Surrey Girls schools 11+ - Tormead, St Ts etc

Hi, can I please connect with you regarding St Teresa? Thinking of the senior school for my daughter. Thanks @Antoniette

Where did you apply @KB123? Did you get any wait list places? There is often movement after today as most of the schools in our area have now sent offers. Don't know CFS I'm afraid but there are schools with a 13+ intake if you decide to stay. Good luck!

Hey all,

We got through the 11+ and with the high amounts of kids applying, my DD do not get a place, sad facts of demand vs supply I suppose.

We could stay where we are until 13 and hope for the best or go to Cobham Free school and tutor my DD, alongside her sen requirements.

The only disadvantage to her is that she is very sporty and I'm not sure how sporty the school really is, any tips on Cobham Free Senior?

AlwaysInTheGarden mentioned pastoral issues at St Cats. I have posted about this before and our experience isn't bang up-to-date as our daughter left a few years ago, but whilst she was there we had grave concerns about the standards of pastoral care at St Cats, based on both our own experiences and those of friends with daughters at the school.

On racism at St Cats, I was very surprised a couple of months ago when DD described the school as 'a bit racist'. DD isn't white and is very thoughtful about these issues, so I don't think it's a comment she would have made without some foundation. I didn't probe, so I don't know whether she was referring to racism amongst the girls or a level of institutional racism. Certainly DD and her friends were critical of the school's old-fashioned, 'white saviour' approach to charitable giving and 'paint an orphanage' style expeditions.

There remains a lot to admire about St Cats and a lot may have changed in the last couple of years, so I would recommend that you do your own research on pastoral care, ethos and the school's response to allegations of racism and bullying (bullying by both girls and staff), before making a decision about it.

@Guildfordgu4 it's been a tricky year which will make benchmarking anything difficult, furthermore i'm sure the exam results for most independent schools this year will be on par with last year, at the very least!

On the Tormead front, my daughter is in year 11, and I can definitely say that this year has been a challenge for her and her entire cohort. Despite these challenges I find myself thanking my lucky stars that we are where we are, especially when I hear some of the stories from friends at a variety of schools locally.

Online learning has been good, the process of teacher assessed grades has been transparent, well communicated and although it is impossible to please everyone, the school have done a good job of making the whole process seem fair. My DD has had a full timetable of lessons and study time with teachers, with 1-on-1 meetings with teachers regarding her academic performance, her ongoing assessments with a view to helping her work on her weaker areas. The whole nightmare of teacher assessed grades has been handled very professionally and we now have our fingers crossed for the big day in August 12!

All in all, this year has been terrible for all kids, and no matter what my DD gets, I know it will be a fair reflection of her and I can sleep well knowing that she was well supported. Tormead might not be anywhere near GHS, St Pauls or Wycombe Abbey, but you can ask for more than than the way they've handled it and the support thats been put in place for the girls...... perhaps that is indeed where the "woke" stuff has come from?

Best of luck with your daughters school choices. All those you mentioned are great schools. Its been mentioned so many times before, but we are blessed for amazing prep and senior schools!

Thanks to everyone and great news that Tormead does not seem to have compromised its high standards with the new Headmaster. We'll happily look at it for DD!

@Guildfordgu4 welcome to Guildford! I was genuinely wondering what you mean by a "woke approach"? Could you give us some more information about what this means and what your exact concerns might be? Might help people address your question more accurately.

We're at St.cats and although the academics are undeniably great the school is taking a slapping at the moment for its handling of various pastoral issues, racism, unkind behaviour etc. Some may call the way it is being handled a 'traditional approach' - see another thread on MN. Although I honestly haven't seen any of this affect my DD directly , he chatter has increased and is saddening, its not what we bought into so many years ago. So what some might consider the 'old ways' of doing something, people like me might call it 'out of touch'.

Given theres not much in them academically, but st.cats ahead though, DH and I would probably welcome a little dose of "woke" Tormead "hugs, love and fluffy kittens" at St Cats right now.

Good luck school hunting. But please do enlighten us about your woke issues, it's a fascinating topic. Best.

Yr 9 parent at Tormead. The school has a reputation in Guildford for being academic yet nurturing. I can't imagine the new head wants to change that, after all isn't a "happy girl with great exam results" the perfect combo. This balance seems to attract the applicants, so why change it? So honestly @Guildfordgu4 I wouldn't worry about academics. We've not noticed any change this year, if anything the online learning has been great and the teachers need gold medals.

Although we don't wiff even a slight scent of "woke" on the agenda, what we have noticed is a renewed sense of direction, there's an noticeable sense of confidence growing this year, and for the first time in the 7 years we've been at TM, the school seems to believe in itself, not afraid to shout about the fact that it is a top school. Not sure if that makes any sense to you! lol.

All three schools in Guildford are academically comparable, with GHS as an obvious front runner, so I highly recommend you see all three schools as soon as you can. When chatting to the admissions/sales people, make sure you also try and talk to the teachers/staff/parents/kids as they will be the ones to give you another perspective.

