Returning to Epsom Region Secondary Schools

[SP00NS]

We've lived in Asia fo the past 5 years and while it looks like our 16 year old daugter might be offered a place at City of London Freemens' School, Surrey based on GCSE results, they suggest our 14 year old son will only be able to get on a waitlist for the school. This is dissapoiting as this would be close to where we have a house.

This now means our son will need to take numerous entrance exams to be considered for places elsewhere. The only schools saying they might have openings are Box Hill School, Ewell Castle School, Reed's and The Royal Grammar School, Guildford.

We are unlikley to be back in the UK to view these schools so are working off website details only. Does anyone have experience of these schools and can recommend what type of child they migh appeal to?

My research suggests RGS is the most academic, Reed's is more sporty (and expensive), Ewell Castle probably has a better reputation than Box Hill, but this school can appeal to different types of learners.

From a travel point of view Box Hill and Ewell Castle seem easier to reach, but I guess RGS by rail from Epsom or Reeds by the 7am Epsom bus are workable too?

Any guidance would be much appreciated.

could be totally wrong but...
think Reed's and Ewell Castle have reputations for 'Bisto kids' - rich and thick, just like the gravy...

Sorry bit unhelpful in last post. How about grammars in Sutton? Think Wilson's have places at Year 9 / 10 for additional intake (check website). Or occasional vacancies in Sutton Grammar may come up- usually have so sit special papers. if your son is bright I think this would be preferable to Reed's or ewell Casle.

Epsom College?

My SIL lives in this area...

Royal Grammar School, Guildford - by far the most academic (and also VERY competitive, so am very surprised if they have places?)
Box Hill - much less academic - more for all rounders, and especially dyslexic

Reeds - think this has a good reputation

What about:
Epsom College (academic?)
St. John's Leatherhead
Caterham
Reigate Grammar

Don't know anything about Ewell Castle

Forgot to say Whitgift (Croydon) has a bus from Epsom. thinks it leaves from Drift Bridge / Burgh Heath at about 7 30.

Just to say Reeds has a very good reputation and great results. It is not as academic as RGS, but there are plenty of very able children who go there who do very well.

Thanks for the replies. Unfortunatley Epsom College, St. John's and City of London Freemens' School do not have places. I've not looked at the Sutton schools, will start that now. I think Reigate Grammar and Caterham look difficult to reach on a daily basis?