overandover

Thanks to everyone who has posted thoughts. Really helpful. Decision time (in part) next week....

Ah yes identical position. Will PM you our thoughts.

After much consideration we turned down our offer from Herne Hill school. We also loved it when we visited, thought the Head in particular was great (really switched on, caring, involved and knowledgeable about all the children in her charge). We also thought the setting was outstanding, the best of the 3 schools we'd short listed. I guess the one reservation we had (backed up by a couple of comments from various sources) was the sense that it may be a little too hot-housey for us, given the inescapable pressure to do well at 7+ assessments. It's a really personal thing but we like the stability/security of going through to 11yrs, when hopefully we and our children may be able to make better informed decisions about where's right for them next. Of course some may say we're simply deferring that pressure and facing a more difficult set of assessments then, but that was our feeling. Oh I should also mention that location played a part in our decision too; the other two schools offer a much better school run/work commute balance for us. I guess it's ultimately a bunch of soft and hard reasons that made our minds up but suffice to say I still think HH is an excellent school!

Hi, Wonder if you received any useful insight on this? We've got an offer of a place at Rosemead and are on the waiting list at Oakfield for nursery in Sept 2013 for our 3 year old. We've heard really positive things about both schools with a little, roughly equal, negative stuff. Annoyingly, from a general vibe point of view, my other half and I are on opposing sides - I prefer the non-selective, more egalitarian approach of Oakfield as well as the school buildings and more generous outside area; whilst he prefers the more traditional, classic feel of Rosemead. Hmmm I know we are hugely fortunate to even have this dilemma (lots of ? sacrifices in other areas!) but if you have any further thoughts based upon your investigations, would love to hear them. Cheers,