SHHS or Highgate?

louiseCasey · 2026-01-26T19:12:29+00:00

Hi everyone, Ahead of 11+ acceptances coming out in a couple of weeks time, I'm trying to be optimistic and imagining it's a 'yes' for my daughter to both of the schools we applied to (the interviews seemed to go well and she really liked both). I think, if we were lucky enough to get offers from both, we would go for Highgate because I *think* I personally would prefer her to be in a co-ed environment and I love the amount of space it has compared to SHHS. There's no difference geographically or in terms of commute time. I suppose I'm just interested in hearing other peoples opinions about these two schools in case there's something I've neglected to consider. (Watch me look like a total idiot now when she doesn't get an offer from either!!) Thanks so much in advance for your viewpoints and advice!

Are your children’s vaccines up to date?

Set a reminder

Mamusik20 · 27/01/2026 16:27

We were in your position two years ago, picked Highgate and never looked back! Great school, excellent teaching, lots of co-curriculum. So no regrets at all and it feels very normal to be in a co-ed school. Less drama for sure as I have another daughter in all girls.

Original poster

louiseCasey · 27/01/2026 19:38

That's fantastic to hear, thank you for your feedback. Fantastic that your daughter is so happy. I think you're echoing my gut-instinct as I really enjoyed my own co-ed school days, but DD has been in an all-girls environment (not without incident, but then what school is!?) for the last few years and is a bit nervous about the transition.

I'm sure both schools are fantastic and she could be very happy at either one. It's just that when the ultimate decision for your kid's future rests on your shoulders it's nice to have some reassurance from others who have been there - so thanks again for sharing your perspective.

OP posts:

sulkingroomisbrown · 28/01/2026 13:54

I have a son and a daughter at Highgate. Both love it, and speaking as someone who went to an all-girls school, I think it's a bit 'healthier' to be at a co-ed school. Good luck OP!

getsetdad · 28/01/2026 14:36

sulkingroomisbrown · 28/01/2026 13:54

I have a son and a daughter at Highgate. Both love it, and speaking as someone who went to an all-girls school, I think it's a bit 'healthier' to be at a co-ed school. Good luck OP!

What do you guys love about Highgate, and what would you say are the drawbacks? I guess they also didn't have sibling policy?

Original poster

louiseCasey · 28/01/2026 17:00

sulkingroomisbrown · 28/01/2026 13:54

I have a son and a daughter at Highgate. Both love it, and speaking as someone who went to an all-girls school, I think it's a bit 'healthier' to be at a co-ed school. Good luck OP!

Thank you! This is fantastic to hear. We have everything crossed for results day - hope to see you in September!!

OP posts:

arlequin · 13/02/2026 17:26

What did you decide op? X

Original poster

louiseCasey · 13/02/2026 21:29

We received offers from both today! Still aren’t 100% decided, but probably leaning towards Highgate…

OP posts:

arlequin · 13/02/2026 21:37

Ahh congrats!!

MightBizarre · 16/02/2026 17:35

We have the same situation.
MD is leaning to Highgate.
But we will see.

wisdomdreamer · 16/02/2026 22:50

I have experience with both schools (keeping it vague as dont want to be too outing!) , so honestly they’re both brilliant schools. However, I did feel maths (and STEM generally) was slightly stronger at Highgate and the girls always seemed properly stretched there. That said the teaching at both is very good and I wouldn’t say there’s a big gap at all.
On the co-ed side of things once hormones kick in I actually found it easier to manage a child in co-ed environment. Relationships and friendships tend to stay within the same school, which makes life easier. In SHHS there was a lot more effort put into meeting boys elsewhere, which sometimes created a whole extra layer of problems. Saying that i think being selective Highgate has a nice cohort of boys ( a tiny bit too swotty in my DD words haha), i understand in less selective environment co-ed vs single-sex experience might have been different. I also found Highgate felt a bit more international and socially mixed. I suspect that’s partly because it’s co-ed, which can be more appealing to international/mixed families so it seems to attract a wider spread from across London. SHHS in comparison felt slightly more local in its intake though this may vary from one cohort to another. Also, in the past Highgate wasn't selective at all so some local families might be slightly biased. Again, not a criticism at all, just a different feel.
At the end of the day you can’t go wrong with either it’s more about the right fit than one being “better” than the other. I's say co-ed vs single-sex is the main decisive factor here.

ABbCc · 17/02/2026 22:44

what did you decided?

Original poster

louiseCasey · 18/02/2026 03:23

wisdomdreamer · 16/02/2026 22:50

I have experience with both schools (keeping it vague as dont want to be too outing!) , so honestly they’re both brilliant schools. However, I did feel maths (and STEM generally) was slightly stronger at Highgate and the girls always seemed properly stretched there. That said the teaching at both is very good and I wouldn’t say there’s a big gap at all.
On the co-ed side of things once hormones kick in I actually found it easier to manage a child in co-ed environment. Relationships and friendships tend to stay within the same school, which makes life easier. In SHHS there was a lot more effort put into meeting boys elsewhere, which sometimes created a whole extra layer of problems. Saying that i think being selective Highgate has a nice cohort of boys ( a tiny bit too swotty in my DD words haha), i understand in less selective environment co-ed vs single-sex experience might have been different. I also found Highgate felt a bit more international and socially mixed. I suspect that’s partly because it’s co-ed, which can be more appealing to international/mixed families so it seems to attract a wider spread from across London. SHHS in comparison felt slightly more local in its intake though this may vary from one cohort to another. Also, in the past Highgate wasn't selective at all so some local families might be slightly biased. Again, not a criticism at all, just a different feel.
At the end of the day you can’t go wrong with either it’s more about the right fit than one being “better” than the other. I's say co-ed vs single-sex is the main decisive factor here.

This is incredibly helpful - thank you so much for taking the time to share your insights into both schools. We have decided to accept Highgate - good luck to anyone watching with an offer for the waitlist at SHHS as it’s about to move a place! Thanks again everyone - I really value your perspectives and advice 😊

OP posts: