Advice on assesments for reception at Nrth Bridge House/ Lynhurst etc?

[crouchender]

Just starting the rounds of interviews and assessments for the independent north london primary schools for my 2 yr old. Daunted by the whole thing (did not grow up in London!)Can anyone give me any tips? Are we being asessed as well as the kids? Guidance greatfully received.

IMHO you have chosen two of the most relaxed schools in North London and you should not worry at all. Yes the schools will be assessing you, in that they like to have parents who are involved with their children, but it will not be the sort of interview where they ask you which College you attended at Oxbridge (and yes, I was asked this at 7+ interview!)

I have a nephew at one of the schools you mention and my best friends DC are at the other. Neither of them had stressful times at interview, although admittedly they didn't go from reception.

Good luck!
ps. Have you thought about the travel from Crouch End to Camden / Hampstead?- it can be a nightmare during the school rush!

Thanks for your info. I'm trying not to think about the school run until we get a place! Then it might be time to think about getting a bike..

Do you know how many applications people generally make. I've been given figures of between 4-10? Is this realistic?

Sorry, don't know how many apply but from my own experience you do tend to see the same faces at the open days etc.
We certainly applied for a minimum of 4, so the odds are not as stacked against you as it might seen. A
Also, the economic situation is having an effect on the pre-prep and prep schools - we are currently in the process of taking our dc out of the private sector and into the state primary and there seem to be a few others doing the same (or forgoing private education until secondary).

Thanks. Sorry to hear that you are taking your dc out of the private sector. Hopefully we may get our db into a good state primary but its not guaranteed. Shame as i'd like to be able to afford a holiday in the sun before 2015!

You could try Abercorn Place as well - lovely school and relaxed entry process. Might be too far away for you though.

I heard Abercorn Place was really good but thought I might be too late to apply. Thanks will have a look and give them a call. Just want ds to be happy and comfortable and i think academic success should follow on from that.

Abercorn has a lot of turnover from ex pats, so there are often places at the last minute. I have three dcs there (for the last 3 years) and they all love it, thriving, happy as can be. The class sizes are small, especially in the older groups, and my experience has been the teachers are excellent. It doesn't prep for 7+ but more recently has had good results at 11+. I didn't grow up in London either, so all this is something I have had to learn over the last few years! Call Mrs Wrottersley at the school and say that you got a recommendation from a working mum with a boy in nursery, a boy in year 1 and a girl in year 4 - she'll know who I am!

Thanks for your help sobeda.