Private School in London for entry Year 4, Sep 2024

[Sunshinever]

Hello everyone,

We are locating to London and need some guidance. We're searching for a suitable private school spot for my 7-year-old DD who will be entering Year 4 in September 2024 (8+ entrance).

We haven't finalized the area yet as we want to select the school first, but we're looking for a location that is reasonably commutable to central London.

DD is bright, excels in sports and math, but he isn't particularly fond of sitting down and writing. Academically, I would say he's average.

We're hoping to find a co-ed through school, but it seems that options are limited since most schools have their main entrance point at age 7+. We're planning to apply to Harriodian as they offer an 8+ entry, and I will inquire about availability at other schools later this fall, although I anticipate it will be challenging.

In case our preferred options don't work out, I'm considering enrolling him in preparatory schools such as North Bridge Prep, Knightsbridge, or Fulham Prep.

However, I have reservations about him being ready to take the 11+ exam, so I would truly prefer if he could enter a through school. The thought of him going through the 11+ exam at his current age is hard for me to imagine.

I would greatly appreciate any suggestions or guidance you may have to offer. Thank you in advance!

For a boy on Mumsnet you need to use DS. DD is for a girl.

As you can see there aren't many co-ed mixed all through schools but if you moved slightly out of London towards Surrey, Herts, Kent there is lots more choice.

The prep schools currently aren't full apart from the very top generally single sex ones so whilst it appears competitive it's less in reality. Harrodian is a good option plus Fulham Prep which feeds into Fulham School. There are 2 big schools groups, Inspired Education and Dukes Education and if you choose a prep school owned by 1 of the groups they will have a senior school your ds can gain a place at.

Best of luck with your move but it probably won't be as daunting as it seems.

If you look a little out of London you will get more options for all through schools. You can still be in central London within an hour door to door.

Berkhamsted would be a great option for a sporty boy.

Other all throughs in areas of Herts very close to London are Habs Boys, Aldenham, St Columba’s and St Margaret’s (Bushey).

Dare I say that whilst still in demand, competition for places at these schools (Habs aside) is nothing as competitive as the London schools.

My first thought based on your description was Grimsdell/Belmont/Mill Hill (3 names but all one foundation) which is ideal for a bright, sporty but not super-academic kid. But maybe too far north for you.

The schools that go up to 18 still require pupils to reach a certain level, even if they don’t ask them to sit the entry exam to the senior school. Aldenham or Belmont/Mill Hill would probably be a good choice. Habs is very highly selective and academic.

Knightsbridge School is now through to 16, so your child would only have to move after GCSEs.

The issue with taking a through school place now is that should you later prefer an alternative secondary they will not necessarily prepare for other entrance tests. They may also screen out at 11+ those who do not fit their mould.

This is good advice. It’s worth saying also that, of the Herts schools mentioned on the thread, at least Habs, Belmont/Mill Hill, Aldenham and St Margaret’s (also Merchant Taylors, but that’s all boys and selective) have coach routes extending into North London so you can live somewhere that is more convenient for your commute if desired.

Habs, as others have said, is likely to be too academically selective.

At St Margaret’s, which is the one I know well, you’d be looking for an occasional place rather than a formal entry point. However, as they are currently expanding the junior school from 2-form to 3-form entry at all levels, there is more capacity for occasional places than you might think. Assessments take place each term, so if there is a place and you meet the standard then you don’t necessarily have to wait until September to join. There is no guarantee of getting in, but it isn’t all that competitive (more a question of assessing ability/fit/needs/behaviour at the point of entry), and once you’re in they don’t do any managing out at 11+.

We can try to help based on our individual experiences, however in your position I would consider using services such as Gabbitas who can tailor it to your detailed needs with discretion.

But between Fulham Prep, Knightsbridge and Harrodian I would be really surprised if the ds didn't get offered a place. There is nothing to suggest mixed prep schools in central London are turning dc away apart from their own marketing.

Hi

have a look at the school below

https://g.co/kgs/H8dHZKgSt James Preparatory & Nursery School
020 7348 1777

Avoid any school owned by Inspired Education. Teachers and children leaving in droves because of huge cuts. Never trust private equity with your childs education.