Hampstead schools

[Newman82]

I’m thinking ahead to applying for pre-prep schools in the Hampstead area. I’m considering Devonshire House, Hampstead Hill, North Bridge or maybe UCS. Is anyone able to offer any insight into any of these schools please? How do they compare with each other? We are looking for a school that is academic as we are thinking about selective schools after but isn’t too pushy.

What do you want to do at 11/13, stay or move? HH goes to 7, DH to 13, NBH and UCS go straight through. NBH is everyone's backup and not usually first choice. If you get a place at UCS I'd definitely take it. The others aren't really selective in any meaningful way. UCS is a lovely school, fantastic pastoral care and goes all the way to 18. Excellent support for neurodiversity, dyslexia etc.

Thanks for replying. We are open to moving at 7 or older I think. My concern about UCS is that as it is very oversubscribed I don’t know how likely it is that they would be able to get a place so I wouldn’t want to rely on that too much. How do you think Hampstead Hill compares to Devonshire House? Do you know whether most of the reception children at these schools tend to be very local or do they travel from a little further afield for them?

Hampstead Hill is a crammer for the 7+, dev house is a prep school.

I agree with this, having worked there for several years. Totally unethical school and all they care about is grades. They intimidate the staff and children and I have seen staff breaking down in tears because of the Head.