small boarding schools - Prior's Field

[afterthebath]

Does anyone have a child at Prior's Field in Godalming? We are looking for a small, nurturing boarding school for our daughter to go into yr7 next year. This school has been recommended...... dd is dyslexic & also struggles with maths.

I don't, but I know lots of people who do, and who are generally really pleased with it- definitely brings out the best in girls who are not natural high flyers, and does seem supportive of issues. Only negative points I know of are that it's a bit disorganised and that most girls are actually day girls, lower down the school,so your daughter would probably not have that many other boarders around. Also, admissions are about to close for current year 6, I would think, and there is a 2 stage admission process, so if you want to go for it, you'd better follow it up fast, I think!

Thank you. Now not sure we really want to go down the boarding school route. All so confusing & scary

Well why don't you post where you live (area) and a MNer might be able to give you suggestions of schools closer to home.

Good idea, will start a new thread. Thank you.

If you live near Godalming and a day school would be an option, you may want to have a look at Farnborough Hill: very diverse, very nurturing and, although it does quite well academically, not at all hung up on league tables

We are based in South West London, but thank you anyway. If she doesn't get into any schools locally, we may have to move!!

afterthebath, I think most admissions close in mid October for girls' secondary schools, so if you haven't done any looking around yet, I would get into action quickly! Have you got a copy of the Good Schools Guide? - if not, well worth the money IMO - does have accurate descriptions of all the schools I know about, anyway.

Okay two other options I would consider are: ST Theresa's in Effingham, which also does boarding, and Manor House in Bookham. If she could get there by train Manor House is a lovely small school.
I would also recommend the Good Schools Guide and their website is great for finding schools local to you.

I know Priors Field very well, it is a fabulous school. Those who get the most from it are those who have learning difficulties or generally aren't extremely academic girls, although there are acadmeic girls there for do fab and gain greatly confidence wise from the smaller community. Its small but not too small, very nurturing. All the girls are very well known by staff as individuals, issues flagged and dealt with or monitored.
A family friends daughter is in the sixth form where the boarding environment is just incrediby warm, close-knit and friendly. Our friend's DD says her favourtie part is boarding and the way she is well known, valued and feels very cared for generally in the school. The boarding facilities are amazing by sixth form they have uni-style ensuite rooms. She says she knows she would not get this in a larger school or school where the focus is academics. She didn't board initially but began in year 11. They choose the school at first becasue she was a very shy girl, quite academic but needed praise and nurturing rather than pressure.
The academics from what I know are great though, meant to be high value added and lots and lots of support for those who need it. Girls go on to a mix of unis, some top ones, some to do specific careers e.g. primary teaching or horse management. They are very well guided.
Couldn't rate the school more if you have a DD who would thrive in a smaller (but certainly not tiny, 3 forms) enviornment and needs close monitoring, care but also pushing when appropriate.
Lower down fewer board mainly just those who need to e.g. parents in forces or working abroad, as they get older more want to board for reason of choice and sixth form is a good way to fill the gap between living at home and uni.
It is also in many ways a fairly modern school- very in tune with the girls and know what makes them tick.

Sorry for typos! Its early!