High Schools in Pinner and Harrow

[Pinnermumm]

New here! Hello. I am looking for any advice from people who live close to Harrow or close by to help me choose a school.

I am looking to move there from Wembley for the schools. I am torn between Northwood High, Pinner High and Nower-Hill High. Which one is best but also calmest in terms of pupils and violence. My dd is quite shy so I am not sure if a bigger or smaller school would suit her.

And has anyone found how expensive catchment areas have become in the last few months!

All three have excellent reputations.
None are Waterloo Road 😂

It’s the same as any large comprehensive - there are a mix of kids and some will behave badly. Many won’t.

Id be looking more at the options for GCSE and extra curricular across the three instead of violence levels. What is your child’s interests?

I know at Pinner High they have compulsory enrichment I think on Weds afternoons so all children need to do an extra curricular of their choice. They’re a newer school so have a more vanilla curriculum than the more established ones although they offer mandarin from year seven which is quite progressive.

Nower Hill has absolutely loads of GCSE options from child development to astronomy. Something for everyone. They also have a fantastic classics and music department.

im not so familiar with Northwood except it’s well regarded (as is Whitmore if you want another option). Hopefully someone else can help there.

Thanks Tired, really helpful.
Nower Hill High looks massive - over 2000 pupils. How do they manage that many? The building also looks shabby while Pinner High looks modern. And Nower Hill High has a new headteacher too so I am swayed towards Pinner High. I have no idea what dd will want to do. I don't think she does either. She's a bit of an all-rounder - good at everything but not standout at anything!

They split them into two sides essentially. The N side and the H side. It doesn’t feel anywhere near that size in reality. The kids get settled very quickly.

Pinner High is much newer for sure - only about eight years old I think. But there are still decent facilities at NH and they’re raising money for a brand new drama and music block as we speak so that should be replaced soon. The gym and cafeteria have both been updated in the last few years.

The new headteacher seems absolutely great so far - very approachable and making a real effort to get to know the children by name where she can. She’s been at loads of school events this term and waited around to speak to parents.

I think you’d only get a feel for both schools if you go for a tour. They absolutely both have their merits.