Girls schools Guildford (Rydes hill/tormead/GHS)

[Workingmum21]

Hi there, hope you are well. We are considering schools for reception year entry for our little girl. We are interested in rydes hill, tormead and GHS. The former two have relatively new heads- anyone have any experience of the new management? Concerned about pressure/ elitism of GHS at such a young age ( having gone there myself, granted a while ago now, I remember less bright girls being humiliated and pushed out). Any recent experience of these schools would be much appreciated. Pros/cons? How did they cope with lockdown? Did they stay open for key workers? Many thanks! Look forward to hearing from you!

This was our driver for choosing a private school

I know a few ex GHS & tormead as DH from guildford.
From that obviously small sample of about a dozen women:

• the Tormead girls seem nicer, a bit less competitive/exclusive. Friendlier.
• GHS seemed v intense. I don't think it did SIL any good at all (bright, hard working, but not super bright and not robust/thick skinned confident type).
• other friends from GHS seemed to do fabulously academically but not actually aspire to much earnings wise long term - lots went into surprisingly poorly paid careers in the arts etc, while their RGS brothers are well paid in law/finance etc. So sort of a poor return on investment in a sense.

May I ask why you didn’t enjoy ghs?

OP are you aware there is a whole Education forum on Mumsnet with both primary threads and secondary threads?

@RichTea432

May I ask why you didn’t enjoy ghs?

It's not that I didn't enjoy it. It was overall a great school and I did well there. I thought I enjoyed it at the time. It's only after leaving that I realised how far removed from the "real world" the environment at GHS was and how little it actually prepared me to be a world citizen. I got 4 As at A level (A stars didn't exist back then) and could play 2 instruments but was clueless about life outside the bubble, about suffering and generally about how privileged I was. In retrospect I also think I found it a bit suffocating, the constant pressure and expectation to do well, also I'm more of a think out of the box kinda gal and the general vibe at ghs is tow-the-line. I was ultimately very fortunate to go there and the grass is always greener etc etc

@changerr

OP are you aware there is a whole Education forum on Mumsnet with both primary threads and secondary threads?

Nope sorry wasn't aware when first posted. Mumsnet virgin rookie error. Please forgive. Don't know how to move this thread to education section. Sorry it's causing so much stress to some

It’s really interesting to know that. You see such good stuff on here about ghs it’s almost just reassuring to see that there is an element of there being an academic pressure and the school possibly not being compatible with the way our little one is. You did obviously get a lot from the school though and there’s no disputing it’s a fantastic school.

I get what you’re saying about grass greener etc. I went to a state school and I wasn’t prepared for the real world either btw

I was in a similar situation many years ago - moving from London to Guildford. We looked at GHS, St Cats and Tormead. Chose Tormead and ended up sending two DD there. Don't regret it one bit. I remember DH storming out of the GHS open day saying 'Did you see one child who was able to smile?' so GHS was out of the question after that.

When we were in the process of moving and looking for houses I had a conversation with an estate agent and ask him his thoughts on GHS and Tormead. "Well, those GHS girls are very bright, but those Tormead girls really do know how to communicate" he said. That nailed it for us.

I don't know the new head as my DDs have now moved on to uni, but the governors will have chosen someone who shared the school's mission - a wide, broad education and find the potential in every girl. Good luck!

I was at GHS and hated it but it's not really the school's fault. It's a private school: a business at the end of the day. They need the results and the Oxbridge entry to attract more customers.

I got 4 As too, before the A*s existed. Wonder if we were there at the same time?!

@TenThousandSteps

I was in a similar situation many years ago - moving from London to Guildford. We looked at GHS, St Cats and Tormead. Chose Tormead and ended up sending two DD there. Don't regret it one bit. I remember DH storming out of the GHS open day saying 'Did you see one child who was able to smile?' so GHS was out of the question after that.

When we were in the process of moving and looking for houses I had a conversation with an estate agent and ask him his thoughts on GHS and Tormead. "Well, those GHS girls are very bright, but those Tormead girls really do know how to communicate" he said. That nailed it for us.

I don't know the new head as my DDs have now moved on to uni, but the governors will have chosen someone who shared the school's mission - a wide, broad education and find the potential in every girl. Good luck!

Thanks for sharing that!

I'd go for Rydes Hill. Rydes Hill is a great school and gives your DD a chance to develop before deciding which secondary would suit her best. It also doesn't "manage out" those who don't fit.

BUT in my experience the young people who come out at the end of the Private schools in Guildford area, would have done just as well in the State system, at the best schools. Although I have to admit I nearly moved one of mine from one of the best state primary schools in Guildford to one most people wouldn't really consider - and slightly regret not having done so.

@bitheby

I was at GHS and hated it but it's not really the school's fault. It's a private school: a business at the end of the day. They need the results and the Oxbridge entry to attract more customers.

I got 4 As too, before the A*s existed. Wonder if we were there at the same time?!

Yes I definitely felt that they cared more about my achievements than my wellbeing. "As long as you are the best, everything will be ok" lol!

@MollyButton

I'd go for Rydes Hill. Rydes Hill is a great school and gives your DD a chance to develop before deciding which secondary would suit her best. It also doesn't "manage out" those who don't fit.

BUT in my experience the young people who come out at the end of the Private schools in Guildford area, would have done just as well in the State system, at the best schools. Although I have to admit I nearly moved one of mine from one of the best state primary schools in Guildford to one most people wouldn't really consider - and slightly regret not having done so.

Thanks workingmum21 definitely food for thought

Not sure if it's too far for you but I really recommend Halstead if you're looking for a school that's equally strong pastorally and academically. Look at their results, they always get a lot of girls in to GHS and many achieve scholarships in their chosen school.

