Highgate / Channing 4+

[chachastar]

We’re a year away from applying but would be looking at these two schools for our daughter. Any thoughts on these? Are the assessments brutal? Channing seems to have a mixed rep so any recent experiences gratefully received.

Neither are brutal. Kids usually like them. Channing is also way less selective.

Thank you! Can’t imagine my child happily walking into a room full of strangers but we shall see. Do your children go to either? Would welcome any thoughts. Always assumed Channing was a good option but understand it’s not great for science (not that relevant at age 4 obviously but ideally you keep them there til 18!).

Of course Channing is a good option and family members have been to both Channing and Highgate. Channing from what I can see is nice and nurturing, but not particularly academic. Highgate seems like a great environment while also performing significantly better academically - though it is also harder to get into.

Thank you! Not sure how you can determine whether your 4 year old would suit an academic environment

These places seemingly can... don't ask me how.... or if it's even legit.

I can only comment on the senior school, and we had offers from both Hg and Ch. we ended up choosing Channing and never looked back. Pastoral support is superb, and my DD is stretched and challenged ( in a good way) both academically and musically. She is in a nurtured and healthy space, with many opportunities to grow and discover her inner passions. Will recommend Channing again and again. ❤️

Kids should be encouraged to see the 'assessments' as a fun event where they go and meet some teachers 'at a school they might go to.' There's no need to make them feel like they are being tested, and the teachers there will do their best to make children feel comfortable and like they're having a fun time.

There's no exact science at 4, but generally they are looking to see if the kids are engaged, sparky and seem eager to learn/suited to a school environment. Of course it all feels a bit ridiculous at such a young age, but generally it does seem to work pretty well - hardly any kids at Highgate or Channing find the school isn't right for them later.

Of the two, Highgate is far more academic and competitive. Channing is very good on drama/art and perhaps a bit more nurturing overall.

Thank you @ConfuzdMumand @joytotheworldlalalala. Very helpful insights!

How is Channing not academic? It’s consistently in top 50 schools & has staff who go above and beyond at every turn.

Not saying Channing isn’t academic, but compared to Highgate it is less so - their results are reflective of this.

Channing is a good school, though compared to a few other North London indies, it is less fast paced. That’s not to say an academic girl won’t do brilliantly there, but it’s a different vibe.