Surrey secondary schools private, non selective

[orangechairs]

Can anyone recommend a CoEd secondary school in Surrey - Woking / Guildford area? My two children are fairly bright (positive reports at school and in top tier for English and maths etc) but currently in state school and I'm not too keen in putting them through highly pressurised tests that they might fail. I would rather they are happy and thrive in a mixed school that encourages all round talents, not just academia.

Does anyone have any recommendations or positive stories of where your own children are thriving in a non selective private school? Thank you.

P.s. the state secondary schools we would get into are in special measures, hence the reason looking at options for private. But we haven't ruled out state schools entirely just yet.

It’s not my local area, but I know people who are very happy with Belmont, a little east of Guildford. It goes up to 16.

They might be too far south and/or west but have you looked at Frensham Heights, King Edward in Witley, Cranleigh and the Royal in Haslemere? I think they probably have entrance tests but I don't think they are particularly demanding.

We didn't use them because we decided on single sex schools for our girls, but I know people whose children went to all of them.

Given that I think most schools have entrance tests, and you say your children are bright, I wouldn't rule out the more selective ones at this stage. You should definitely not assume that because your children are in state primary schools they will not get in.

It's also a mistake I think to assume that the most selective schools are focused only on the academic side of life. Music, drama and sport are usually encouraged and can be of a very high standard.

Personally I would start by looking at the websites of all the schools that were manageable from a transport point of view and whittle them down from that. It's a few years ago, but I started with seven accessible schools, visited four, and applied for two.

Good luck!

You probably live fairly close to me!!!

What about Farnborough Hill (girls) and Salesian (boys) which are close to each other. I think they take a slightly broader intake and FH in particular (as we know people who've been there) do very well with the girls and it seems to have a lovely atmosphere.

There are lots of options and I feel as though I visited each of them in the day!! Lots of options and depends what you feel about travel logistics/day school -v- one with an element of boarding, mixed -v- single sex, v academic, broader range, less academic etc.

And I know I've suggested some single sex options but as quite a few of the schools are single-sex, that cuts off the options and it might be a red line for you or could add a bit more choice into the mix.

Take a look at the good schools guide for a parents eye view of schools.

I really do not think that Tormead is going co-educational any time soon for the reasons set out on this thread.

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/secondary/4361453-Any-chance-of-Tormead-going-co-Ed

I know people who really rate The Royal. There is an entrance paper but it's mainly for setting purposes and the bar is low. Its very much mixed ability.

in Haslemere that is.....

We are looking for similar.

We liked Duke of Kent but it is a bit far out. Loved St Johns Leatherhead but doesn't meet your wish for non selective. Epsom too.

In Guildford itself there are zero co-Ed senior options. We looked at Tormead and liked it but wished it could take DS too.