Guildford, Tormead and St Catherines

[millymollymandy988]

Sorry to rehash this one again as I know it's been done before - going through pre-tests at the moment so interesting in understanding a little more about the USPs for each of these schools. Covid has meant that we have only managed to view St Cats.

I'd like to believe that there is more to the choice than it being a simple desirability pecking order of 1) GHS 2)St Cats and 3) Tormead?....

I’m not sure about a ‘pecking order’ tbh. It also depends what entry year you’re looking at. I don’t see much difference at all in the 6th forms, for example. Results aren’t hugely different either. All three are fabulous schools and your DD is likely to do incredibly well at any of them.
GHS is the most selective and appeals to girls who excel not only academically but also in sport & music. It has a competitive reputation. With that in mind, suits a very strong all rounder.

Tormead has a broader ability range but is still reasonably selective. For example there are 5 maths sets, and even in set 5, the majority of girls get grade 7 (an A in old money). I struggle to see the difference academically between st cats & tormead. I hear people say Tormead is more academic than St Cats but also vice versa. I don’t know if they mean more selective or more value added academically- either way, I think they’re much of a muchness in that area.
The main difference between the two is location & the boarding opportunity. This makes each school different for obvious reasons.