Godalming for Guildford schools.

[Greenpoppins]

Do many children go to Guildford private schools from Godalming? We were thinking of RGS but living in Godalming but I don't want DS socially isolated.

I guess you can never guarantee who will go from anywhere, but whether or not there are many children from Godalming itself, your son would absolutely not be isolated if he travelled in by train.

Lots of children go to RGS and GHS using that train line. There were RGS boys in my daughters' years from Haslemere, Liphook and Petersfield, as well as Godalming itself. There's masses of socialising on the train.

I guess you can never guarantee who will go from anywhere, but whether or not there are many children from Godalming itself, your son would absolutely not be isolated if he travelled in by train.

Lots of children go to RGS and GHS using that train line. There were RGS boys in my daughters' years from Haslemere, Liphook and Petersfield, as well as Godalming itself. There's masses of socialising on the train.

There will be lots of Godalming kids. Look at Churchers in Petersfield if you live in Godalming. Lots of socialising on the train into RGS and GHS. From my knowledge I would say GHS had a wider catchment than RGS. Godalming definitely considered local.

Agree Godalming is local for RGS, loads come from there. I've had 2 boys at the school, younger just left this year, and both had several friends in the Godalming area. RGS has a very large catchment but very good train links.

Thanks for replies! What feeder schools should I be looking at for RGS? DS is currently at a pre-prep so we'd be looking to do the 7+.

Also, how difficult is it to get a place at RGS? He is bright, but not 'reading Harry Potter at age 4' bright.

hello @Greenpoppins,

my son is about to start First Form, this September. there are only 3 boys that have been at the same Prep, in my son's form class of 23 (they are from Lanesborough). this year it feels like a real mix of schools sending boys into First Form - boys coming from Surbiton area and across to Wokingham area.

how difficult is it to get in?? there's a tricky question. Headmaster says they are looking for potential. tbh, my son found the exam challenging, but doable - he was prepared for it to be the most difficult.

if your DS is approaching 7+, he's probably a bit young to make the call on whether RGS is the best fit for him. Prep schools are pretty active in advising parents what would suit their DS, so you'll be supported. They will teach for the entrance exams, unlike the state primary schools.

my son didn't read Harry Potter at 4yrs old... we made him wait until 8, as the fantasy themes would've given him nightmares .

please try to relax and choose a Prep that feels like the right balance to bring out your DS's talents.

Lanesborough is the only 'feeder' but that's still only a very small group.
There's a huge mix.
My sons went to state primary. My neighbour's son is starting in September. He went to a different state primary.

I have a DS in the prep at Lanesborough and we have been very happy so far. With Mrs Turnbull leaving things may change, but I’d definitely consider it if your aim is RGS. In most years, half the year group at least gets in to RGS, but as a previous poster has noted, they will also advise if they think it’s not right for your DS.