Channing vs Francis Holland Regent’s Park?

[SweetsMum3]

Hello parents,

Wondering if there is a big difference between these two schools? Does anyone know the pros and cons of each?

Thank you

Bump!

Is a longer commute worth it to either school?

Have you been able to visit the schools? Academically I think they are similar.

@Notcontent
Thank you for the reply. No, we haven’t seen either school in person because of the restrictions.
I’m wondering if I should just choose the easier commute. However, I know Channing has more amenities, ie large dining hall, gym, etc.

I have a DD at FHS Regent’s Park - she had an offer at Channing and turned it down because she just loved FHS. Academically they get similar results (Channing slightly better) - I loved the facilities at Channing, and the sense of more space, FHS feels more cramped and a little tireder but for me the sense of ‘family’ and head knowing every girl was much stronger at FHS and I love that they do sports in Regent’s Park. Unfortunately the fantastic current head is leaving FHS soon, he will be missed.

Not being able to visit the schools does make it difficult!!!

I agree that FHS is a bit cramped and tired. Its proximity to Regent’s Park is fantastic but I didn’t like the fact it’s surrounded by busy streets. I agree that ease of getting to school is important. In the end we chose channing because for my dd the commute is easier (bus v tube) and we liked the feel of channing.

@sleepwhenidie
Thank you. Glad your daughter is happy!
Why is the head of FHRP leaving?? Where is he going? I heard he did a lot of good things for the school.
So you feel there is more sense of family at FHRP? How is your daughter’s commute?

@Notcontent
Thanks for the feedback. Omg, it is ridiculously hard choosing a school without seeing it!

How long does it take your daughter to get to Channing? Is she happy there?

I agree with the feel of each school. Only thing, Channing is father for us, probably an extra 20 minutes or so.

Yes, dad is very happy at channing. She gets the bus so total travel time, door to door, tends to vary depending on traffic but usually around 30 min - sometimes a bit more on the way home (more traffic).

The girls tend to either be local or travel from Hampstead, Highbury/Islington, Muswell Hill, Finchley.

Dd, not dad!!!!

@SweetsMum3 I think he wants to move out of London, he’s taking a position at a school in the Midlands. Everyone will be very sad to see him go I think. New head not yet appointed.

The sense of family is just our impression - it’s not possible to compare when you don’t actually attend both schools isn’t it! I think Channing possibly applies more academic pressure, depends if you see that as positive or negative…tbh I think either would provide a great environment and outcome, and of course choosing one doesn’t mean it’s set in stone, girls do move around after Y7 so I wouldn’t agonise over the choice.

We are in Camden so very easy to walk/scoot across Regent’s Park or get 274 bus to FHS. Channing would have been pretty convenient too so commute wasn’t such a concern. Wrt feel, of course being close to Baker St is very different to Highgate village! DD and friends love going for food and are spoilt for choice, they then often hang out in RP. In Highgate the options are obviously more limited - again, depends on how you feel about that!