Looking for kind parents who are open to sharing their experience/tips

[wellmeaningparent5445]

Hello wonderful parents of NW London,

My family moved internationally to Hampstead recently with kids under 5. I am quickly realizing that the school scene here is pretty intense and admissions processes and waitlists run for years. Like every well-meaning parent, I hope to offer my kids the best opportunities without making it stressful for them or ourselves as parents. But I constantly feel like my lack of awareness about “how things work around here” or inside scoop on schools is penalising my kids.

If you are a parent who went through the 4+ or 7+ admissions process and/or moved to this area feeling the same way and have since figured out this mean machine, I’d love to hear from you!

I am looking for some unbiased advice and tips. We could do a quick call or WhatsApp chat or I am also happy to buy us coffee nearby, as a way to say thank you. I am not looking for professional educational consultants at this time.

I am posting anonymously to not worry other parents of the schools where my kids have current spots.

Thank you and I wish you a fantastic week! ❤️😊

Actually, it’s the parents of NW London are the ones who make the process feel stressful and hard to navigate 😂😂😂. Locally it’s kind of bragging rights if your child goes to Highgate, UCS or SHHS (the “top” local schools). Or you might choose an academic prep with a view to getting into the Uber elite St Paul’s (boys or girls) or Westminster or City at 11.

Parents tutor like crazy to get their kids into these schools. They focus so much on “the best” that they forget to look at “the right” schools for their child. This is particularly true after the introduction of VAT - people expect a lot for their money, especially great exam results, so these schools are in high demand. They can be miserable places for the child who is heavily tutored and just scrapes a place though.

I honestly encourage you to look at what’s important to you and your family. Are your children sporty, arty, musical etc. Your children are still young. Are you a family that likes learning through hands on experiences or are your children happy and content sitting at a desk? Honestly, I think your gut reaction to a school on an open day lets you know if it’s the right place for you.

I personally hate the 4+ and 7+ process. Far better to be at a great prep school the whole time until 11 where they can really get to know your child. They will then make recommendations as to which schools to apply for at 11 and help your child prepare accordingly. You also can’t possibly tell what sort of school will fit your child in the future years when they are so young. Invariably some parents will still tutor to support this.

There are schools with places in Hampstead. Alleyn’s does (used to be North Bridge House) and this is now an all through school so once you’re in there’s no more entrance exams. They won’t prep for a move to another school though.

I guess what I am saying is you don’t need to get caught up in the frenzy of it all. There are schools with places and they are great schools. Just not perhaps the big hitting name ones.

ive gone through the 4+ successfully (as in, got both my kids in to our target school) twice now. I would follow beyondtutoring on insta, as well as threetoeleven. Both give very sensible tips. Don’t fall in to the trap of listening to scare mongering tutors.