Choosing a secondary School Surrey

[charts3573]

Hi,

We are looking for a secondary school for our 10 year old. She has done the entrance examinations and we have a place for her but are having second thoughts!

We really loved St Georges, Weybridge but our daughter was not so keen, hence we didnt pursue it further. Are there any parents of the school who could advise on a few queries...

Is it hard for those coming in at year 7 to make strong friendships due to the junior school children coming though having already spent a few years together.

Due to its size, is it hard to have a sense of community and can the children get 'lost'...not in the sense of direction!!

We are currently living in Farnham but were looking to move nearer London for the schooling.

Thank you in advance.

I also live in the Home Counties.
Which other schools are you considering? My advice is to visit all the local secondary schools with her in tow. See what she thinks of the school as well. It can be. Research the school properly. Find out as much as possible in advance.
In any case, prepare a short list of questions to ask. Try to find out how many of the children in her class will also be going to the new high school with her. The new school should typically have a induction day for new students beforehand, this is a opportunity to meet some of the other kids in the same year. Good luck! Making new friends is hard work but worth it.

Thank you for responding.

We looked at Tormead, Farnborough Hill, Churchers college, City of London Freeman’s school and St George’s.

If you have any insight into those I would be so grateful.

Thank you

I did visit St George recently. I love the activities on offer too at that school. So much on offer for the children. I recommend taking a look at the website for more information too. I know nothing about the other schools sorry.
Phone up each school on the list and try to find out if there are any induction days or not coming up. Or check the website. Find out as much as possible. This is one of my first pieces of advice. See if you can get hold of a brochure or prospectus. Look beyond the numbers. If you can, go on a normal day to watch a lesson.

OP, I've read your other posts, do you have to move to Farnham?
If you move slightly nearer to Guildford you will have much more choice. St G's is a good mixed school, it sounds like all your dc would thrive there as its sporty and academic although not top level like Guildford High & RGS. Don't worry about the mix of feeder prep and new dc in year 7 - it's the same at all the secondary schools and within a few weeks no one can remember who came from the feeder prep.
St G's is smaller than some of the competing schools like Surbiton High.
As you know SW London is awash with excellent private schools to fit all abilities, if you read the SW London girls thread that covered the entrance exams and results this year the final decision is often made based on length of journey to school and single sex v mixed.

That’s really helpful thank you!

Do you know anyone at St G’s? We don’t need to move to Farnham we just realised we could get more value for money there than Weybridge!

I really liked the school and definitely could see my younger two there but my older one wasn’t so keen! She found it very large which intimidated her. If only I could get all three to like the same place 😆

Yes I know lots of dc at St G's, im based near Esher. Perhaps focus less on getting all 3 at same school and instead find a home with good transport links to both London & a selection of all through schools - although apart from St G's & Claremont fan court I can't think of many. Perhaps look at the prep Feltonfleet for your ds.