Non-selective, Senior (boys or coed) Independent School, Surrey

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Just looking for a non-selective in Surrey, ideally close to New Malden.

I prefer the Danish philosophy to education where education is for all (not just those who score highest). Emphasis is on understanding and not memorisation and league tables are accurately considered something harmful to education as they can be gamed to damage society as a whole.

I just wondered, has anyone heard of a school like this in Surrey?

Also just wanted to rant a little, partly for catharsis and partly because maybe, just maybe, someone else feels the same way and has a solution.

Most of the independent schools I have visited lie constantly in an annoying sing-voice which grates my teeth. They lie that their schools are all about teaching, not only academically but also character. This is all BS, there are no league tables for character. And actually education is secondary (well thirdly really, behind league tables) the main thing they sell is prestige and the main thing they teach is how to exploit people (don't forget all the lovely politicians we have all went to Private school where they all learnt exemplary character).

Also many, even the ones which advertise as non-selective, are selective. They interview your child to see if their school 'will benefit your child'. This is code for you will your child benefit their school (or is easily biddable and open to rote memorisation). Of course if your child finds the lessons boring then this is the fault of your child, they probably have a disease (I am not joking, this is how independent schools are). They do not for one second consider that the fault could lie with themselves.

Anyway rant over, I was just hoping there is a school somewhere near me that actually prioritises education in a constructive and meaningful way for the good of all.

It’s called a comp 🙄

Why does it have to be independent?

You’re looking for a state school, surely?

My son went to a private school in the area and I don't recognise your characterisation at all. Obviously they sell the school to potential parents, just like any business sells the benefits of their services to potential clients.

But there was very little rote memorisation. If anything it was the opposite. It was about teaching them about how to think critically and present an argument. There was an awful lot of pastoral care and learning about mental health and building resilience.

It was selective though, like most private schools in the area. I guess this is because they need decent exam results to encourage future parents to send their children there. But there were no annoying *holes that I met, that were the type that would get into the current Government.

They are also extremely proactive at securing funding for bursaries for those who can't afford the fees.

I completely understand why people think private schools are divisive and unfair, and it's a compelling argument. But they're equally not all full of air heads and annoying tw*ts either being fed myths about the colonies and the benefits to us all of inherited wealth and status.

I don't know why you're looking for an independent considering your rant!

My experience of indies is very different from your view. If that is how you feel, I am not sure you will ever find one to suit.

I prefer the Danish philosophy to education where education is for all (not just those who score highest).

So education should be for all... Unless your a pleb!

I prefer the Danish philosophy to education where education is for all

Maybe move to Denmark?

Of course they want to check if your child "fits", they want children who will get good results otherwise they won't be able to persuade future parents to pay £15k a year for what you can get free. They also want excellent sportspeople so that's another criteria and they overlook not being so clever often, then there's talented musicians (parents expect good concerts etc.)

The reality is they offer what parents expect, yes character is something they work on too, you may scoff but they teach self belief for instance, that's why so many politicians are privately educated! (I don't believe in myself enough to stand despite being tenacious enough!)

One of my DD's went on a bursary and it's obvious why private does so well. It's note rote learning either

atelier21schools.co.uk looks different

stmichaelsteiner.hounslow.sch.uk

maybe more conventional less selective schools in your area ish
hsw.co.uk

www.ewellcastle.co.uk

I was also going to suggest atelier 31, depending on your sons age

Maybe have a look at Gordon’s School in Woking. It’s coed, does well academically but not a hot house.

Another one for you
www.thenewschool.org.uk/home

Not Danish but Swedish

swedishschool.org.uk/en/about-ssl/

there is also the German school in Richmond another differen5 model

You think education should be for all, except those who can't afford private school? All private secondary schools are selective in some regard.

More seriously I would suggest Ewell Castle, Dunottar in Reigate or Box Hill School - these last two won’t be a brilliant journey but might be decent bus routes you could drop off to.

it would be a long commute but Royal Russell isn't at all selective.

I was not expecting so many responses. Thank you all for your suggestions, I will look in to them.

Liberty woodland school seems the obvious choice if you are in New Malden.

Hampton Court House??

St james senior boys

Although maybe too far from new Malden...

I would say St James Senior Boys in Ashford.

Just in case anyone is interested, I have been to an open day at Hall School, they echoed many of the points I made above (thank you Mary19 for your suggestion).
There are still quite a few to consider, and open days to attend, but I will report back here as I go, on the off chance it is of some help to someone.

I think OP would need to have a link to Sweden.
You can apply to any of the international schools, they are not academically selective and do not set children according to academic ability. You will love ACS in Cobham or Egham OP.

Kingswood House maybe, in Epsom?