Guildford schools

[Jugglingmotherhood]

Hi
we are moving to the Guildford area next year and are considering schools for our 3 children - DD (going into year 7 in 2026), DS (into year 1) and DD (will be aged 2).

my eldest DD is very academic so her current headmistress had suggested we considered Guildford High Junior school for her. I’d been a bit reluctant as want her to be able to enjoy her childhood without too much pressure early on. If DD did GHS, I think we’d need to explore RGS for DS

My alternative option is Longacre which I like (and has the benefit of a nursery for the baby) - lots of lovely open space and chance to be children and the children could be together. But the recent merger makes me slightly nervous and I am struggling to get a feel for whether strong children are pushed academically.

someone has also just thrown Tormead into the mix which I hadn’t really considered as I had thought if I was going to split DD and DS up it should be for GHS and RGS.

Leaving aside whether they get in, has anyone got experiences of any of these schools? Are children at GHS and RGS given the chance to be children without lots of pressure? Are children from Longacre less prepared for 11+?

(I’m hoping to go to open days soon to get a feel for them in person but any extra info much appreciated)

Thank you!

Whilst the fee reduction would be nice, I don't think that would be great for either me or for the students, if my attempts with DD are anything to go by 😆

Perhaps that's partly why I'm so appreciative of what they do!😄

Interesting to see a trend and a thread on this. My daughters friend got a GHS offer but no scholarship from Tormead, for year 7, having applied for multiple at TM. Shes torn on what to do, very, very happy at Tormead and friends staying, but also wanted the academic kudos of GHS. However the chat on larger class sizes in prep, and the fact that she didnt get a scholarship for TM, but a GHS offer, is giving rise to thoughts that GHS are going bums on seats this year not pitching themselves at the same entry level. Like a PP said, maybe economics are playing a part, after all GHS and Surburton pretty much cash cow United Learning and all their other schools, like the Royal, which closed recently.

We were really happy with Tormead, with a DD who did very well academically and was equally happy socially. Lots of opportunities to participate, caring staff, girls stretched appropriately academically. Girls kind and engaged, diverse, not precious or cliquey.

Also pleased with RGS for DS and believe they're going co ed.
Both were at state schools for Primary and the transition was smooth.