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Secondary education

Non-selective schools Berkshire/Surrey?

33 replies

muffintopsy · 12/10/2011 12:51

Can anyone recommend non selecetive senior schools in Berkshire (Ascot area) or Surrey. DD not the best at maths and english (worried that she would fail entrance tests to more selective establishments!) but very into science and sports

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mumsneedwine · 12/10/2011 13:04

She'll love Charters then. It's in Sunningdale but all of Ascot is in catchment. It has specialisms in sports and science (although not really sure what this means !) & good academic things too (Latin and fast track maths). Great website if you want to find out more.

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grovel · 12/10/2011 16:05

muffin, looks like I gave you some duff advice.
Sorry.

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cece · 12/10/2011 18:49

I came on to say Charters too Smile

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MindtheGappp · 12/10/2011 19:42

Girls-only or co-ed?

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Effjay · 12/10/2011 19:45

George Abbot in Guildford is an very popular comprehensive (non selective), but you'll need to be well within the catchment as it is very popular.

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mumsneedwine · 12/10/2011 20:34

Charters is co-ed - there aren't any single sex state schools in the Ascot area. There is also a good school in Weybridge (Heathlands I think) and friends there are very happy with it. Both are very over subscribed.
Mine really enjoy school, are expected to do well and get loads of opportunities to do all sorts of things. If you go to church there is also Ranelagh in Bracknell - an amazing school but you do need to have found god very seriously before year 2 !

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MindtheGappp · 12/10/2011 20:58

These are all state schools. There is a wider choice by looking at independents.

Even within the state sector there is an all-girls school in RBWM.

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muffintopsy · 12/10/2011 21:33

Thanks for your comments but am looking more at independents than state (we live out of the Ascot catchment area) and don't want to send DD to a large state school (been down that road with DS!). Most of the Surrey private schools are too selective and also full (DD is in Yr8) so we are looking further afield...what a nightmare!!

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MindtheGappp · 12/10/2011 21:48

In Windsor, there is Brigidine (girls). In Ascot, Marist, St George's (girls), and LVS (mixed). In Slough, Long Close (mixed). In Maidenhead, Clares Court (girls). In Gerards Cross, St Mary's (girls).

These are all the non-selective schools for girls that I can think of. The Surrey ones do tend to be selective.

This list is not a recommendation for any particular school, but I am happy to share my opinions on any that interest you.

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MiraNova · 12/10/2011 21:53

There's The Royal School in Haslemere if it's not too far for you. They do run a shuttle bus from Haslemere station which is popular.

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MindtheGappp · 12/10/2011 22:34

I am assuming that the OP lives somewhere between Bagshot and Egham.

I don't think Haslemere, or even Guildford, is on the cards.

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muffintopsy · 13/10/2011 13:25

Thanks for all your suggestions. The Royal in Haslemere looks lovely but too far (we're Woking area) am going to investigate your suggestions MindTheGappp but distance may be a prob. Going to have a look at Hurst Lodge Open Day with DD on Monday.

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mummytime · 13/10/2011 13:53

Have you looked at Manor House in Bookham? Or St Theresa's is not too selective.

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muffintopsy · 13/10/2011 14:02

Manor House has been recommended. Re. St Theresa's a friend's daughter had a bullying prob there so not keen. I can't believe their are virtually no non-selective Surrey schools..ggrrrr.

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mummytime · 13/10/2011 14:45

There is bullying at all Surrey schools. I do know of one girl who moved to St Theresa's because of bullying.
The thing is Surrey has great State schools, so the privates feel they have to make a difference, and that is often being selective (or super selective) as parents are paying for A/A*s.
Farnborough Hill is another school I've heard good things about, they have an entrance exam but I don't think its too hard (friends daughter got in from average sets of a state comp).

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MindtheGappp · 13/10/2011 16:39

Surrey does not have great state schools, especially the part of Surrey the OP is in.

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MiraNova · 13/10/2011 21:38

DD has a friend from Woking who goes to The Royal - catches the train every day - but she doesn't live too far from the train station, which would make a difference.

Have you looked at Prior's Field in Godalming?

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daisysue2 · 04/11/2011 08:59

Box Hill isn't selective and supports children with Dyslexia so has the support there for children with some special needs. Notre Dame expects the children to pass the 11 plus but isn't quite as selective as others in that it give preference to Catholics, siblings etc. Also it gives preference for children in Juniors so if you can move to the prep now do.

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daisysue2 · 04/11/2011 09:37

Also have just remembered another non selective girls school in Surrey, Oakfield School in West Byfleet.

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Happymum22 · 06/11/2011 11:16

Priors field in godalming is fab for less academic girls, lots and lots of extra support. My friends DD had massive maths issues before she went but came out with an A at gcse from extra lessons and doing an early morning maths revision club or something (can't remember exact details sorry! Just remember her mum raving about it!) in the run up to her exams. The results aren't shining but have huge value added and many girls do very well, and far beyond expectations based on their ability.
Its both traditional boarding school (but lots of day girls too) and very with the times, really listening to what the girls want and making education relevant. By sixth form lots go to charterhouse/st johns/wellington/godalming college for a mixed school, but a good number stay, friend's DD did and is boarding- absolutely loves the boarding.
Was small classes, but know my friend says this has changed as its grown hugely in popularity.
Haven't heard many negatives...

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LIZS · 06/11/2011 11:22

Box Hill is selective, but its criteria not as high as majority of others and storng on co-curricular. Recently swutched to IB if that is a consideration. St Johns Leatherhead has only just started to take girls, so may be a little flexible on academic achievement, but think it would be 13+ entry.

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muffintopsy · 07/11/2011 21:00

Lots of negatives re Oakfield I'm afraid

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MrsTD · 20/11/2011 15:01

Does any one know about Royal Alexandra and Albert School. Dont think they push the kids - we are looking to move back to london? Does anyone know ahout The north London International School?

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MigratingCoconuts · 20/11/2011 17:30

RAA is a state boarding school whose reputation has improved over recent years. I would give it a look if I was in that area.

(beautiful setting!!)

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MigratingCoconuts · 20/11/2011 17:31

and Surrey does have great state schools Smile

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