Habs vs UCS - 7+ entry

[bstrong0805]

We are in the fortunate position of having an offer from both Habs Boys and UCS for 7+ entry. DS is a active, very sporty boy but with equal interests in things like science, DT, computing etc. I would say he is least interested currently in drama, arts and music. We are closer to UCS, about 15 min walking distance, we loved the school - especially the senior school and think DS will be happy there. Initially, we were apprehensive of Habs given what we had heard from others, but after seeing it a few times (tour, open day, exam, interview + coffee morning) we really liked it. The facilities are no doubt brilliant, but we felt the school was warm an welcoming - at least the prep school. DS is swayed by the sports facilities in Habs and is keen to go there.
Anyone who has experience of either or both of these schools who can provide some insights ? Thank you!

Update: We are near a coach stop for Habs, but around 30-35 min journey.

@bstrong0805 Congratulations! That’s a wonderful dilemma to have! I know families in both schools, and my best friend’s two boys go to Habs. Honestly for a sporty boy, I’d choose Habs. It’s academically fantastic, in the subjects you mentioned and all round, and the facilities all the way up the school are great. You won’t make a mistake with either, but if even with the commute, for the boy you describe I would say Habs has the edge. But if you’re unsure I’m sure you could ask both schools to have another look around, maybe with your DS, and see if you could get a better feel for both? Good luck with your decision. I know it’s a tough one to make.

@ThatMondayFeeling thank you! Yes, both schools have an additional open evening this week so we will be going to see it. I feel like my boy might love the space at Habs more, but I dont want the commute to kill him. Also heard Habs can be quite competitive and high pressure, but I guess msot of these private schools will be the same. Hopefully will make a decision soon :)

@bstrong0805 congrats on your offers! We have an offer from UCS too for 7+ entry - can I ask when the open evening is as I didn’t realise there was one? Would love to go if there is one!

@munchymoo Sorry I got confused - City and Habs have additional open evenings, not UCS. Congrats!

Were going to take 7+ ucs... It's closer to us than City or Highgate and hopefully he will have local friends. I have friends who have their kids at Has but they live close by. Local friends is always a plus.

UCS. No question. It's an amazing school and that's a great commute.

I could have written the exact same message! We have the same dilemma and can’t choose… so not going to be much help. (Maybe I saw you at Habs tonight 😀) good luck with the decision

@Sid22 Yes, we were at Habs today - it was a nice event and gave me more colour on the school but I am still not sure what choice to make ! Urgghh... hoping we will decide this weekend.

We have also chosen UCS.

@FourFour what swayed you?

Are the school coaches still mixed either the girls? Loved those coach journeys back in the day... honestly they were a major part of our social life! Just pointing out the coach journey could be a plus rather than a minus.

'With' not either

@whatisheupto yea the coach journey is still common for boys and girls school. We are still worried about that, but more parents are reassuring us the journey will be fine at least after the first term. We are slightly more inclined towards Habs as of today (but gathering the courage to say no to UCS as we loved it too!)

@FourFour yes also keen to know what swayed you and what you chose from (what were your other choices). Such a hard decision and extra pressure when you are making it for someone else.

I have heard from a few parents now that coaches are fine, but deciding for the next 11 years to be in a coach is difficult…

Hello Mums,

Would anyone be able to share what the 2nd round assessment at Habs was like for the 7+ please and how they prepared their sons? All I have been told is that it will be 4 sessions but nothing more. Thank you x

@bstrong0805 Hi we have the same choice for our DS, similar to yours very sports driven. Do you mind sharing what you chose and how it's been over the first year?

Hi all,
Our friends are wondering what type of boy is suited for Habs vs Highgate vs UCS 7+.
How do they know what mix of boys to go for?
How to get one’s son back into football?
UCS seems to get longer holidays.

Would love to hear about the 7+ process at UCS too. @bstrong0805 can you remember the different assessments in November and January? Many thanks