Royal School Haslemere-new boys school for surrey..

[Happymum22]

..but I'm not that excited, I know Surrey desperate needs a good boys school other than RGS but for some reason although the 'dimond structure' seems attractice, this just doesn't do it for me. I don't know if it's the location, or the reputation of Royal I'd heard. That the schools ok but can't get its numbers up, very small and gets results which are simply average. Although many girls there love it. It's not the equivalent of Tormead for boys which is what the Guildford area needs...
Just imagining a school with about 5 boys in this brand new boys secondary school they're creating.
Anyone know more or have other opinions?!

*attractive! oops

Really? I've not heard this. More options for boys in Guildford itself would be an improvement, but Haslemere may be a good position too...

The Boys' Senior School is opening a year earlier than planned due to the high levels of interest they've received.

There are differences with Tormead certainly - Tormead academically select which Girls go there, whereas the Royal is non-selective, yet their results aren't that dissimilar, in fact if you look at the 2010 league tables, you'll see that The Royal achieved higher points per pupil at GCSE than Tormead did:

www.telegraph.co.uk/education/leaguetables/8254454/GCSE-league-tables-2010-South-East.html

I think it's likely that the Junior School were affected numbers-wise by the A3 Tunnel works - they are located right by the tunnel exit, and of course the horrendous roadworks will have put some parents off over the last few years. However they are now in a fine position, now that it is open, right next to the roundabout south of the tunnel.

The Girls' Senior School on a nearby site, is popular and if anything the numbers each year are increasing (despite the financial climate). It's not a large school, but it is a good one in my opinion. I have 2 DDs there and I am really happy with it. DD1 is just about to start Year 11 and already has 2 GCSEs at Grade A, and DD2, just about to start Year 10 also has a GCSE at Grade A.

We are pleased that they're opening a Boys' School - and it will definitely be an option for DS when he's a bit older.

Thanks cosette, great to hear the opinion of someone with girls already there. I've only ever heard second hand things about the Royal. Sounds as though the boys school may really take off though if they're opening a year early.
Also in terms of results I hadn't realised Royal's were so good, especially as this reflects fantastic value added rather than Tormead who cherry pick the girls from the start.

I also have a DD there - much younger in the Daycare/Nursery department. I'm really excited about the new diamond thing and they started taking boys into Reception Class this September just gone. Although not many boys joined this year parents with older children have told me they've already registered for Reception class next September and by my counting I think there are already about 12 children (good mix of boys and girls) registered - to me this is a sign of a popular school especially as the D/N department has waiting lists for many sessions! There is no doubt the old A3 made life very difficult for the school but since the tunnel it takes me 10 minutes from GUildford to Hindhead. Can't beat that with a toddler unless you're walking to your village school!