Tormead or Farnborough Hill

[Blacksea10]

Hello, are there any girls from Sandhurst or Blackwater area that are going to Tormead in September? We are in a position to choose between Farnborough Hill or Tormead and worried about travel. Any recommendations for both schools will help us in our decision.

Thanks

We lived in Camberley and alway budgeted 45 mins to get to that area of Guildford for work, that includes navigating the one way system. Usually arrived early, very rarely late. Farnborough Hill school must be like 15-20 mins away from that area, so a much easier journey for you and DD?

Both doable - I guess the question is, what do you want?

Results wise Tormead pulls ahead, it is usually mentioned in the same sentence as GHS and St. Cats when comparisons are drawn between local girls' schools. I can't compare anything else, as that's the only knowledge I have of F-Hill. I would say that Tormead would definitely be my preference, if you can take the journey!
A-Level (A*B) TM = 92% FH = 81%
GCSE (9-7) TM = 86% FH = 57%
Best off luck.

I'd say FH! It's closer to you and so an easier journey (not to be sneezed at on dark winter nights after a full day at school), it's great for pastoral care, staff give 110% and teaching during lockdown has been brilliant.

45 mins Vs 20 mins....

The grades at TM are much (much) better - it's also a brilliant school, also excellent pastoral care.

BUT Farnborough Hill has a lot going for it too, and like PP said, it's way closer on those on those dark afternoons.... or early Monday mornings!

It's a hard one and depends on what you want, your DD will do well at either school i'm sure.

I guess my question would be -- IF they were next door to each other, what would be your preference?

Would your daughter use the train if going to Tormead?

She'd have to change at Guildford but she would be one of very many girls changing there for the London Road train.

Thank you for your replies.
If they were next to each other I would choose Tormead for sure and if it wasn’t that far away. She will commute by train from Sandhust or Blackwater in either way is only just 3 more stops to Guildford but then the change to London road and then walking. Definitely I lean towards Tormead just wondering would the effort will be doable.

@Blacksea10 just copied this from another forum for you.

“ I know of senior school girls who travel on the train from Farnham, Camberley, Witley, Woking, Esher, Cobham and Horsley/ Clandon. A few also travel out of SW London (eg Wimbledon and Mortlake areas).”

I think the point is that it is doable, kids travel all over / across areas for differing schools. I commute in and out of Guildford station into Waterloo sometimes, and the trains and stations are full of GHS, Tormead and RGS kids, further afield, then you’ll start bumping into a whole new set of school uniforms.

I don’t think your journey is that far, If it’s the school you really want.... if you’re indifferent between the two, then defo pick Farnborough Hill for convenience.

Personally, travelling from Sandhurst I'd definitely choose FH. Everyone I know who has girls there speaks very highly of it and it probably has a slightly less selective intake which is reflected in the exam results. Although there might be some coming from Farnham and Woking, Camberley (and beyond) is a much common starting point for the Guildford schools - if she has friends the other side of Guildford, it's a long schlep to see them!

& don't underestimate time it will take travelling to a school for parents evenings/ music recitals/ theatre shows/ early drop offs for trips etc etc.Much easier to do when its only a 15m journey......

Agree with PP. however didn’t realise your DD would be on the train? Sandhurst to Tormead must be about 40mins via train and walking? I do that journey to Guildford to her to the office sometimes. it’s easy and full of kids from various schools.
99% of the time she’ll do this on her own or with mates. But you will, as per What @PetuniaClark says, go in from time to time for other events. Both schools are good, you’ll do well at either... but don’t sacrifice what you (and I assume whatever your DD wants!!) for another 40mins a day.... if it is indeed TM you want

Everyone is being too nice, if you prefer Tormead...well go for it. Academically it is the better school, by a clear mile. If thats what you and your daughter want, go for it. My son travelled an hour a day for his school, half of that was on his own, the other half he picked up with his mates. Very good school, he loved it, he's doing well, and it's your kids education, so it's really not hard.
Recitals (my DS, not so much), drama, parents' evenings, sport (usually always sport).... well, just make the journey, it's rare and not frequent.

Those grades hang around their necks for the rest of their lives, well worth the extra commute.

I live locally and I would definitely choose FH too. Don't underestimate the journey, also having friends more local etc.

As for grades hanging around their necks all their lives, the people I know who've gone to FH have all done well.

A lot of schools do well because of their intake, not the teaching.

Thank you everyone, we already choose Tormead. Not because in FH she will not going to do well. Just because how we felt about both schools. With FH we did not have so good experience with all the entrance process this year, while with Tormead was everything perfect and on time. Less stress for my daughter too. Also she loves art and I think Termead have better art department and she already have Art scholarship. I believe FH is a lovely school too just is not her school. Hope she will be happier at Tormead. About the journey we are planing to move next year so in this case closer to Guildford. Thanks again for all your answers.