Prep schools south west Surrey

[Cakesplease]

Hello,

I'm new to this, so sorry if this has been asked before. I am getting completely confused looking for a decent independent school for my daughter, I'm hoping for some tips and advice.

I was educated entirely through the State school system up in Lincolnshire so have no experience of private schools. My partner was privately educated from the age of 10 but is leaving all the research to me! I have been looking at the Good Schools Guide, ISI reports and the Tatler Schools Guide, I have drawn up a list of local schools in about a 10 mile radius that look interesting and have set up some visits, but I'm worried I'm going about it all the wrong way and will sound ridiculous rocking up at these schools.

My daughter is just coming up to 2 so we are looking at nursery, pre prep and prep schools at the moment. Some of the schools I thought looked interesting haven't been reviewed by The Good Schools Guide, does that make them a complete no no?

Any practical advice on what else I should consider? Or if anyone has any glowing reports of schools in the area I would be massively grateful for your input.

Sorry to ramble,
Thanks, xx

Where do you actually live? My daughter went to a fab school in Banstead, is that anywhere near?

We're farnham direction, trying not to travel too far from there ideally.

Oh that's a shame, to far away!

*too

I don't know the area (unless Bramley , near Guildford, is any good in which case look at St Catherine's) but it sounds as though you are going about it perfectly sensibly!

I don't know why some aren't reviewed - might be interesting to ask.

Beware of sweet little surrey preps with lots of smiling little girls doing absolutely nothing much academically - there are quite a few of these - checking exit schools can help here.

Royal Junior School at Hindhead should be accessible for you - has nursery, pre-prep and prep. My DDs were at the senior school (having been in state until end Yr 6), and we found it a brilliant school, very friendly, good all-round provision for sport, music etc, and both DDs did extremely well academically.

There's also Barfield at Runfold just outside Farnham, and Edgeborough at Frensham.

Best way is to go and visit a few, and then go with what you like..

Thanks for the replies, we're going to see Edgeborough, Barfield and the Royal School. Will take a closer look at St. Catherine's as well.

BlueString - am very interested in the Royal School, especially as nursery open 51 weeks a year, wouldn't have to consider leaving my lovely job for another few years.

Anyone any experience of Barfield? Looks very small but I like idea of all the outdoor activities.

Hello, have you tried posting this on the Local Surrey talk board too? Here's the link:

local.mumsnet.com/Talk/surrey/local-active

Good luck with everything

Local Editor

A friend of mines son went to Barfield for a few years (on my recommendation), he loved it. They only took him out for financial reasons.

There are several Preps in Hindhead, so do look at all of them (I think they are all mixed). And the alternative choice is of course Frensham Heights.

I would also look at the State school options there are some lovely ones in that area (South Farnham for results or Waverley Abbey for grounds to die for).

I know Barfield quite well and I would say it depends very much what you want. Obviously term time only, so not great if you are still working. Has the worst facilities of the 3 you mentioned, but a great outdoor ethos, which is lovely. Last year's pre-school class had 29! pupils though so was very very crowded and quite disappointing. Later up the school, it is not very academic so if you are looking for something in that direction then the Royal may well be better for you. I don't know Edgeborough as well, but its facilities are undoubtedly better although my friends who have children there say it is quite snooty.