01/2026 07:42

I wouldn’t say non competitive ethos as mentioned above. Bure house is a hotbed for competition and heavy tutoring from year 5.

SamPoodle123 · 13/01/2026 10:08

LucySong · 13/01/2026 07:42

I wouldn’t say non competitive ethos as mentioned above. Bure house is a hotbed for competition and heavy tutoring from year 5.

Yes, the amount of tutoring I have heard going on for many girls there is crazy. The school itself discourages it, but none of the parents listen. We know dc that go to Bute who are open to it, and my dd is close friends with a couple former Bute girls that now go to her secondary school. They are still being tutored now in secondary school (many girls continue w tutors). We don't do this, but were wondering if maybe we should be. Dd is doing well so decided to leave it.

Erincr · 13/01/2026 11:47

SARTN · 12/01/2026 21:54

Both my daughters said Bute interview was very relaxed. Both had to read a book and discussed, They were asked about their current school and activities they did in school and outside school. Also is a good idea to keep few questions in mind to ask as they often ask ‘anything you would like to ask me’

parent chat - informal chat. Might be good isea during the chat to mention you agree with the school non-competitive ethos and ‘each girl runs their own race’. I also got asked whatmy daughter liked most during the assessment (biscuit and hot chocolate).

good luck !! All fhe best

Thank you so much!!

Erincr · 28/01/2026 13:31

Erincr · 13/01/2026 11:47

Thank you so much!!

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We received an offer from Bute and were happy to accept it. Thank you so much for your insights and guidance on the interview.

Erincr · 28/01/2026 13:32

MMmomDD · 12/01/2026 18:28

@dunelmkaren

Main thing is that she goes in in a good mood, not stressed, etc. They’ll probably not ask her to do maths problems - unless they’ll want to check something specific based on her assessment. They’ll probably talk about things she likes to do/ is interested in/ her fav subject or book/ may ask what she wants to do when she grows up.
They may probe re tutoring - i presume they still make you sign something saying you don’t, or explain why if you do.

You can have het bring her favourite book, or toy, or smth she made and is proud of - can give her comfort, break ice.

Mine had no idea she was assessed at the interview - I just told her they wanted to chat with her. I think they had her read a story and talked about it. And talked about her current school at the time - that she loved.

They then also chatted with me - trying to see if i am a tiger-style mom. And did ask about DD not knowing it was an assessment.

I explained that I didn’t want to stress her out and it was completely acceptable.

Good luck.

We received an offer from Bute and were happy to accept it. Thank you so much for your insights and guidance on the interview.

Erincr · 28/01/2026 13:34

SARTN · 12/01/2026 21:54

Both my daughters said Bute interview was very relaxed. Both had to read a book and discussed, They were asked about their current school and activities they did in school and outside school. Also is a good idea to keep few questions in mind to ask as they often ask ‘anything you would like to ask me’

parent chat - informal chat. Might be good isea during the chat to mention you agree with the school non-competitive ethos and ‘each girl runs their own race’. I also got asked whatmy daughter liked most during the assessment (biscuit and hot chocolate).

good luck !! All fhe best

We received an offer from Bute and were happy to accept it. Thank you so much for your insights and guidance on the interview.

SARTN · 28/01/2026 14:27

Congratulations 👏👏👏
well done to your daughter

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