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Secondary education

Connect with other parents whose children are starting secondary school on this forum.

Original poster

Best state schools in Surrey

27 replies

SkoolsIn · 16/10/2012 13:08

We are in Woking and probably going to send DS private (he already is), as the schools near us are not great.

However we might as figure we might as well fill in the form.

We are putting down Gordon's, Tiffin Boys, he probably won't get into any of them, and that's fine, so we are really looking for 'outside shots' that are outstanding, on the off chance he gets in, rather than being interested in anywhere less than wonderful, as we'll just go private.

OP posts:
tiggytape · 16/10/2012 13:24

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

BusyDad66 · 16/10/2012 13:48

LOL Good states schools...contradiction in terms!

FamiliesShareGerms · 16/10/2012 13:53

You're too far away for Guildford schools, I take it?

titchy · 16/10/2012 14:02

Hmm at busydad....

Yeah ALL state schools are crap aren't they? Every single one....

bucksfizzed · 16/10/2012 14:14

good grief... however have read busydad's other mumsnet offering, musing on the 'polished' boys of Charterhouse, suspect he's either having a lil laugh in his busy day, because the alternative, well frankly ... ' LOL '

Original poster
SkoolsIn · 16/10/2012 14:18

tiggytape, Tiffins are allowing people to fill in Tiffin on the standard school application form, and all who did will then be allowed to sit the exam in December.

So basically everyone who missed the previous application deadline is getting another chance.

FamiliesShareGerms, we are entirely open to Guildford, I assume we wouldn't get in, but ultimately might put down George Abbott if we can't think of anything else?

OP posts:
BusyDad66 · 16/10/2012 14:29

Ok, it was a joke, couldn't resist, honestly though not sure why if you had the money for private you would risk state school really but everyone has different priorities I guess!

As for polished children...the money we're spending is not inconsiderable, I expect to see real results at the end of the day and part of suceeding in the world is coming across as articulate, well-educated and generally confident. To send my DCs to a school that didn't promote those things would be negligent for their development.

titchy · 16/10/2012 14:30

But you wouldn't get into GA from Woking so what would be the point of putting it down? Confused

sue52 · 16/10/2012 14:37

BusyDad Resist in future.

tiggytape · 16/10/2012 14:37

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Original poster
SkoolsIn · 16/10/2012 14:39

Well, if anyone knows any, please share.

OP posts:
Original poster
SkoolsIn · 16/10/2012 14:40

BTW, BusyDad you don't have to take any state place if you don't want to.

Filling in the form is free.

OP posts:
titchy · 16/10/2012 14:45

Have you looked at secondary school admissions criteria on Surrey council's very helpful and clear website?

tiggytape · 16/10/2012 14:53

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

basildonbond · 16/10/2012 16:34

Kingsdale isn't in Surrey though .. it's in Southwark so would be a hell of a commute from Woking ...

Original poster
SkoolsIn · 16/10/2012 18:01

Not keen on Southwark. Caught a glimpse of Hackney's best school the other day. 12-foot high fences, pretty scary.

OP posts:
springrain · 16/10/2012 20:49

Would Dorking schools be too far? The Priory has put extra classes on a couple of times in the last few years which means a very good chance of places in those years even if you were further away. Also Ashcombe in Dorking is very well regarded ? most years you would not get in from Woking but in 2012 it looks like you would have as they only offered 238 of 240 places initially.

If you are Catholic then St Peters in Guildford also very good with a far better chance of admission than GA.

Knowsabitabouteducation · 16/10/2012 21:27

Woking to Dorking, no thanks.

Just how bad are Woking schools?

Original poster
SkoolsIn · 16/10/2012 21:38

We are considering moving anyway, so Dorking isn't actually out of the question.

OP posts:
lme30005 · 16/10/2012 21:41

Woking schools aren't the best. One very good Catholic school that's difficult to get into, one awful school that should be closed, and 2 fairly average schools with recent worrying stories

RationalBrain · 17/10/2012 08:43

"one awful school that should be closed, and 2 fairly average schools with recent worrying stories"

lme30005 can you tell us which ones you are talking about? I'm local, so am very interested!

lme30005 · 17/10/2012 09:09

Apologies if any of your DCs are at the schools! Bishop David Brown is the bad one, undersubscribed and poor results. It needs help! Winston and Woking High - have heard mixed reports from people here and others who have DCs there but am sure they're ok for most

RationalBrain · 17/10/2012 11:18

No - we're still at primary level, but am aware we need to consider secondary provision at some point.

I've heard good reports about the changes the head is making to Woking High, but there isn't a sixth form which is a shame.

pinkbluepink · 22/10/2012 20:43

springrain has suggested St Peter's in Guildford which has quite a few students from the Woking area. Nice catholic secondary on a par with GA. Not all students are catholic.

greyvix · 23/10/2012 00:30

St John the Baptist is one of the best schools nationally, but is probably difficult to get in if you are not a Catholic. If you look at the value added by the best state schools in Surrey, it is on a par with the independent schools. There are excellent state schools in Guildford and Farnham, which are the areas I know best.
It sounds as if you have already made up your mind.