Recommendations for independent schools living in NW London

[RedCarBlueCar123]

Our DD attends a state primary and we are seriously considering the 11+ for her. We live in an area where there are no grammars within commutable distance (nearest about 1hr to 1hr15 drive, but we don't live in the catchment so don't qualify and cannot move) and so independent schools would really be our only option. We are also looking at state as well, but if I am honest, the ones near us aren't great and the ones within commutable distance that are, we wouldn't get in as we're too far or don't qualify (not Christian).

Both her dad and I attended comprehensive schools and know nothing about independent schools, so I am essentially asking for recommendations based on your own experiences with your children please.

Our daughter is bright, academic (not overly so, but consistently scores 'greater depth' in school assessments), she likes to play the piano (but is only now considering going for grading) and loves to ice-skate. She likes to play some other sports, but really only for fun and not seriously.

We would like a school which focuses on academics (but not too pressurised), and most importantly has a holistic approach to developing the whole child and focuses on personal development and co-curricular activities.

Any suggestions you have would be very much appreciated! We live in Queens Park in London, so somewhere commutable from there.

Thanks!

Hi @RedCarBlueCar123 I suggest you ask MN to amend the title to something like “recommendations for private secondaries in the Queens Park area”

Good idea. Do I need to PM a mod?

I think just report your thread and ask for the title to be changed?

I would look at the likes of Channing, SHHS, Francis Holland RP, Queens College , Highgate maybe

I would recommend visiting your local secondaries for points of comparison if you haven't already - London state secondaries consistently perform well above national averages.

How far are you from Paddington Academy for example? Ofsted outstanding and results are impressive.

What year is she in and how much exam prep are you / she prepared to do?

From Queens Park my first thought was Queens College or Francis Holland Regents Park which would both be a quick jaunt down either the bakerloo or jubilee lines (depending on where exactly you are).