HAMPSTEAD STATE SCHOOLS

[PK100]

Hi there,

I am new to mumsnet and was hoping you could help.

My son has got a place at the following primary state schools: Christ Church Hampstead, Hampstead Parochial and St Lukes on Kidderpore.

Which would you recommend, do you have any advice, experiences to share. We would like him to go to an independent secondary school so I am not sure which state primary would be the best option.

All advice welcome, help please!

Do you mean there are places available at each of the three, rather than that your son is holding 3 places? What year group are we talking about?

I’d pick Hampstead Parochial as I know lots of people very happy with it. Don’t underestimate the competitiveness of North London independent options though (especially for boys) - outside preparation, whether through tutoring or by you at home, will almost certainly be needed whichever primary he goes to.

Yes sorry that’s what I meant!

Thank you for your advice. I will be working hard with him outside of school. Hopefully, we get there in the end!

I don't know about St Luke's, but I think lots of the children go to independent school from Hampstead Parochial and Christchurch. I think Christchurch has the edge these days in terms of reputation doesn't it? But if I were you, I'd pick the one that is the most convenient for you.

from my experience all of the parents tutor like mad to get into the independent schools. My dc went to one of those schools many years ago, and that's all the talk for years.

Thank you so much for replying to me. That’s just it, I’m not sure which one has the edge. I live between both of them so both are convenient! That’s why I’m so confused as to which to pick!

Not familiar with St Luke's, but very little to choose between the other two - both lovely schools and I would be happy for my own kids to attend either. I don't live in the area, but due to my job have visited both schools on several occasions in the past. My advice would be to visit all three if you haven't already done so, and go with the one that you think will best meet your child needs - and bring them with you on the visits if you can!

Thank you! I have visited them but am still so lost. Appreciate your advice.

None of them will prepare for the 11+ so I wouldn't choose based on that. You'll need to tutor from year 4 or thereabouts.

Okay. Thank you.

I would join the Hampstead Mums facebook group and ask on there. There is a huge amount of first hand advice on there. Obviously, it's tough to know which has the 'edge' as often this depends on the cohort and the headteacher at the time.

Does your little one have experience in a school before or is this for a reception place? To be very honest, I don't think there is much in it between Parochial and Christchurch. Both are excellent schools.

Thank you for that idea! It’s his first time joining at reception. We went with HPS instead!

Hi, I am currently gathering information on state schools in Hampstead.
I know it is probably too early to tell but how is your experience so far in HPS?
Can I ask the reason you choose HSP rather than Christ church?
It was so good that you had both options to choose..

If it was based on the distance, can I ask what was the distance?

I guess it must have been within 0.1mile though :)

Any advice would be appreciated...

Thank you.