Secondary Schools in Guildford - Help Pls (new into area)

[MrandMrsP]

Dear all

We are moving to Guildford during the summer holiday due to recent job transfer (very recent - previous employers business sold) and are buying a house in the Epsom Road area. We have applied through the LEA for school places for my daugheter (into Yr10) and have been offered places in Kings College, Broadwater and also Glebelands.

None of our three choices (St Peters, George Abbott and Guildford County) have spaces despite being geographically much closer, so it doesn't look like we have much chance of getting into them. I have heard some not so great stories about two of the schools we have been offered and so I am saddened having spent so much on a house to get into catchment areas of good schools (so can't afford private schooling) to find out that my daughter may end up in worse schools than she was previously at (which is a shame as she is in our local LEA "Gifted and Talented" register)

Any advice at all as to what we can do to appeal, or any advice about any other good schools which we should try our luck at, will be greatly appreciated.

Thank you so much!

[mummytime]

Glebelands is good but a huge commute. Have you tried to appeal? Are you on the waiting lists for the three schools you prefer? GA is now an academy although their admissions may still be being done by the LA.
Kings is fine, but if you have a hot house flower she might struggle.

BTW just because she was G and T elsewhere doesn't mean she will be in Guildford.

[MindtheGappp]

County has the best reputation, followed by George Abbott.

Have you contacted the schools directly? Year 10 can be a lot more flexible because the students will be in smaller options classes. You have to be flexible with option choices.

[mummytime]

I'd say GA first, followed by St Peter's followed by County personally. You should also look at both Christ's and King's, not just go on hear say.

[Silverstreet]

I would second talking to the schools you want direct as they are a lot closer to what is possible than the LA. There will normally be skeleton staff in over the holidays and more of the management team when it gets nearer to results time.

[mumofsussex]

I have to say that St Peter's is an excellent school as I went there. Hope you manage to get your DD into a good school. Definitely worth contacting the schools and finding out about waiting lists

[JammyCow]

Have you looked at the independent schools? Your g&t daughter might qualify for a bursary or scholarship. Guildford independents are some of the best in the country and the three state schools you mention are highly regarded too hence the demand for places. If you can hold your nerve until term starts there can often be movement in the first few weeks. Best of luck.