Guildford high school experiences

[Surreymummy1980]

Hi,
I wonder if anyone can share with me their experiences of Guildford high school. We are considering it as an option (if assessment passed) for our daughter
Many thanks

Good school, highly rated with good teachers and facilities. But there are some unhappy kids due to bullying by some others parents and parental gangs (outside of school) which makes some kids anxious and depressed. At least that's what I heard from someone.

I don't recognise respParent's description of anxious and depressed children and have no idea what bullying by parental gangs might be! It is a very good school for bright girls who are keen to learn.

Parental gangs at GHS? Is this the evil banker types, who bludgeon you with their blackberries when not busy sabotaging the world economy? Sorry, couldn't resist. We haven't come across any gangs or bullying yet, just lovely parents and very bright, happy and really well looked after girls. But then DD is only in year 1 - may be it's all downhill from here?

Very happy school. Hard working families who want an academic education. It is very much a town junior school rather than a country prep school so that has to be what you want. Getting them in at 4 means potentially you remove 11+ stress.
Very high quality and girls have to show potential obviously to get it. If your DD does get in, it is usually absolutely the right place for her. I'd approach admissions with that attitude rather than pushing your DD and over-prepping.
Great facilities and opportunities. We actually found it far more relaxed. The girls just get on and work and love learning. They all want to do well and are well taught so equipped to do well, which (contrary to belief) we found meant pressure is so much less.
Would highly recommend it. DD has now gone to uni but I have friends with DC in the juniors and are just as happy as we were. DD still keeps in touch with GHS friends, they are incredibly strong friendships and all love the school. You can spot a 'GHS girl' miles away - they have their unique personalities but are all ambitious, good-natured, hard working girls (who also know how to have fun and are down-to-earth). Really does set your DD up with the skills to be successful in whatever she chooses.

Other all-girls to look at (depending on location)
St Cats (more country prep but similar academic ethos)
Tormead (more pastoral, less selective but still v good)
St Hilarys (v country prep but go on to a good selection of schools)
Halstead (prep only but good leavers destination)