You mentioned "tradition" as a key driver for you, but I the concept very subjective and variable. Some traditional styles and schools will be wildly better or much worse than others. With 3 such brill schools in Guildford, for most parents, one must go "have a look", with it ultimately coming down to which one is "the right fit" for their DD.

Hey @Guildfordgu4, I'm a parent of two at Tormead, you'll see I post frequently on TM and various other schools locally, one of which I am also a governor at.

As an honest response, I would like to reassure you that your concerns are misplaced. I saw the PP post above, whilst I was half way through writing my own, so have just started again to avoid repetition !

Although I don't agree that your message is "strange" like the PP, I do agree that you have nothing to worry about academic wise. TM has attracted a lot of applicants this year for September, so we've all heard, through our well connected parent whatsapp groups(haha!). I expect, as a result, they have been able to select a from a strong pool of girls that are both academically strong, but will also fit in with the Tormead culture. It is this culture that attracted us, our friends and what seems to be attracting other smart girls from other schools too. We are in the Junior School and we get messages of new joiners from other schools frequently.

It is very clear in his communications and actions that Mr Boyd wants to foster the reputation Tormead has, as a school that is academically very successful, but just as importantly, is a school where girls feel supported, nurtured and listened to. There is of course nothing 'woke' about this approach in my mind, especially in times when the mental health of our children has been tested to the max, supporting them emotionally as well as ensuring them are academically successful is key.

It might also be worth mentioning that an advert went out for a Deputy Head Academic last week, which given your academic concerns, might go even further towards reassuring you that the new head certainly has academic performance/investment clearly front and centre.

Best of luck in your choice and if you have any personal question s drop me a PM and i'll answer as much as I can or put you in contact with some other parents. Take care. Rob.

Hi - I have girls in the upper years of the Senior School and certainly have not been concerned by a "woke" tack being taken by David Boyd since he arrived.

As to an impact on academic results it's a bit early to tell - he only assumed responsibility from Mrs Foord after last year's public exams were taken and this year's will not be known until mid-August. Even then, he has had limited opportunity to make many changes as we have been in the middle of a pandemic and remote working was in place for a significant portion of the year.

My advice is to do your research, visit the school as and when you can to see and judge for yourself. Also try to find people whose daughters already attend the school to decide whether you like the product - the girls themselves. We remain very happy with the school and both my daughters are staying for the sixth form. Tormead girls are quietly confident, down-to-earth and comfortable in their own skins - qualities DH and I value highly.

We are new to the area and looking for a school for DD. Currently considering GHS, Tormead and St Cat’s? I expect they are all academic but we are a bit concerned about Tormead. The old headmistress was traditional and very academically focussed but I have heard the new headmaster is taking a more “woke” approach to education. Has anyone heard anything about this? Is it damaging the school results?

One of the hardest decisions to make! Because of the age gaps between my DDs I found myself supporting choosing senior school, 6th form and Uni in the same year!! (The stress was insane!). My DD has managed friendships fine, although a bit more driving can be involved to get them to various friends homes . One thing you might like to know is that the school reaction and delivery of service throughout Covid had been excellent. Good to know they can step up to almost any emergency and meet the challenge with humour and great organisation.

Thanks so much for the feedback.

Its such a tricky time trying to find the right school and balance.

I also wondered how friendships maintain when some of the kids travel in so far into school. So much to think about.

Hi. Not sure how old your DD is?
Our experience with St T’s for my 3 very different daughters is that they have done everything they can to get the best out of each child. And that has meant 3 different approaches. With current headmistress of the Senior school and current senior staff, there is a strong ethos that girls and young women should be aspirational.
St.T’s isn’t a selective school (amazingly) - if a child joined in the prep school then there will be a place for her in the Senior school. It’s one of the most impressive aspects of the school. They stand by their girls and they stand by their own teaching.
A word of experienced warning re:6th form in a boys school. My eldest went to Reeds for 6th form. Had a great social life - but a dreadful academic experience. I was really taken aback by the sudden drop in expectations of her capabilities because she is female. She is very strong and had no problems “dealing” with the casual sexism from the boys (other girls have not coped) - but it was a much bigger struggle to deal with the lowered aspirations for girls that was pervasive. Such a shame. I would never have a daughter go from all girls into the mixed sixth form of a boys or mixed school again.
I suspect a girls school that has a mixed 6th form (where the boys come into the girls school) would have the same issues. Staff in girls schools are incredibly pro-feminist and I love that!

Hi Antoniette,

We're thinking St T or Manor House for our DD, she's very outgoing, is a bit of a Tom boy and loves her sports.

The issue we have is, she unfortunately hasn't shone academically, however recently she blew us and her teacher away with times tables! Who knew 😁

We're coming from Danes Hill and would like a school closer, we're even considering CFS.
That said I quite like the link the MH girls have with Reeds for 6th form, the only reservation is its very small which may not be ideal for my bright bubbly lady.

