To choose between Tormead/lanesbrough and Downsend for DD and DS..pls.advise!

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Hello,

Can I ask for input regarding which to choose for my DS(nursey) & DD (year 2). We have 2 choices Tormead+ Lanesbrough or Downsend?

many thanks.

Where do you live? There is much to be said for being local when kids are younger.

We are relocating from the North so we are flexible in terms of location.

Surely it would be convenient to have them at the same school. T and L are geographically close but have different ethos etc. Cost of living in that area of Guildford is high and traffic horrible compared to Ashtead/Leatherhead.

thanks Lizs...was thinking how do u compare the 2 schools academically?

You probably can't easily. Frankly at junior age there probably isn't much in it anyway. Downsend prepares for external entrance exams (CLFS, Epsom, St John's etc) whereas certainly Tormead doesn't, nor would I suspect does Lanesborough other than for RGS.

DS was at lanesborough - it is a wonderful prep and IMO balances everything very well while maintaining good academics.
DD was at GHS - have you considered it? I guess it is place dependent.
Lanesborough and then GHS/Tormead is a good combo for drop offs and lots of siblings do this combination.
Long term do you hope for RGS? If so, I'd say lanesborough (while not guaranteed) probably is the best 'match' being linked to RGS. Lanesborough does prep for other secondaries and common entrance as not all their boys (or even the majority I believe) go onto RGS and they want good outcomes for those not going to RGS too.
What about considering co-ed vs single sex to help you? What is your 'gut'?
I'd say Downsend is more very traditional prep whereas Lanesborough and Tormead are more junior schools and in a very much urban town location.

Also - how have you narrowed it down to these? Based on place availability? Because there are tons of other preps to consider in the area which I am sure you know. Can provide feedback on others if you wish.

Many thanks ZebraGiraffe..pls.do advise about other schools too,though mostly we contacted in and around the area had no availability for year 2 sept.2015 for DD.Which other schools would you recommend ( dd for yr.2 (sept.)and ds for nursery).Also can you advise on renting as well.we used to live in Burpham 6 years ago but then both of us worked and no kids ;-) ..we were rich ...now looking in & around area for a good 3/4bed house..our max.range for rent would be £2000 per month.would welcome your input on above info...many thanks.

Other schools I would advise looking at (based on experience and recommendation)
Guildford High - for an academic girl who would suit being in an environment where all the other girls are academic too, good if you are potentially aiming for GHS at 11 as it cuts out 11+ pressure.
St Hilary's - mixed ability, much more a traditional prep school and prepares for 11+ so keeps options open
Rydes Hill - if you are catholic and want a very nurturing 'proper' prep school
St Catherines - same as GHS but very slightly less academic, no 11+ stress
Halstead - in woking, girls prep very traditional but high standards, prepares for 11+

To add to ZebraGiraffe's list, have you considered Glenesk in East Horsley? DC3 is at nursery there and we have been very happy all round with it. It may well have places as current class sizes are small. Disadvantage is it only goes to Yr2, so your DD would need to change again the following year. But on the plus side most of the schools on Zebra's list have a Yr3 intake, so you would then have more choice for yr3 rather than relying on availability now. You could also decide whether to go for Lanesborough entry for DS for reception (Shell) at the same time. Competition for nursery places is I believe similar to Shell - they take 16 in each year.

Have a friend with a DC in PrePrep at Downsend. They are happy with the school generally but not happy with his academic progress at the moment, for what it's worth.