Secondary schools in Hertfordshire/N. London

[WorkinMumsince4ever]

Good morning all,

It’s becoming time to think about secondary schools for our little one, and we want to get her in a private school in the Hertfordshire area. I’m not English and still navigating through the system to understand it, so guidance is really appreciated.

We are new to the area and Haberdashers’ girls school caught our attention, however I have heard and read different opinions, positive online, negative by tutors, and I wanted to reach out an honest view from someone who has/had her child studying there.

Specifically, do teachers play more of a facilitator or teaching role? Do you perceive parents require additional tutoring needed after school? How friendly/unfriendly is the environment for girls regarding academic achievement?

I would like to understand if this is the default for top schools or if anyone else had another experience.

I understand the school does not like tutors to be used as preparation for the admission test, so how likely is it someone from a public school to get in? The number of applicants is quiet significant.

Views are more than welcome.

Thank you and have a lovely day!

"I understand the school does not like tutors to be used as preparation for the admission test, so how likely is it someone from a public school to get in?"

Have a look at the thread below, some discussions on this topic:
https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/secondary/4804140-could-any-child-get-into-sw-london-grammars-with-tutoring?page=9&reply=126214300

Difficulty of admission is relative, compared to the selective state schools in that area (i.e hbs/latymer/dao) or private school NLCS, Habs girls probably will be easier to get in. Still time to prepare so good luck.

Habs Girls has been through a rather strange time under the short-lived headship of Rose Hanbury who has, by all accounts, been rather “marmite”. However, they have a new Head starting in September and the Executive Headship of Gus Locke, overseeing a closer strategic partnership between the Girls’ and Boys’ schools, is generally regarded to be a promising development for the future.

I’d recommend you look at (i.e. visit in person) a range of schools, as there’s nothing quite like the instinctive reaction you’ll get as to whether they’re a fit for your daughter. In no particular order (and depending on exactly where you are) you may want to consider adding NLCS, Queenswood, St Margaret’s (Bushey) and St Helen’s (Northwood) to your longlist.

Royal Masonic (in Rickmansworth) is another option for girls.

Rose Hardy had been the habs girl for 5 years so it is not the typical short-lived.

That was an unfortunate typo - as you say, Hardy not Hanbury. But I make Sep 2019 to July 2023 four, not five, academic years.

@HonorHiding yes you are right, 4 years not 5 years

Thank you for sharing the links really. I didn’t think about the level of competition at the selective state schools… indeed, we’re lucky she still has one year to prepare.
Thanks again!

Thank you for your insight and the recommendations. I wasn’t aware of the marmite effect of the headmistress. She started in the middle of covid and can only figure out that it must have been though to lead during though times…

In any case, what I found interesting was indeed the plans to work with the boys school. Then I found it has a name for itself and the level of competition to get a place.

Finding the right school feels like finding the right house to buy! The investment is huge!

Is your DD at the end of Y4 now? It’s a good time to start looking without any pressure. I happen to know that St Margaret’s has an Open Day on Saturday 10 June.

Yes she is! That’s why we started looking already. Her first years at primary school were a horror story and it took me covid to realise she needed to change schools. Hopefully she will be in a place where she can blossom.
Will definitely check St. Margaret’s! Thank you! 🙌🏼

I highly recommend St Helen’s in Northwood, it’s a fantastic school with excellent results and a nurturing atmosphere.

Look at Berkhamsted too, lovely school, great results, happy children.

Thank you! Just checked it out. It has an open day in September, so it’s the right time to start looking. Thank you again.

I have a DC at St Margaret’s and we love the school. I had to hunt a bit for the open day booking form, but here it is if you’re interested!

https://www.stmargarets-school.org.uk/book-a-tourbook-an-open-day

As an ex Hanbs girl (I am 40), my sisters and I cannot talk about our years there (5-18) without shuddering. I don't know if has gotten less competitive these days and more nurturing but it was like the Hunger Games back then. Some girls would thrive there. Sensitive kids will not do well if it is like it used to be. Really tune into your kids and put their wellbeing above academic results. They will get the results if they are well supported and happy. We all did well academically but were very unhappy.

"I don't know if has gotten less competitive these days"

Not sure 20 years ago, but compared to a few years back definitely less competitive, can easily tell from the GCSE grades.

"and more nurturing"
Don't know

P. S Love MN, lots of experience sharing school after school.

Thank you for sharing. Every experience is valuable. I heard that parents in super competitive schools even hire private tutors to help their children keeping up with the work. Will take that in mind, definitely. At the other side, glad you got through it 💪🏼.

Thank your that’s very encouraging. We recently visited and it seemed all the girls were doing sports! Seemed quiet relaxed… but of course it was an open day event.

Rose Hardy was awful, feel very sorry for parents at Sir John Lyon who are now stuck with her. School has blossomed under Dr Bagworth-Mann's leadership. Morale sunk through the floor in the Hardy years.