Longacre / Guildford prep schools

[movingToGuildford1987]

Hi! We're moving to Guildford, our DS is 5 years old. He's bright but a bit shy.
Would love to know people's experience of Longacre - how good are they with the shy kids? And do they keep the bright ones interested (without overworking / stressing them...)? Its not in the GSG so hard to get a review...
Other than Lanesborough / RGS Prep, what else would people recommend we think about as options?

[TallPinkGiraffe]

I don't know much about Longacre. I hear mixed things and think it is one of those schools some love and some don't.

Depending on location, look at St Hilary's, Edgeborough, a state primary followed by Aldro, Amesbury, Rydes Hill, Feltonfleet, Ripley Court

There is poor choice for boys compared to girls in this area but there are options and it's about working out what's right for your child/family logistics.

[movingToGuildford1987]

@TallPinkGiraffe

I don't know much about Longacre. I hear mixed things and think it is one of those schools some love and some don't.

Depending on location, look at St Hilary's, Edgeborough, a state primary followed by Aldro, Amesbury, Rydes Hill, Feltonfleet, Ripley Court

There is poor choice for boys compared to girls in this area but there are options and it's about working out what's right for your child/family logistics.

thank -you! This is so helpful!

Can you say what people think causes the mixed views on Longacre?

[MigAndMog]

People always say to think what your senior school aims might be. I know he's still v young but eg Edgeborough, Amesbury and Aldro are primarily aiming for kids moving at 13 rather than at 11 and to a mix of day and boarding schools. Longacre goes to 11 so feeds more to day schools. RGS Prep are preparing largely for RGS though boys do go elsewhere but again at 11. It's also boys only so you have to decide if that suits you/him from age 5. I think Rydes Hill only takes boys to age 7. Location could be a big factor as traffic eg around Guildford can make journeys slow.

[Schrev123]

Hi, I'm a reviewer for GSG and have been assigned Longacre this term. Did you decide to apply for the school? I'd love to hear your thoughts. And indeed, anyone else on this thread with experience of the school. Feel free to DM me. Many thanks!

[Surreyhillsmummy]

Early years at longacre were good for bringing shy children out of themselves and for toning down the more rambunctious ones! A fairly strong character is needed for playtimes in the woods, it’s multi-age and a lot goes on in the various nooks and crannies which teachers don’t see. It is small though (usually under 35 per year) so nurturing- some kids thrive being a big fish in a little pond, others need to spread their wings sooner than year 6.
We were there for the first homeschool stint and saw how broad the educational range is that they deal with in each class. Historically they progressed every child to their potential which takes some skill, with the able ones getting scholarships to RGS/GHS if that’s a measure of success. This year I’ve heard rumblings of discontent about how they prepped for year 7 entrance exams, some families have voted with their feet as a result.
Feel free to DM me if you have more specific questions, there’s a lot more I could share.