Any thoughts?

Sorry - I should have added. If anyone would like a review of St. Teresa’s from a parent of 3 girls who have all been though (youngest in Y13 now) I’d be very pleased to give an informed view.

I know this is a little late but I do want to speak up for St.Ts. My daughter has gone through the school from Year 7 and is now in Y13. They have been wonderful.
There is NO TRUTH in the “girls only”
Side of things coming suddenly to an end. Indeed, all girls who were in the senior school at the time of the merger will continue in all girls until they have completed their education.
Years 6-11 will continue to be all girls, then sixth form will become co-Ed in 2025! With the boys coming to the girls school (which is definitely the right way around to do it...... I have experience with an older DD who went into a boys school mixed 6th form - a disaster).
I don’t think taking your information from reading other people’s posts is a very healthy way to report back on the suitability of a school if you don’t have direct experience of the school.

Hello Ladies
I'm new to mumsnet so I do hope this is OK yo ask. My daughter will be starting year 7 at Tormead this September. We live in weybridge and she won't know anyone. Does anyone know if they do a new girl's day/induction where she might get to meet the other girls?
Many thanks 🙏

My friends daughter has just started at SWPS and they are very pleased. They were offered a place at Notre Dame aswell.
3 other mums of girls at SWPS, in higher years, 10 & 11 for eg, are also pleased.

My three went to SWPS. I agree that it is very accessible and grounded.

I think your first screen, OP, is on how easy the school is to get to.

Tormead - I hear the senior school did much better at this

I can confirm that the senior school had 100% timetabled on-line learning from the offset. It even started that last week of March. Summer was fully live lessons, on-line marked homework, assemblies, PE, the lot. They even had end of term timed exams. This term all classrooms and the sports hall have live camera's, on-line lessons for those who are at home self-isolating. The set up at the school with regards to SD and keeping in bubbles, is also very, very well organised.

Hey all, my DD is at Tormead Juniors. I assume by the location of your forum post that you are considering year 7 entry, so I'll just give a broad summary of us. Tormead was our choice due to the academic focus, "without the pressure". It has a wide variety of clubs activities, sport, drama and music, without it being pushed/expected upon/of the girls. The class sizes are also great, especially at A-level. They also allow girls to suggest, set up and run their own clubs, supported by staff if need be - should they want to do something not already available. I really liked this approach and it teaches the girls to take responsibility, lead and commit. My DD loves gymnastics, which Toremad is outstanding at, they are good, but not amazing, at many other sports, however they do very well and most importantly we enjoy the sport - we've always found that the School doesn't take 'winning everything' too seriously, which again receives pressure on the girls. Learning wise, last term was tough with Covid, and some of the online provision at the Junior school was up and down - I hear the senior school did much better at this. However, we have already met the new Head and he has started acting upon a survey he commissioned of parents over the summer about their 'remote experience' and the difference already is noticeable - I also hear that year 9 had to be sent home for a suspected Covid case a few weeks back and their online experience was seamless. So we're super pleased with how things have picked up. Downsides - smaller site, so no vast playing fields and outdoor space (St Cats and Prior's Field have this in abundance if that's your preference!), and a smaller cohort than say GHS. Also, the facilities are modern, clean and well thought-out (the Junior school is beautiful), there are a few areas that still need a spruce up. Excuse my disjointed rambling - but might be worth mentioning that we have been told that Tormead have a brand new (walking/mini bus distance) sporting facility and athletic fields on the way in the next year or so. Overall we're happy and will stay for senior school.

Health warning though, if outdoor space, the Surrey countryside and all the bits that comes with that are your focus for your girl, then a city (albeit a leafy, quiet residential area) site is what Tormead is (like GHS).

@pico1234 sorry to derail thread but interested in what you say re Godalming as am considering it for next year, but have some reservations...

On the DfE league tables, it shows their performance as improving over 3 years, with a higher progress score than many local schools, indie and state (although I realise that if you have an able cohort they will achieve highly at A level - hence low progress scores). Am I missing smth?

To the OP, does your DD like drama/sport/music? Are local friends important to you ? Would you prefer some independent travel, or rely on school minibus for eg...

@starlilly88 I won’t speak for Hyperhippo, however I have heard that the merger was badly managed with little, almost no, parent communications. If you peruse some of the forums here there are tales of Parents removing their girls - as the girls only side of things has come to an unexpected end... I guess not what they signed up for. Others who are there will know more and I’m getting my info from other forums (search Cranmore and a lot comes up).

Tormead and St Cats wise.... Tormead have virtual open days left, where you can meet the head. They are live, not recorded and you can ask questions. St Cats seem to have a similar thing going on too. Have a look on their websites. I see Tormead has a couple of places left before the end of the month, at cats perhaps do too, you have to contact their admissions.

Good luck!