Tormead opinions 2018

[IrisAnon]

Hi, We'll be considering schools around the Guildford area for our DD when she moves school.
On the old schools boards there were comments about Tormead being in flux, what with a new head and the changes she brought in.
My dentist had a daughter there, but told me she pulled her out and remarked that many people did too, because the changes had been unpopular. She mentioned the school had been pulled out of league tables and the quality of teaching had reduced. I realise this is all subjective, but it feeds into things mentioned on the older boards.

Do you/ did you have a DD there? Are you happy with standards? It seems a shame hearing these comments because I know it was a highly regarded school.

DD2 at Tormead and we think it is fab.

The opinions you reference are very, very, out of date. I too know of past parents who were unhappy when the old HM left, from my point of view I am glad she did as I thought she was awful, and the school dull, and therefore didn't put DD1 into Tormead.

New head has updated the school, both in terms of facilities and aspirations. It has become more academic, and achieves good results from a wide range of students, but retains strong commitment to pastoral care, and very much focuses on each girls strengths whatever they may be, academic, sporting, music, drama. Yes, they don't opt in to the league tables, as they are firm believers in education for all to each ones abilities, but they are still selective at 11+ and get good results. You can see these on the website.

DD1 went to GHS, so I have perspective on both. Message me if you want more detail. Happy to help.

My neice is at Tormead .
Obviously can only go by what my sister says, but she is very happy with the school .
She also had a daughter at GHS , so has a direct comparison.
Personally speaking , I am not a huge fan of league tables as they do not always tell the full story.
Visiting the school , speaking to current parents and pupils may be better than listening to old rumours about the school.
I know , when it came to my DC’s school , there were parents who were very vocal in their negative opinions about it ( some of whom had never even had a child at the school !) but it suited our DC very well .
Really , the best thing to do is to visit it, ask lots of questions and see if you like the feel of the place.

Its an excellent school, very inclusive , very nurturing, acheives the academics without the pressure. I have been very happy with it for my daughter and have not once had any cause to be disatisfied.
Sadly, there are people who perhaps want it to be more like GHS, and those who have that pushy-surrey-mum syndrome and feel superior having daughters at GHS; its all rubbish. I dont know much about the other Guildford girls schools and I am sure they are all good for the right girl, Tormead is right for my girl, it may or may not be right for yours, you will only know if you look around. I really wish some people ( not you op) would stop making the school choice into a competition, comments on other threads likening schools to the quality of various fabrics are pathetic and immature and not at all helpful.