St Helen's/Northwood College/St Margaret's at 3+

[Spring0720]

My DD has just completed 3+ assessments at these nurseries. We will hear if she has been successful next week. We're looking at these schools as they offer education to age 18.

I've read all the different posts on these schools and have had tours with them but am still confused. Here are my initial thoughts (assuming she is offered a place):

My brain say St Helen's as it has the best GCSE and A-Level exam results. However, our experience at the assessment was not great (it was the first assessment that my DD had and she cried because she didn't want to leave her parents to go upstairs to be assessed). The teachers were friendly and sympathetic but I felt they could have done more to make my DD and other children feel at ease before taking them to be assessed (e.g. smaller groups, a chance to acclimatise to the new environment before being taken or even assessing them with parents by their side).

My heart says Northwood College. My DD cried when she left for the assessment but came back after an hour smiling and happy. The teachers were very friendly and the school children seemed much happier during the tour. The building is also very impressive.

St Margaret's - I like them but they are less selective which could be one of the reasons why GCSE and A-Level grades are average and usually below St Helen's and Northwood College.

Part of me thinks that I should send my DD to where she would be most happy. Another part of me thinks that she will probably be happy wherever she goes (she'll be three if she joins in September).

Extra-curricular activities and pastoral care are good at all three schools. Am I wrong to consider GCSE/A-Level results to help make a decision?

Do you have any experiences/insights that could help with the decision?

I would also be interested to hear other people's thoughts - especially on St Helens!

St Helen’s results aren’t just down to the school. A lot of it is a result of highly motivated parents who do a lot of work with their children outside of school. They are very academically driven and a lot of this comes from cultural backgrounds. Parents can be extremely competitive. It is, however, a fabulous school if you fit into that environment.

Seriously though, don’t just judge a nursery for your daughter based on GCSE or A-level results. Look for a school that can meet ALL of their needs, and look into pastoral and SEN support. You might never need it but if you do then it’s worth its weight in gold.

They’re all great schools. Your main decision should be single sex vs coed though. Then follow your gut reaction as to where you feel most at home. If your DD is bright she would get 9 grade 9s wherever she goes.

Agree with above comment. I have friends with children at all 3 schools. Didn’t want a girls school myself so not viewed the first 2 but friends with children there are very happy (all in pre-prep currently)

I did view St Margaret’s for my own children but it wasn’t academic enough for me. DC1 is quite bright was confidently doing a lot before she started school. When I asked them what they do the stretch and challenge the most able, they didn’t really answer the question as well as others and nor did they show me any work produced by these children at the open day. I absolutely loved the school and facilities, pastoral care also seemed excellent but I personally wanted a bit more drive and push on the academic side. Friend has DC there and is happy with the school though so depends what you want

She is three. Don't choose a nursery/preschool on their A level results, choose it on how they develop and foster young children. Then reassess at normal school change ages and decide if you want to stick or twist.

I thought st margaret's in bushey has no 3 plus assessment? It's just for reception, ie 4 plus onwards?. Many thanks

Hi, I am afraid that I had the same feelings on the assessment day this month for St Helen and Northwood, actually there was a difference on the open days already. Personally I do believe that the happiness and positive environment that the kids feel safe and be loved are vital for the little 3+ ones to build up their confidence and excel excellence in their early years.

I am literally in the same boat.
little one for accepted at both the schools.
what did you end up deciding?

We decided to go with St Helen's. This was based on speaking to family friends that are current parents at St Helen's and a number of other factors (e.g. GCSE results, fees and the grounds).

so where did you end up deciding?

so where did you end up deciding?

Hi,

We’re looking at St Helen’s for our daughter. Do you have much information on what the 3+ assessment entails?

Hi everyone, for those who selected St Helens, please can share your experience so far?

My DD will be sitting for 3+ assessment at St Helen’s this year, could someone kindly provide some guidance into what does assessment look like) @Spring0720 in case you are able to share, that would be great.

Sorry this is probably too late for you. My daughter did the assessment for 3+ out of the regular cycle (we enquired about an occasional place during the school year). The assessment was conducted in a regular nursery class and was integrated into their normal routine. There were a few worksheets that she completed alongside the class (one was to find certain objects in a picture, another was cutting and pasting). She came out very happy and relaxed.