Overwhelmed mum looking for recommendations for School in Guildford

[Deinha]

Hi all,

We are moving back to the UK after a spell abroad and will be looking for place for my sons - 4 and 6 (year 2 and reception). We are planning to move to Guilford. I have done some research but am finding all too overwhelming. Can anyone give me some recommendations for schools with good facilities, academics but warm and a 'happy place'?
thanks

State or private or both?

Ideally state. I looked at private but they are so expensive :(

The villages around have lovely village schools - puttenham c of e, shere, shackleford etc.

In Guildford itself - Holy Trinity Pewley Down used to be very well-regarded, it went off a few years ago (low Ofsted and poorer results) but has a new-ish head so many have picked up
Boxgrove is good but quite big
The catholic primaries are great if you're catholic
Sandfield has really come up

I'd also look at living in Farnham as they have an amazing (top in the country) state school- South Farnham
Waverley Abbey is also very highly regarded

You can get into the Catholic Primaries if you aren't Catholic. Sandfield might be worth considering, although the location isn't great. I'd also look at Burpham. Schools like Shere or Chilworth and then Tillingbourne might be a good choice.
Primaries tend to be okay to good, but Secondaries can be very over subscribed.

Horsley - Raleigh is outstanding

I'd definitely look at secondaries and then which bit of Guildford you think you will go for and then work back from there for the primaries.