KAS or Norfolk House School 🙈

[Luanaturale]

Hey mamas,

I was hoping for some information from parents who currently have their kids at KAS or Norfolk House Muswell Hill.

My DD is 4 and starting reception September. She has been offered a place at both schools.

I am aware both schools are completely different. I think my daughter would thrive at both for different reasons.

My partner and I are completely split with our choice and have a deadline to commit to with KAS by Monday.

I would really appreciate it if you could share your experiences. Thank you in advance xxx

They’re really different in style & ethos
What works practically eg drop off,pick up etc. which is easier commute etc. which is nearer home for friendship groups etc
You must have a gut feeling? Both can’t be absolute equal

Norfolk House is obviously v local and Muswell Hill, Crouch End , Finchley. Generally law & finance & corporate types. It’s a small and regular prep. No surprises.
KAS has much wider catchment , conspicuously wealthy and more artsy media with a handful of folk off the telly. The KAS ethos and style is very liberal

KAS is a very specific type of school. Usually, you either love its freedom and artiness, or despise it as lawless and snobby.

If you're on the fence about KAS I wouldn't do it - it's not 'just another inde'. And I've known some KAS kids be quite behind in academics (or at least not achieving their potential) which makes it hard to swap to a more selective school later on.

Agree with @PercyFone KAS is a very specific style and informal. Not the regular prep vibe
This makes it hard to transfer to another school as it really isn’t like for like in terms of structure and expectations
Never met anyone who’s indifferent about KAS - it’s a marmite thing

Thank you for the responses.
Norfolk house is definitely more local to us, KAS would be around a 30min drive.

We ended up going with KAS. Mainly due to size and we do absolutely love the ethos. I think for my partner it was more Norfolk House being the closest to the “kind of school we are used to” whereas KAS is a completely different style of schooling (which I love).

I Think the scary thing is feeling like you are going “off grid” with a school like KAS, but our DD is very a creative, artsy child and loves the outdoors so we do believe she would absolutely thrive there. She is also very academic so I hope the balance can be found!

Very valid points made by everyone. I would like to think if we were not confident with the way things were going, we would notice before changing schools would be an impactful choice.

It was not an easy decision but I guess it’s not the last! If we are not happy, she can always be moved x Thanks again