Tormead and Boxgrove at Guildford

[Nideta]

Hi mums,
I am trying to choose between Tormead and Boxgrove primary schools. Our girl will go to school this September and I still can't make my mind... Both school seem very nice, friendly, with extra-curriculum activities, but it is hard to compare in terms of the value for a child. I am concerned the head teacher at Tormead has changed. Don't know what to expect. May be someone can share their recent experience at either school? Would really appreciate.

Gosh these are two very different schools as I’m sure you are aware!

Tormead is private / fee paying and all girls. I believe there is an entrance test - has your daughter passed this? I have one friend with a daughter there and she is happy with the school. If you search on here you will find several threads comparing Tormead to the other private options (primarily Guildford High School and St Catherine’s in Bramley) locally - might help with opinions on Tormead.

Boxgrove is state school, co-Ed, 3 form entry so 90 children per year in classes of 30 (class sizes at Tormead will almost certainly be smaller).
Again I have friends with children at Boxgrove who are happy with the school but it’s completely different to Tormead and I would imagine the extra curricular offer and the facilities are not as good.

Did you definitely mean Tormead or Boxgrove? Just seem strange options to be considering :-)

I think they’re both great. Could you start in state school and swap later if you’re not happy? It’s harder to go the other way, I’d say.

I rated the heads at Boxgrove and if the reception lead teacher is still the same, she was fab!

The new head starting at tormead has a fantastic reputation if that helps and I imagine will only positively impact on the school.

It entirely depends what you want for your daughter, but as another poster said, they are completely different schools and a private school by virtue will have stronger offerings in terms of facilities, sport, and teaching.

Can also speak positively about our experience at Tormead. It is a great little Junior School, and although private, we really felt like it was worth every penny for our little one(s). I appreciate a new head at a school can be unsettling, we were a little nervous too with the Tormead Headmistress leaving. However, having received various communications and videos from the new Head, and from doing some research online, he seems incredibly capable and a lot more inspiring! Also worth noting the school he is coming from has a prep-school and a senior school and is one of the most highly achieving academic, sporting and pastorally minded schools in the country. Either way you'll do whats best for you - good luck with your choice!

@Strandguildford could I ask what years your girls are in and if they started from junior? Always see such wonderful comments about tormead

[quote RichTea432]@Strandguildford could I ask what years your girls are in and if they started from junior? Always see such wonderful comments about tormead[/quote]
Just the one in the senior school now! I always feel it gets left out on here, so like to blow my trumpet now and again!

Agreed, very different schools. Both good at what they do in their different ways. No kids at either school, friends kids go to Boxgrove and like it.. DS is at RGS, they do some stuff with Tormead and GHS, he says the Tormead students are more fun. Not sure that helps with your choice! Guildford has amazing schools, the state schools are outstanding too - you'll do well wherever you go. GL.

@pico1234 Ha, that’s interesting he says they are more fun. May I ask how old he is? It’s good they still mingle the girls with boys so they have some exposure.