Private primary (co-ed) schools around Woking

[teaspoon66]

I'm considering moving my daughter at Year 3 from her current school and have been looking at Greenfield and Hall Grove. I would really like to find a flexible school that isn't too pressured (she's currently at a very competitive prep). She's outgoing, chatty and likes to move around a lot which means she doesn't quite fit into the environment she is currently in. She's been offered a place at Feltonfleet but, as amazing as they seem, I'm concerned that they could be very similar to the school she's at. Does anyone have any views on Greenfield or Hall Grove? I'm concerned, looking at the future schools for Hall Grove, that the children going there come from very wealthy families. By no stretch of the imagination could we be described as wealthy.

There is also St Andrew's which has been great for DN. There is lots of sport and fun, she did not fit in a hot house school either. There are lots of normal families there.

Thanks for replying. I haven't actually considered St Andrews as I've heard that they are very boy heavy. We have had four girls move from St Andrew's to my daughter's year group (three in her class and one in the other form) because there weren't enough girls. I've heard it's a very caring school though. I believe Hoe Bridge is the same, I do have a friend with children there and they all really love the school.

Hello, I assume your daughter is at a girls' school close to St Andrew's..... Which side of Woking do you live ie closer to Chobham or to Guildford? Most of the Prep schools gear up in KS2 as they start looking at getting the children ready for 11+ so most are likely to feel reasonably intensive at least by Y5 I'd have thought. What are you aiming for at 11? Have you looked at Ripley Court? From what I know, it's good but is a bit more "quirky". Rydes Hill is all-girls but small and friendly from what I hear.

We're on the Chobham side of Woking. I haven't been round either of those schools but am really looking for co-ed and as Rydes Hill only has boys at KS1 I don't think it's the right school for us. I haven't looked at Ripley Court - would you recommend it?

I think most co-ed prep schools will have slightly more boys than girls in the Woking area as a lot of girls go to Halstead. Hoe Bridge is very competitive from what I hear from a lot of different people, particularly in sport. Hall Grove does attract a lot more wealthy people, not sure what Ripley is like, but St Andrews good pastorally and is very 'normal'. But you would have to decide on the boy girl ratio

We had two go through Greenfield and have nothing other than praise for the school. Generally there are slightly more boys than girls but they seem to mix well. The pastoral care is excellent. The school has improved its spot over the years. It is renowned for its music and drama which many children get scholarships in. It is also very good academically and has done very well over the last few years.
The parents are very normal, most are working parents and very down to earth. Good luck in your search.

If you're the Chobham side, Ripley is probably a bit far. The co-eds mostly seem to be boy heavy. I looked round pretty much all for DD1 a few years ago and the only one of the Woking co-eds which didn't feel like a boys' school which took girls was Greenfield. Basically, the rest of them used to be boys' schools (I don't know about Greenfield). Ultimately you may need to weigh up atmosphere against the other choice of too many/no boys.

I'd go and visit Greenfield and St Andrews as they are probably the closest to you. Not much fun trying to get to Ripley or Felton Fleet in the morning. I know girls are well looked after at St Andrews and they are keen to attract more

Depending on what secondary schools you have in mind, St George's Junior School is another option. Or other girls schools which have junior schools - St Teresas, Tormead

As a mum to an extremely happy DD at St Andrew's for several years, I echo what mumtogremlins says - girls are looked after really well.

It's a well-established co-ed school and DD has lots of boy and girl friends. There are more boys than girls but there are loads of girls too. Best to visit to find out for yourself.

People move schools for lots of reasons. We did view another local school but the class sizes were too small. DD is a sensitive, gentle child and St Andrew's has been a great choice for us.

Also good advice to look at schools that go all the way through.

Can anyone advise what Hoebridge School is like fur a non sporty boy? More academic and musical. Needs pastoral care

What’s the minimum amount of girls you want in the class vs boys ?
I’m pretty sure greenfield have a poster outside stating 45 percent are girls .... pass daily.
Hoebridge aim for a 1/3
Would you do a girls school? Or just co ed?
My friend pulled her girl out of St Andrews as she felt in her yr group not enough girls and went to a girls school.
Tricky one x

Pm me if you want .... I’m in 2 different private schools x

@Arisaig1 from what I hear, for academic/music/pastoral Greenfield would be the best choice. hoebridge is more sport/academic

Prob not possible from where we live in S Hills/Horsleys. Is pastoral care good at Hoebridge?

@Arisaig1 pm me if you want more info :)

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