North Bridge House Canonbury - PE facilities?

[goteam]

We are considering NBH for both DC as well as local state options (N16). Had a look on the website but it makes little to no mention of PE facilities. I can see that the site is small. Does anyone know where they take the kids for outdoor sports? Local parks? Minibus to one of their other sites?

Any other views on the school welcome.

Bump

As you're asking opinions, I haven't heard great things about the school (it's a very small cohort making friendships tricky, e.g. one class with one girl and about 14 boys).

Re your PE question: I don't think there are PE facilities at NBH Canonbury. As far as I remember, some girls from NBH go to the outdoor astroturf cage at Sobell Leisure centre, but it might be best to call the school to ask about this, they're very happy to answer any questions.

And if it is PE facilities you're after, then you're better off looking at NBH Hampstead.

Are you looking at the state system at all? Islington has some great state secondaries.

Thanks @DrPrepper that's interesting about the small cohorts. I never think of it being a bad thing but when you put it like that I see the downsides. Yes, I.noticed they use Sobell a lot. It kind of looks like a lot of the school day will be taken up with travelling for PE. Not ideal. NBH Hampstead is too far. We want a shirt cycle to school rather than a trek on public transport

Looking at state options too. Stoke newington school and a few in Islington but want to see what is best for DC. The state secondaries are all huge.

*short cycle

how old is your child?

You know, as they grow older they'll grow into bigger settings, something hard to imagine when they're still little.

Our DC go to CLS (indie) and CFBS (state), both about 1000 pupils and they're both happy...coming from a small family-feel prep school.

What is your top criterion for a school? Is it a short commute?

Stoke Newington school is pretty popular and you have to be living close to get in. Not sure there are many state schools in Islington, apart perhaps for Highbury Grove, where you'd be in with a realistic chance of getting into both.

@DrPrepper eldest is almost 10. What is CLS? I know CFBS. Main criteria are short commute, local friends and would prefer smaller school but you are right that NBH may be too small. No grammars as DC are bright but more 'all rounders'. Sports, drama facilities etc important hence the concerns about NBH. Pastoral support too.

Not fussed on state or private. We could just about afford the latter but obviously would be daft not to consider good state options

CLS = City of London School for Boys. Forest could be an option too. And Highgate?

Then there's St Mary Magdalene Academy which I don't know much about, but which is popular.

Local friends is a great point actually.

And if I may...I'd take into account a 30 minute commute by public transport if I were you, just to widen your options.

Secondary school kids are absolutely fine doing that. Most of our friends' kids have up to an hour commute, which I think is too much!

@DrPrepper I love the look of Forest and they have amazing grounds.

Yes, I think 30 mins commute max.

Hi goteam, my DD goes to NBH Canonbury. If your DD is interested in drama, I think that department is amazing. Their productions are excellent. Art is also very good. PE is mainly at the Sobell centre or Regents Park, but DD also did sailing off Green Lanes. Obviously not their strong point due to lack of on site facilities, but the teachers are very committed. I think now there is a much better gender balance than there used to be. Being a small school individual support is good. My daughter has certainly thrived. There can be problems of course if you do not get along with somebody, as it is difficult to avoid them.

Sorry forgot to say: many leave the school for 6th form, to experience a bigger school before moving on to Uni.

Hi Iam2 Currently applying for a place at NBH senior Canonbury for my daughter . Could you tell me a bit more about the school? she would love to make local friends that she can see after school , both boys and girls … is your daughter happy there?

@Iam2 Hi Currently applying for a place at NBH senior Canonbury for my daughter .

Could you tell me a bit more about the school?

my daughter would love to make local friends that she can see after school , both boys and girls … is your daughter happy there? How are the teachers?

Do not consider NBH Canonbury unless you have no other option and are desperate. Every year, large numbers leave the school and that does not happen if the parents are happy. There is no outside space, limited activities, poor teaching, lots of supply teaching, teaching done solely by computers with no personal care and the pastoral care is sadly lacking. I've heard very bad things about the school from many parents and children who have attended there. It's good if you have no choice though and want to move on to another school in a year or so. Frankly, the worse state school is probably better though and free.

How about Highgate? They have beautiful grounds

So sorry wildcatpinkdolphin, I never saw your message. I hope you managed to make a choice. I am very puzzled by what mumholly says, which is simply not true. I wonder if she is really speaking about NBH Canonbury. I do not recognise any of this. No one left in my DD class in 5 years, except someone who emigrated, no teaching by computer at all (except what you would expect and require), amazing support during lockdown (hence the amazing GCSE results of DD). Top English and Maths teachers, with zero use of supply teachers in those 2 subjects (and I only hear of some in Geography), most amazing Physics teacher (I very much doubt DH would have got 9 in Physics without them), top pastoral care. I was a little sorry DD did not want to go to Channing due to issues with all girl schools, but academically NBH certainly worked for her. She wanted to be given extra work to gain confidence in subjects where she was more unsure, and got a lot of support from a number of teachers. I really have no complaints. I knew of the limited PE resources, but they still offered them quite a variety of off site opportunities. Amazing Drama, Arts and Music departments, which you would struggle to find in state schools, and actually in some fee paying too.