Francis Holland (Sloane Square) or South Hampstead?

[Naomi2018]

My daughter got into Francis Holland and South Hampstead for year 10. I don't know which school would be a better fit. My daughter is very hard working, does very well academically and likes to be challenged but also enjoys a range of different sports and after school activities.

I'd like a school that has that balance and with an inviting community of girls. Does anyone have any experience with one of these schools?

Also, does anyone know what the trip from South Hampstead to the
metro station is like? And in general, is the area South Hampstead is located a good (safe) area?

SHHS is considered more academic.
And, I think, has far better facilities - and more space than FH.
It is a short walk to a tube station and it’s a nice and safe area.

My DD isn’t in there - but we did look at both of these schools for 11+.
And if I had your choice - i’d have gone for SHHS, despite it being a longer commute in our case.

I live near to SHHS and have many friends whose DDs have gone there. It comes across as having high academic standards but also being a warm and supportive community. It is a very safe area generally and is a short walk to Finchley Road and Swiss Cottage tube stations and Finchley Road & Frognal overground. It doesn't sound like you live nearby though so definitely factor in which school is quicker and easier to get to. Both are "good@ schools

FH SS has a reputation for being richer. This can be a problem.

I assume fees at SHHS are lower as it is GDST.

Also SHHS has extensive building and refurb recently which seems to have really improved the premises

Thanks Davros that sounds great. I was worried that there might be a lack of community in the school due to the pressure they seem to have on academics .Will definitely keep in mind distance between the school and my house as it's an important factor.

Davros would you know if the class sizes are large? Since there are a lot of students in the school.

I don't know but I can ask a very good friend who has 2 DDs there now and a third who is now at uni

My friend says around 25

Thanks a million Davros that's great to know. The class size is a little bigger than my DD has in her current school but I think it should be fine.