Advice on Girls schools in Guildford

[Workingmum21]

Hi there, hope you are well. We are considering schools for reception year entry for our little girl. We are interested in rydes hill, tormead and GHS. The former two have relatively new heads- anyone have any experience of the new management? Concerned about pressure/ elitism of GHS at such a young age ( having gone there myself, granted a while ago now, I remember less bright girls being humiliated and pushed out). Any recent experience of these schools would be much appreciated. Pros/cons? How did they cope with lockdown? Did they stay open for key workers? Many thanks! Look forward to hearing from you!

There are loads of threads on this recently so check out the education and secondary ed boards.

All are great schools. My Dds were at ghs and loved it but as you say - good for the right girl.
Personally not sure about Tormead but the new head seems really popular.
Did you look at st cats? I think I'd consider it more if I was doing it all again.

My daughter is in the Tormead junior school. Not in reception. The school itself is lovely, warm and a happy place, good staff too. I would say that there were some ups and downs though to online learning during lockdown, however the new head conducted a parent survey of the lockdown provision as soon as he started and changes for the better have already been put in place. We’ve also met him, as he has organised ‘meet the Head’ nights for all the year groups, which was a really great event. The reception posts loads of the photos online (of the select kids that are ok with it!) on their twitter feed, maybe a good source of info to peruse? On the new Head generally, I can say we have received nothing but positive, organised and constructive communications from him, things have moved forward already for us and our DD and people generally seem impressed. He comes from Latymer Upper in west london, so I know a lot of the parents are reassured that we have someone with that high level of experience looking after the girls.

GHS, I know girls that are there; they are happy and do really enjoy their environment. Loads of forums on GHS as it’s such a (very!) widely discussed school! Also I’m sure some parents with jump in and give you more info of their personal experience. No idea about the interim leadership there, however parent friends there say that they are looking for a new head of junior school to start at Easter... so this new leadership, I guess, is unknown at this stage.

Ps. Plenty of Online open days available. Tormead has one left in November and I’m sure GHS have some too! Wish you well in your search!