@Noconceptofnormal

Not sure if it's too far for you but I really recommend Halstead if you're looking for a school that's equally strong pastorally and academically. Look at their results, they always get a lot of girls in to GHS and many achieve scholarships in their chosen school.

Thanks, I'll have a look

I have good experience of these schools...

My DDs were at GHS and are now in their 20s so perhaps slightly outdated. It is an inspiring school, buzzy, lots going on, lots of pressure to not just float along (but I'm not sure I'd want a school which didn't encourage participation and let teenagers be their naturally lazy, scared to give it a go selves) and obviously is does everything extremely well. If you have a straight-forward, keen, confident girl then it is perfect.
My DDs are very proud to have gone there. One was quieter, and one more the real GHS type. Both are ambitious, have a sense of quiet confidence in their ability which comes from GHS. They have great memories, remember lots of fun and GHS is strangely relaxed despite its reputation. They are still great friends with their group from GHS. Their friends are all in fairly ambitious jobs. Sadly, quite a few really struggle with mental health. I don't want to pin that on GHS as we all know nowadays everyone struggles but the school back then had quite a factory like approach. A lot of their MH struggles are around insecurities impacting relationships, anxiety etc. I think that GHS has changed now as I see so much more focus on mental health, wellbeing and building strategies to cope.
While it has lots on offer, it is a bit intimidating to girls who aren't naturally brilliant. It also is so focused on results and the 'shining stars' that is neglects life skills for all. It assumes all GHS girls are so strong and so doesn't nurture and teach things like soft skills which other schools get from house systems, more informal relationships which reach out to every girl etc.
In short, it is an amazing school for the right girl. It is fun, inspiring and creates girls who are ambitious. It is not for girls who need that gentle push or who are more in the shadows and need noticing and given a little praise. I feel a bit reluctant to post this as I am a huge fan of GHS and there are so so many positives, but deep down this is my honest view in hindsight.
They are getting a new junior school Head next September which will be interesting.
(Things may have changed, it is nearly 10 years on now. But their website makes it look even shinier!)

Tormead historically was the more rebellious, not as academic school. The comments above suggest it has really improved and will do well with the ex-LU deputy leading it. I know Laytmer Upper and it is super so if Tormead goes a similar direction it will be one to watch.

I'd also recommend St Cats. It is a bit marmite so see if it is for you. Lead by an old-fashioned but (IMO) brilliantly down to earth head. Super house system which nurtures the girls, every girl is involved and kept busy. The girls always seem less cliquey due to the systems in place. It is a bit more old school but amazing facilities and does the whole person, good manners and communication alongside inspiring girls and being ambitious for them.

@HyperHippo not my thread but just wanted to say what a super reply. Really insightful and when I was searching around for schools to choose I would have found this so helpful!!

OK - So the thread is in the wrong subsection, but really some of the comments on here are disgraceful.

OP - If you want to ask any detailed questions, my DD's went to Rydes Hill first, and then one to GHS and one to Tormead. They have both done really well, and are lovely girls (although I would say that of course).

Rydes Hill is very inclusive, has a range of girls academically and nurtures all talents. Leavers go on to GHS, Tormead, St Cats, Farnborough High, as well as all local state schools.

GHS is excellent academically, to counter a previous OP, is constantly in the top 5 nationally, so well in line with London, but because of that can be a bit high pressure. Academically excellent DD1 did really well, also good at drama and music, but was overlooked quite a lot because she wasn't sporty, which pissed her off a lot! Also despite stellar results and university journey hasn't been contacted once since, as she is just one of many.

Tormead, I love. In fact they asked DD1 to come in and talk to their students about exams, university and job selection. She was pleased to do so, and thrilled to be asked as a sister of a student. DD2 has done really well there, and I am forever thankful that she was not successful in her GHS application. Tormead is right for her.

As I said, feel free to PM me.

Just meant to add, the twitter feeds for all schools are pretty good at seeing day to day life at school.

@Scrambling and @RichTea432 because life isn't single sex! There's plenty of evidence that shows single sex education in secondary school is beneficial, but none at all that shows it makes any difference at primary.

@HavelockVetinari completely understand that, but don’t understand why that means you shouldn’t send to single sex? If the girls school is a short walk vs rydes hill which is a drive... why wouldn’t you just go with the girls school with a good reputation that’s easier to get to.

Girls will still mix with boys. Just won’t be with them day to day at school

School is such an important source of social relationships, it's very different to meeting the opposite sex when you have social support (I.e. parents/family)

Hi OP, my daughter went to Rydes and we were very involved as a family in the life of the school. I could not have asked for a better start for my DD. It is the most wonderful school. The new Head is phenomenal, she is outside every morning come rain or shine to greet the children and parents, and so can be always grabbed for a quick chat.
She also has half-termly Parents’ Forums where current issues and new ideas are discussed and the parents’ view points taken into consideration.

The Staff is very supportive, kind and caring, and go out of their way for the girls and parents. The only reason we left was because we emigrated, and my DD still dearly misses Rydes Hill. She said to me the other day that none of her new teachers are as lovely as the ones at Rydes.
The children are supported, allowed to grow and encouraged to find their own “place”. Being a smaller school, the girls know each other across the year groups and the older girls are encouraged to look after the younger children.

They School has such a warm atmosphere, a real “family” approach. We could not have asked for a better, more nurturing environment for our daughter. It was the best start to her education.

[quote HavelockVetinari]**@Scrambling* and @RichTea432* because life isn't single sex! There's plenty of evidence that shows single sex education in secondary school is beneficial, but none at all that shows it makes any difference at primary.[/quote]
Life also isn't 11-18 but that's the age of most secondary schools. Life isn't entirely inside schools.