Surrey private schools. Reception switch from state private

[Tiptoes123]

Hi all, due to a change in circumstances, I am looking at switching my DS (5) from state to private education. We are in Surrey / London borders and don't really know where to start! Near the A3 corridor, Guildford / Woking / Cobham etc all within easy reach.

Do you have any websites to show a comparison. Obviously I can't go and view any physical schools for a while so would be great to hear some success stories. I'm Clueless and have no experience of the private school system.

My DS is bright for his age, articulate, emotionally intelligent and has a good standard of reading. He's not so keen on writing! He loves learning and is like a sponge with new knowledge and facts. I think he has the potential to do well academically but obviously he's only 5 so who knows!

I've been looking at Guildford High School GHS for my DD, but she won't start for a couple more years as she's only 3. is there a comparable boys school that goes from reception - A level?

Happy with either mixed or single sex. Would prefer co-ed if possible actually.

Any advice on where to start looking would be great - thanks!

Send me a pm if you want - my kids are in an independent school in woking, and we love it!

If you end up getting your DD into GHS then Lanesborough for a boy is obvious for the school run with the hope of RGS (or from where you are he could go up to King's Wimbledon or Hampton on the train if academic or lots of super other options like St John's, Reeds, Epsom).

Your direction there is Danes Hill which is co-ed. Known for having fairly wealthy parents but I think it is a great school beneath all that.
Feltonfleet
Ripley Court
Hoebridge in Woking
Millbourne Lodge
Surbiton High - boys and girls preps and girls senior all in one

Cranmore in Horsley/Clandon area is now co-ed and linked to St Teresa's for seniors but mixed rep and I have seen schools try this sort of diamond model and it all fall apart so I would be hesitant.

OP, if you are looking for Sept 20 you need to hit the phones as the schools start closing for summer holidays next Friday.
If it's longer term many of the schools will launch website online tour options in the coming weeks/months.
The bottom line is the pre-prep sector in SW London/Surrey isn't full and there is lots of choice which can make decisions seem overwhelming. Without the gut feeling gained by an on-site visit it's hard to make choices too. Journey times & leaving options at 11 or 13 can help cut the list.

Thanks all. I'll take a look at all of those.

Would prefer to keep to Surrey rather than SW London areas. Just personal preference.

We are in no rush, happy to wait a few years but will probably look at either year 3 or 7 transition for him.

Any other tips welcome x

Greenfield (woking) is an amazing school. Outstanding teaching, and the new site is great qs well

I'd look along the A3 line from Cobham to Guildford.

Claremont Fan Court and Feltonfleet are both popular. Cranmore and St Theresa's too. Woking has excellent prep schools St Andrews and Hoe Bridge and Ripley Court by the A3, all three schools are highly regarded locally. You know GHS in Guildford and for boys Lanesborough is excellent too. Lots of school are having tours so it's best to visit them all.

There are lots of good schools in the area and a great variety too. If your DD is headed to GHS, Lanes is a good choice as it's round the corner and it sounds as though it could be a fit.

The birth rate has been lower in the past few years so it's probably a bit easier to get in to some of the schools than it might have been a few years ago. I live near Guildford and have direct and indirect knowledge of a few of them if you want to pm me.

Tormead in Guildford is also a good option for your DD, our girls went and did well, and have loads of lovely friends from TM and all over the Guildford school bubble... the Guildford schools are all pretty close geographically and share some activities, I know for example Tormead does stuff with RGS. There is a reception through to sixth form. Like some of the mums above have said, Lanesborough is literally next door to Tormead for your DS. Good luck!