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Original poster

Tiffin Girls' School or Guildford High School?

35 replies

piepollocks · 02/03/2013 17:24

Both DD1 and DD2 are currently at private school, having started their education in the state sector. We thus have personal experience of both types of education - their pros and cons - and as far as this discussion goes, we are assessing the schools independently of the sectors they operate within.

Since committing to fees for 2 children, our lifestyle has been on budget - a noticeably (rather than uncomfortably) tight budget.

In the Tiffins vs GHS debate, we have trawled over the usual arguments ad nauseum (so there probably isn't much value in going over them again here) - including the pros and cons of:

  1. Facilities + extramural activities vs will DD use them sufficiently to warrant the fees?
  2. Financial freedom/security vs the ongoing financial commitment (and the stress this could cause in uncertain times).

However, in our case, the circumstances are complicated somewhat by these factors:

  1. Despite DD1 being highly academic, she did not getting into Tiffins so is at GHS (and loves it).
  2. Whilst both DDs enjoy sports, neither participate in many sports nor any sports at a very high level, questioning the value we get for our fees (if the academic standard at both GHS and Tiffins are on a par - which I believe they are)
  3. DD2 is highly academic, putting her in the sweet spot for both GHS and Tiffins:
3.1. won an academic scholarship to LEH 3.2. came top in the GHS entrance exam, winning a scholarship (significantly more financially motivating than the LEH scholarship) 3.3. scored 21% above the cut off mark at Tiffins (without a significant level of effort)
  1. DD2 is dead set on going to Guildford High School and believes because she won such a great scholarship, she will go there.
  2. Since DD1 went to GHS, our job security looks increasingly less secure. If there are any blips in the financial tarmac ahead of us, our ability to see both DD1 + DD2 all the way through may be compromised. However, it is equally likely that the road ahead will be smooth and we will both keep our jobs through the recession.

We would love to reward DD2's great success in all her entrance exams by handing the choice of school over to her. However, as her parents, we know more about what works for the whole family so feel we should be able to retain the power to make this choice. And with the uncertainty in the employment market at the moment, we also feel that the possibility of future financial stress needs to be taken into consideration.

Many disagree with us and say that if DD2 does not get to choose (which means GHS), she will be unhappy and feel that we value DD1 above her.

To complicate things even further, we are ambivalent too - we love GHS as much as DD1 + DD2 love it and we don't know Tiffin at all! However, we feel pressurised to choose GHS because DD2 and others feel it would be unfair on DD2 for us to choose Tiffin.

Your thoughts?

OP posts:
Schmedz · 09/03/2013 00:12

My point exactly Kate. The majority of students at TGS are Asian, but that is hardly cultural diversity!

Happymum22 · 09/03/2013 00:11

DDs all been through or going through GHS and agree what a fantastic school it is and having had 2 DDs finish and now at uni and other in a graduate job, wow, the girls come out such bright, ambitious girls with great sense of humor and work hard play hard atittude. They are down to earth, many of their parents gave up lots to send them there so most really value their education and grab opportunities they are presented with. Also, the friendships they make are incredible (I am jealous!) DDs are still as close as ever with their friends, older DD living with GHS girls in London (all in graduate jobs) and they are so supportive and genuinely proud of each other.
Great choice! And must be especially hard choosing against Tiffins.

KateShrub · 08/03/2013 23:38

There are lots of South Asians at TGS. Not many at GHS.

Schmedz · 08/03/2013 21:13

I hardly think TGS has much cultural diversity! GHS sounds great for your girls and I am sure you wont regret your decision.

Original poster
piepollocks · 08/03/2013 13:24

Decision made.

After a week of heated family debates, we have decided on GHS. So, yes Schmedz - there will be a happy girl on the waiting list! I will tell Tiffin Girls on Monday.

I have a friend with two daughters - the oldest in in an independent, the youngest at Tiffin Girls and even after putting financial considerations to one side, she prefers Tiffin Girls. Her views of the school, staff, girls and other parents are down to earth but full of praise. This is why it has been such a tough decision to make.

By having both DDs at GHS, we will miss out on cultural diversity provided by Tiffin Girls and the additional financial freedom however GHS have been unbelievably creative in finding a solution for us and even though we are still going to have to watch the pennies, we feel it is - without hesitation - well worth it.

Through our relationship with Guildford High over the last 1.5 years (with DD1) and more recently in discussions regarding DD2, GHS has demonstrated to us that they deserve to be ranked the top independent school in the country (Sunday Times). Mrs Boulton and her staff have proven themselves (to us, anyway) to be creative, nurturing, dynamic, well balanced and outstanding in everything they do.

We could not be happier, loving the outstanding education they are providing DD1 and are looking forward to DD2 grabbing this opportunity with both hands and squeezing every ounce of fun out of this incredible school!

Thanks for the advice. We are looking forward to making someone's day on Monday.

OP posts:
Original poster
piepollocks · 02/03/2013 20:33

Thanks Schmedz and Mendi - very helpful views.

OP posts:
Mendi · 02/03/2013 19:50

I have a similar situation with a DD having been offered a place at GHS and having to make a 'family' decision. It will also be a massive financial stretch for me, though I doubt I would pass a means test for bursary.

In my mind there is no question. GHS is an amazing school for an able child. My DD is completely obsessed with it already and even though it is going to mean we live extremely frugally for a long time, I think that is absolutely worth it to enable DD to take up this wonderful opportunity.

[I went to a highly academic private school myself from a very ordinary middle class household where my parents struggled financially to find the fees so I have first-hand experience of this but still think it worthwhile.]

Schmedz · 02/03/2013 19:17

Wouldn't worry too much about the means test. For a current pupil whose parents experience temporary difficulty, there are usually discretionary funds available to support the family (if the girl is valuable to the school, of course!).

You have until 15 March (I think) to accept or decline the TGS offer so you have plenty of time to decide. Good luck.

Original poster
piepollocks · 02/03/2013 17:54

Good point Schmedz (re: bursary support) although I doubt we would pass a means test. It's one route I hadn't considered discussing with GHS though - so thank you for your contribution.

OP posts:
Schmedz · 02/03/2013 17:32

I would choose GHS. They are bound to offer bursary support to keep DD2 should you experience job instability as she is obviously so academic. And, as you say, there may be no problem. 6th Form also a valid point to change if the fees become unaffordable.

There will be a very grateful girl on the TGS waiting list if you decline the place :-) who may not be in a similarly great position of having two fab choices!