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Original poster

Moving to Surrey - questions on schools and sports

58 replies

Rsbl · 17/10/2015 13:26

Hi,

We are an American family of 4 living in Switzerland moving to the Surrey area. The kids (girl 13, boy 11) currently attend an IB school. Here are my somewhat numerous questions:

  • While my husband thinks we should continue with an IB school I am interested in a state or independent school. I don't really understand the difference between the two. My children are fairly bright but I've heard the exams are very difficult and if the child hasn't been training for them it would be difficut to receive good marks. As such, are the non selective schools good? I've read many posts and it appears there is something called a cachment? What is that? Is it worthwhile to change from IB to the English system? They will probably go to the US for university.
  • If we do continue with the IB we are looking at ISL Surrey and ACS Cobham. I would be very interested in comments on each. I've looked for prior posts and there are some, but they all seem to be a few years old, so looking for updated information. I'm interested in primarily their college acceptances in the US, thoughts on ISL and how they are handling their first soon to be graduating class, the strength of the foreign languages (both kids are fairly strong in French and don't want them to lose it), and traffic to get to and from the schools.
  • Ice hockey - my son wants to continue playing. It seems there is a team in Guildford, but I'm not sure if that is easily drivable from Woking or Cobham? Are there other teams?
  • Competitive swimming - my daughter swims competively and I see there is a team in Woking and one in Guildford. If we end up in Cobham would either of those teams be too far away for early morning practices? Are there other teams we should be considering? She is hoping for a swim scholarship in college so the swimming is pretty important.
  • How is the commute to Waterloo from Guildford, Woking and Cobham? We haven't decided where to live yet and I'm interested in comments on each of those areas.

Thanks in advance for any feedback!

OP posts:
Caprinihahahaha · 17/10/2015 17:10

Guildford swimming club are not based at the spectrum leisure centre.

Their high performance squads train at Surrey sports park. The competitive squads train at a combination of SSP, the spectrum and aldershot garrison.

RandomMess · 17/10/2015 17:07

I would look at living in Guildford and the Independent schools in Guildford provided you can afford them.

Shortage of places at all state schools in Surrey so I just wouldn't bother adding to your stress levels. I agree the drive between Cobham and Guildford Sports Complex is quick and easy along A3.

titchy · 17/10/2015 17:04

Sorry catchment and admission criteria only apply if you're applying for a place at the main entry point (age 4/5 for primary or 11/12 for secondary). For other years you're reliant on there being a vacancy, in the correct year, this can be a big issue....

GinandJag · 17/10/2015 17:02

That can enter US universities from the British, IB and American systems. American or International schools will specialise in US university entry, however.

Selective independent schools will have a US university tutor in the sixth form, and they will make sure students attend college fairs, prepare applications (incl scholarship), negotiate financial aid, and prepare for SATs and other entrance exams. If you go for a British school, make sure they offer this.

At 13 and 11, your DCs should be sufficiently flexible to go with either system.

You shouldn't have a problem in finding a school that is strong in French. It's still the main MFL.

I have taught in ACS Egham and I thought it was a good school - perfect for mobile families. Personally, however, I would put them in a British school if they are here for the long run. An international school is a very artificial environment. You will find that there is a lot of diversity in Surrey, with plenty of overseas students in most schools, especially independent ones.

There are ice hockey teams in Guildford, Bracknell and Aldershot, and most towns with pools will have a competitive swim club.

You have lots of options - where to live, state vs UK independent vs international, co-ed vs single sex, selective vs comprehensive....

You need to pick one and go from there.

titchy · 17/10/2015 17:01

Selective state schools are fairly rare in the UK, apart from a few counties where they have the grammar system. There are one or two very selective state schools on the London / Surrey borders (Tiffin) but you'd have to have a super clever kid plus years of tutoring, so you absolutely cannot rely on such schools.

There are some excellent comprehensives in Surrey. George Abbott in Guildford, Howard of Effingham too. Virtually all state schools do GCSE and A levels though, not IB. Some have fixed catchments, most have distance as the tie breaker though so the distance admitted will change from year to year.

Most private (fee paying) schools are selective, though ACS isn't I don't think, but you're more likely to find private schools can offer IB at sixth form. Other than American schools you won't find middle years (ie up to age 16) IB even at private school though.

hooliodancer · 17/10/2015 16:56

You will always get a seat into Waterloo from any of those stations.
If you are having to travel to Guildford a lot for sport, then Guildford would be a good choice to live, and there are lots of trains into London.

Guildford is an easy journey from Cobham- you can get straight on the A3 and the traffic is quite good even in rush hour. The leisure centre is very close to the A3 exit. However, if you live in Cobham, there are fewer trains to Waterloo. There is also a station at Oxshott though- you could be in Cobham and this could be the nearest station anyway.

Original poster
Rsbl · 17/10/2015 16:43

LIZS thank you for this information, it's extremely helpful. A couple follow up questions.

If Guildford doesn't have many "academically selective state schools" does that mean there are independent schools there or that the ones there aren't very good?

Also why is cachment not often applicable in Surrey? I'm hoping its because schools are easy to get into?

Thank you very much!

OP posts:
LIZS · 17/10/2015 13:37

Independent schools are fee paying , state are free , but relatively few state schools do IB, and even fewer ,if any, below 16. Selective tests are most competitive at 11, or 13 for some independent schools, after that you are dependent on if there is a space in the right year group. Surrey doesn't have many academically selective state schools. Catchment means the area from which children are given priority for a place but again not often applicable in Surrey and only at the main entry point.

For sports like ice hockey the facilities won't be as frequently available so Guildford is probably nearest, likewise much of the competitive swimming is focussed on Spectrum , although there will be more local clubs and training facilities. Woking to Guildford isn't far but traffic could be heavy during commuting times.

The main issue with commuting to London is cost and overcrowded trains , Woking/Guildford would have a more frequent service.