Help- private schools in guildford

[Swarskid2184]

My DD (15) and DS (13) are both in a state school in guildford. DD has thrived from day 1 - doing really well academically and getting involved in a wide range of extra curricular activities. DS has been less enthusiastic about school since he started there 2 years ago- but has done well academically and made good friends.

So cue a conversation on Sunday where he asks he could be 'homeschooled'! Why? Because he cannot concentrate in the large classes... he is top set for every subject, but probably mid to bottom of class. Struggles with concentration, but is clearly capable. Agreed compromise was that we would look at private school options.

Any recommendations for a boy entering year 9 mid year, or into year 10 in September????

As far as I'm aware boys schools are limited and highly sort after in this area. The only one I know of is RGS, which is highly selective but maybe give them a call. You never know! Several girls joined Yr 9 halfway through in my DDs school. Although not back yet staff maybe around to answer calls. Perhaps explore more why he wishes to be home schooled? Going private may not be the answer.

Sorry, I know you said it's about class size but is that really it or something else?

I'm sure you could get him into one of the indys in the area but probably unlikely to get a place at RGS without people having dropped out unexpectedly given that they've got a Y9 entry. Is your DS at one of the more popular schools (GA/GCS)? If not, would trying to swap to one of them be an option?

Class sizes in very selective private schools don't tend to be that small in KS3/GCSE years - up to 24 per class in core subjects, but behaviour and concentration is usually better. RGS Guildford would obviously be a great choice, otherwise City of London Freemen's School in Ashtead run a school bus to and from Merrow, Reeds in Cobham perhaps and Reigate Grammar School would also be worth a look. Have heard that some boys lack focus at St. John's in Leatherhead so maybe not there. Odd about the homeschooling request though - agree that this needs further questioning.

Have you home schooled previously? Is it stress or pressure? Wanting some time out?

There is also Salesian in Farnborough.

But I would look at why Homeschool. I would also wonder if there is more to it. Has he started his options yet? As often the classes settle down a bit then.

Thanks for all your replies. He is at an outstanding state school- so not worth a move to another. We talked about it again today, and the homeschool request is driven by a desire for a more relaxed schedule- but he has a clear view of what he wants to achieve and that involves getting top GCSE grades.

Both DH and I work full time, so homeschooling is simply not an option.

He is easily distracted and he has maturely explained that he knows he could do better if there was less disruption in class.

We are going to have a look around. RGS is not an option- he is in the top sets, but towards the middle and I don't think an all boys shook would suit. He is adament that he is not being bullied (he was in year 7, but the school dealt with quickly and effectively).

Horrible to know he is unhappy at the school my DD is so happy at

Not started options yet. He chooses this term and starts them in year 10

St. John's leatherhead, reeds cobham, Epsom college, Reigate grammar (prob relative big class size like rgs), king Edwards Witley. Tiny class sizes at duke of Kent ewhurst.

Interesting that's it's around distruptive classes. He won't be the only kid struggling with this then. Maybe it's worth speaking with school. Is it a few annoying kids in his class? ALL his lessons or just one or two? Maybe a class move may be an option.

I'm sure your daughter is in a different year but does she have any of the same teachers that allow unruly behaviour? It does seem a shame to move schools if it's otherwise good & a few kids spoiling it for the rest to get on.

Frensham Heights has small class sizes and relaxed culture but gets decent grades.