Notre Dame, Tormead or Gordon's in Woking. Cant decide!!!

[Mumlonglegs]

Hello mumsnetters,
Any advice on these three schools would be appreciated. We have been to the 3 and we like them all for different reasons. My DD has been offered a place in both ND and Tormead. Would probably get a place in Gordon's as well. We just need second opinions on their negatives and positives. A little bit about DD, she is above average accademically, not top of the class and very keen to learn. Enjoys a lot of activities, otherwise will get bored. Very mature and independent for a 10 yr old.
Thank you in advance.

All I know is that the girls at ND who I've met are exceedingly happy there. Two moved form schools where they were unhappy - settled in rapidly and really enjoy the school.
Don't know much about Tormead except that it's building a reputation for being more academic than was previously thought.

Thank you racingheart.

Presumably you live within 500m of Gordon's? Visited recently and that's the message we were given re catchment for day places.

I'd probably do..

1. Gordons
2. Tormead
3. ND

Gordons- state but run like a private with good traditions, results and reputation. Co-ed unlike the others so that may play a part in your decision. I'd have to really really prefer something about T or ND to turn down a free school space at a practically independent school.

Tormead- my DDs went to 'the other' Guildford school which I guess is why Tormead isn't given as much academic credibility as it deserves becuase it is so close to GHS and similar in many ways without the ultra flashy facilities and top of the league table results (but still v high in the league tables). Basically, it is often second choice to GHS and in its shadow as it is where many go who don't get into GHS. But the new head is from St Cats and I think is trying to highlight Tormead is very academic and produces lovely girls and is an alternative rather than second choice to GHS.
I think the market is changing, previously there were quite a few girls with very slack parents who wanted a non-pushy education and I knew of a fair number of 'rebellious' types who left Tormead early or were into smoking, bunkinge etc at a very early age. I also know, however, of many of DDs friends who were lovely, bright and just as successful as their GHS peers. The school, I hear, has big development plans of the buildings. I wasn't keen (14 or so years ago) when I was choosing schools for my DDs because of the cramped site and feeling I got of the place but I think it has really changed and I'd now certainly consider it.

Notre Dame- I have heard the juniors is really good but many leave for seniors and go to more academic schools, leaving only the 'bottom' lot. Not much else to say. Depends if you are catholic as well?

Most people would give their right arm to get a place at Gordons!

I know a number of girls at Tormead and, as Happymum22 said it is often seen as second place to GHS. Both are great schools but so Tormead is defenitely worth a look but costs more than Gordons!

Thanks everyone!

Gordon's is winning so far. We will go back to Tormead mid Feb to have a final look b4 we make a decision.