Help with co-ed private schools in SE

[shinny]

Hello
I have 3 DC and we're looking for a school from next summer (currently overseas). I have one going into Sixth form, one Year 10 and one Year 5. The eldest is clever and musical but not very sporty, other 2 are very sporty and a bit above average on schoolwork.

We want good sports, great pastoral and academic without being overly pressured. Areas we are interested in are East London, and Herts. Would look further afield but not Scotland for example.

I am looking at a school in Herts this summer and have looked at a couple in East London. I have discounted Bancrofts (too pushy), Forest (no space) and I have been toying with Haileybury and Felsted.

I read a lot of info on mumsnet about schools in Cambridge and it put me off even though I love the city.

Its hard to visit many schools as we are so far away so am keen to hear personal experience. Is it worth paying a bit more for a more prestigious school? Will it open more doors for the children in the future?

Most grateful for any input from anyone.

Thanks

Why have you been put off the schools in Cambridge? Pm if you'd rather not say publicly.

Hi shinny. You want a co-ed that covers 3-18 years with good sports facilities, good music dept and academic but not overly pressured. Have a look at the Colfe's school website. It is in Lee, South East London but then you did say you would consider other areas (not Scotland!). Pastoral care is good, they do LAMDA and their school buses run from north of the river as well as south. Head and deputy both ex-Forest.

Thanks for the replies. I will look at that school in Lee user, thanks.

I looked at The Perse and The Leys but comments on here were not good at all. Hot housing I seem to remember and also fees are high and there seems to be a lot of good state schools in Cambridge too. Maybe Im wrong but I got very confused after reading about both schools and very put off!

Hi OP

Schools I have heard of in Hertfordshire are:

Berkhamsted School
Habs (but these are two separate schools for boys and girls)
Merchant Taylors' (but I think this is for boys only)
St Albans (I think these are two separate schools for boys and girls)

Berkhamsted School would be a perfect school based on the information you have provided.

Was also going to suggest Berkhamsted
What about Kings Ely or is that to far north?
Mill Hill foundation schools
St Ed,s Ware
Aldenham
Or for something different St Chris in Letchworth

Just remembered the other one I was thinking of.Bishop Stortford College

Bishops Stortford College, Haileybury, Felsted all have good local reputations. ( Bishops Stortford/Hertford)

Shame about Forest. It might have been a good fit. Have you considered Chigwell? It's in the same area as Bancrofts, has lovely grounds and is slightly more academic than Forest, but is smaller in size. I know many happy families there.

Friends of mine have been very happy with Felstead. Their overall care has been v good & they have been flexible & understanding.