northwood college v st helens

[langham1]

Have one daughter- quiet/bright/shy about to start secondary school sept 2011.
Does anyone have advice about northwood college and st helens?
Also looking at nottinghill ealing high and shhs.
Would welcome any advice- just want her to be happy and fit in!

[Carolinemaths]

My daughter was at NLCS for 4 years (we now live abroad), so I have some experience of the NW London private school scene!

My friend's daughters went to Notting hill for a few years. She said everyone was lovely but her kids felt a bit out of place because of the wealth gap. SHHS girls have a reputation for being very hip and confident. Northwood college and St Helen's have a broader intake in terms of wealth, and are located in more conservative areas, with Northwood College having a more ethnically diverse intake.

I'm sure you're going to see them all. You'll get a good feel about each place from the open day but also try to get an individual tour during a normal school day. hope this helps!

[langham1]

Thanks. You're right. So far I have visited on open days for all except SHHS and you do get a feel for each school.

NHEH and SHHS are part of the GDST and I have found them less helpful with arranging private tours whereas Northwood college and St Helens were much more welcoming and happy to arrange private tours.

I like the fact that they also have a more diverse cultural and wealth mix because that is what society is and I believe it is important to get on with people from many backgrounds early on.

However, St Helens girls seem more assertive and socially savvy compared to Northwood college girls but I have read there has been bullying there (and together with an underlying threat of eating disorders that seem to be present to various degrees in a lot of all-girls schools) worries me.

Do you have any thoughts about that?

[Carolinemaths]

Next time you visit each school, ask them straight out about the anorexia issue. I'm sure all the teacher's and students will have an opinion about whether it's a problem at their particular school.

If I had a choice of those 4 schools for my daughter, I would choose Northwood College because it seems the most balanced of the lot in social and academic terms.

Also look at the transport issue. They all have school coaches (I think!) but don't underestimate how much a long commute will affect your DD.

Finally, now that I've been out of the NW London school scene for a few years, I'll say that you'll never know which school is right until you try it. If things don't work out well, don't be afraid to switch schools (once the dust has settled, there are usually places in year 8).

Good Luck!

[Dancergirl]

I'm also looking at St Helen's. I'm a bit worried about bullying/eating disorders/self harming issues.

Carolinemaths - is it really ok to ask a school straight about these issues?

[PrincessTippyToes]

My DD is at St Helen's and is very very happy. The Girls can be very assertive but that's what we're paying for! However, they all seem to be well balanced and know what they want. Plenty of extra-curricular clubs - they choose what they want to join. Teachers very enthusiastic and the Head is an absolute delight. Admit we didn't even look at the other NL schools as St Helen's was where she wanted to go and has been there since Yr 1. Great for music as well. As for the eating disorder issue; I haven't noticed it - the girls are all taught about healthy eating and there's plenty on offer! Maybe just girls being girls. I must admit I find myself watching what I'm saying about my "bum looking big in this"! Don't want to influence in the wrong way. Hope that helps.