Channing v Francis Holland

[Notcontent]

Dd has offers from both schools. We love Channing and it's good for us in terms of travel to and from school. But it's such a huge decision I am suddenly getting quite stressed about it. Dd is quite academic, so I think it's a good fit from that point of view. But she is coming from a good state school (we are comfortable but wealthy by London standards) and I am worried whether it may be a bit snobby... Any views?

Sorry, I can't help re snobbishness or not at Channing. Hopefully someone else can reassure you. But it sounds like you are on the right track: We love Channing and it's good for us in terms of travel to and from school.

Not sure you can visit Channing (or both schools) again before the deadline, but think back to your DD's reactions when she visited - if she also loved it and felt welcome, there is nothing to think about. (Although some reassurance from parents will hopefully also help).

You should otherwise specify which of the two Francis Holland schools - Regent's Park or Sloane Square?

My DD is very happy in year 9 at FHS RP. Happy to answer any questions.

We live in North London (Highbury) so it's FH in RP. We liked FH but for some reason we were leaning towards Channing...

Presumably your concern re snobbishness is more to do with private v state than Channing v FH?

If so then I wouldn't give it much thought. Private school girls are not all entitled and snobby princesses any more than than state school girls are all knife-wielding Asbos. Yes, some of the Channing families will be very very well off, but a lot will not be.

If you liked Channing and the fees are not going to cripple you, them go for it.

I think you are right Polly - and I suspect that the day schools in London have a good mix of girls from different backgrounds - that's what I hope anyway. I went to a good state school (although not in the UK) so this is all new to me!

I would think so. Doesn't channing take something like 40% from state schools? So it should be a decent mix.

I don't think there's much snobbishness. Many parents are both working to pay the fees so although there is a level of privilege it's often hard won and appreciated.

Thanks for the helpful comments. Have accepted Channing as it is closer for us and we both loved it when we went to see it.