Surrey Girls schools 11+ - Tormead, St Ts etc

Someone said to me that Tormead wants to get the best out of its girls, not just the best results. I would endorse that - we’ve been very happy with it at junior and senior stages

He is really nice and so pro active. Another shoutout for tormead. Wonderful place.

Agree with the above that Tormead seems to be on the up. Agree with the Prior's Field thoughts too... It is also true that they (like other local independents, but not GHS), in recent years have lost students to other (free) colleges.

I know a few who went to the aforementioned Godalming college for example. However, the Godalming results have been coming down in recent years as they get bigger and bigger with less focus on the individual, I think students might start to change their thought processes. Its always been joked that girls leave at sixth form to experience 'boys' in education and additionally to experience a university style learning environment... despite the 'joke', this is true to a certain extent. It is, however, all personal choice. For us, A-levels, when those results are so critical, our thought process for our DDs was always to consider 'who knows our girls best', 'where do they feel most comfortable' and 'where will they get the support they need without having to spend weeks settling into an new environment again'. With all the stress (and learning bubbles) of covid, I certainly know girls at St Cats and Tormead what are now thinking of staying on to sixth form instead of moving...

That aside, you've been given some great, well balanced advice from everyone above, lots of options in the area, good luck!

I'm a local parent and have taught in a few schools locally too.

Tormead seems to be on an up. It is a small site though and lots leave for sixth form. It always lacked any wow factor for me. Traditionally it was seen as the choice if GHS or St Cats weren't right, but more academic than the likes of Prior's Field, Notre Dame, St T and Manor House.

Manor House is super if your DD would suit a really small environment and lots of nurturing followed by a larger or co-ed sixth form.
St T has had problems and re-branded itself repeatedly. Now in a merger with Cranmore and haven't heard good things at all.
SWPS always had a good rep. I think it is less 'private school feel' than the others.
Prior's Field looks great and is good for the right girl. Lots move on for sixth form at more public schools or Godalming college. It is a bit disorganised and really highlights one or two girls who have done very well, while hiding a lot of girls who have really struggled but the school haven't helped find their path. I would be much more impressed if it was a school that celebrated the girl who found her passion in textiles and was off to a niche uni course or art school to pursue this etc... rather than the one girl they got into Cambridge.

Agree check out places like St John's too.

Tormead gets a shout out from me too, I can personally recommend so happy for you to PM me. I also watched one of their online open mornings with a friend who is looking to go there (for the senior school) and it was very well done. Gave a great insight into the school, despite having to be ‘remote’, given the current Covid situation. New head has made quite a strong impact with current parents and is well received, he’s been comes from an outstanding school in West London (Latymer Upper) so has strong credentials. School wise, it’s a town centre school but in a quiet residential area. Caring with a strong sense of community, it’s also academically strong but isn’t a ‘hot house’ type school. Good luck hunting, Surrey has much to choose from .

Would she consider going co-ed to somewhere like St Johns. Fantastic facilities and great pastoral care. All the children seem incredibly happy and you never hear a bad word about it from parents.

Very happy with Tormead. Handled the last couple of terms really well, full timetable and lots of support. New Head this term seems very capable and continues with regular updates and very pro-active. PM me if you want specifics.

Hello! One daughter at SWPS and one at Claremont. SWPS very down to earth - bit like a grammar school. Broad range of families and 50% state school intake into year 7, which was a big plus for us. It is cool to be clever but it is not the be all and end all. Claremont - beautiful grounds and lovely, friendly feel - school is very good at communicating with parents. Good luck with your search