North London/Primrose Hill/school advice -- primary & secondary

[BookishMummy]

Hello all!

I am aiming to relocate to north London, most probably the Primrose Hill area, next summer, ahead of my two boys entering, respectively Y3 and Y7. I am looking for an independent secondary for the elder, and a good state primary for the younger. If anyone has experience of the area and could recommend some pairs of schools I could start researching, would be really grateful. I will need to rent a place near the state school, so that's a natural starting point, but ideally the independent secondary for my older one wouldn't be too far away. Thanks in advance for any ideas!

How smart is your older child.
If well above average consider UCS, Highgate, CLSB
If more average North Bridge House
If wanting alternative king Alfred
Not sure about Primary

Lots of good primaries. St Paul's C of E, Primrose Hill, New End, Fitzjohn's, Hampstead Parochial, Fleet, Christ Church, St Luke's.

If you are applying for a competitive entry senior school like UCS or highgate, you will need to get application form in soon and there will be an exam in Jan - it wont just be a case of choosing a school, you iwll need to apply for a number and see where he gets offered.

For state primary, you will be dependent on there being a place avaialable, although some children will move to the private sector at that age.

In other words, dont get hung up on one school as it may not be your choice!

Thank you indeed, everyone. Older son is quite clever though not one of those terrifying genius children, so I think he would do well in a senior school that is academic but not cut-throat. I will check these all out, and apply to a few.

The primaries I imagine will be a matter of getting as close as possible to the catchment and then getting on a list. Would most of these primaries, as you mentioned, have a biggish exodus in Y3 of kids going to independent schools?

Help so appreciated :)