Happy19,
As a father of a HS senior, I can share what we have found out so far:
New Gateshead I do not beleive you can remain there for yom tov or breaks. The kids are mostly European and return home. Unless you have relatives in England, you’ll need to budget for additonal flights home.
P’ninim I understand has gotten more selective during the application process. I don’t beleive there is a lot of out-of-classroom work, but their schedule looks like the other seminaries, and there are night classes as well. It had a BY hashkafa, and the staff is devoted to the student body.
Meohr I understand has a larger crowd than Ateres. Both seem to have a higher level of text learning and work. I do not beleive Meohr has been here in the US to tour yet. Both are known for working closely with each student.
In addition to posting to the board, I’m old school and prefer the phone. We have been calling recent alumni and students we know are in Israel to get feedback. Ask, ask ask!