Senior school recommendations in Surrey

[Anamtmmd]

Looking for recommendations / experience with St. George Junior School, Claremont Fan Court, and Notre Damme Cobham or other schools around the area (Weybridge, Cobham, Esher)


My daughter has SPD (sensitive to loud noises and prefers small groups). Academically she does great, but she needs a naturing environment.

Do schools have a thematic focus? My daughter loves science and sports. Not sure if it makes a difference at this stage.


As a foreigner, it isn't easy to understand school’s strengths and weaknesses so I would be so grateful for your input. Thanks

[Genegenieee]

You ask about senior schools but then mention St George's junior. I'm going to assume senior and recommend you take a look at Sir William Perkins's in Chertsey (girls 11+) - I think it would match what you are asking for

[Anamtmmd]

Thank you very much!
I'm navegating the terminology. Honestly, I find it very confusing. (prep school/junior school/college etc) I see most schools have primary and secondary but it seems that every school is different. Thanks for your feedback!

[CraftyGin]

My DSs went to St George's College, and my DDs went to Sir William Perkins's School. Happy to recommend both.

[thestringcheesemassacre]

My daughter goes to Sir William Perkins and it’s very nurturing. You should definitely have a look.

it’s sporty but not as competitive as some of the other schools. Single sex.

[Mammamiammy]

Hi mums, jumping on this thread with a hope of some thoughts please. DD now has offers at Notre Dame and Claremont for September 2023 year 7. We like both schools but are hoping someone can help guide our decision. My DD has dyslexia but is very bright, she loves open spaces and is interested in getting involved in as many things as possible. We live in Surbiton (eldest DD already at SHS) and commuter time to both schools is similar. I always thought I wanted all girls but actually my DD has come from a very boy heavy year group and seems to enjoy the interaction with boys so I’m indifferent about co-Ed or single sex with these 2 schools. We love the ‘nurturing’ aspect of ND and their mental well being seems to be ingrained in everything they do (inc how they handled the entrance exam), it’s academic enough and very sporty. What puts me off is that its so cocooned there. Lovely as an 11 year old but as an older teen I think it might be too insular. I’m obviously not suggesting that Claremont in Esher will build a streetwise kid capable of surviving the Bronx but at least eventually DD can make own way there and experience real life’ after school and a better sense of independence to a degree). So I guess I’m keen to hear if anyone has experience of both, and how they compare… thank you.

[poppybuttons]

Thinking ahead the 6th form at ND is very small, you will have consider Esher College or even SHS at the point of choosing 6th form whilst Claremont Fan 6th form is on the up and it may become harder to get a 6th form place. FYI ND and CFC plus Halliford are the main private feeders to Esher College.

[Mammamiammy]

That’s really helpful thank you. Yes a decent 6th form is important and actually my DD said one of her criteria was a school with a 6th form as she didn’t want to have to go through this whole process again… nice to have an option in case she still feels like this in 5 years.

[poppybuttons]

It's worth comparing the a level results of ND v CFC (and then SHS for your older dd). I say this because many years ago my dd had to choose between ND and SHS and we went for SHS for many reasons but the main being I didn't want to have to move her again after 5 years because the site is so remote for 18 year olds and I didn't think she would suit the large size of Esher College - 1000 in each year.
Many who accept ND are fine to move for 6th form to Esher or other 6th form colleges or Reeds, St John's etc and SHS.

[Morethansnacks]

I think ND would be very remote for 6th form but it seems like a lovely school. Agree re the entry process too. I’m interested in it for my DD and also have an older one at SHS. Out of interest why did you not opt for Surbiton?

[Mammamiammy]

Thanks all. We love love love SHS but sadly she didn’t get through. Last year they had a huge intake and as a result this year are only taking 120 including the prep. It’s fast paced and academic.. perfect for my eldest but think my Dd no 2 will suit a smaller, more nurturing place. All feedback really welcome and the 6th form point is really key. Interesting I looked at CFC 4 years ago (pre covid) when my eldest was in year 4 and hated it, but I’ve gone full circle and for DD no 2, think it could be a really good school. Thank you again. All really valuable insight x

[Timeforaliein]

DD at CFC and both she and we love it

[Mammamiammy]

Thank you. May I ask what year group?

[Timeforaliein]

Year 8, so lower down the school - although DD has already informed me she is never leaving 😂

[Mammamiammy]

That’s so good to hear. Happy kid, happy life. Thank you.

[bobisbored]

I have heard the pastoral care at CFC isn't great. My friend has a DD at ND and she's very happy there.

[PixellatedPixie]

Our paediatrician said CFC has excellent pastoral care and is superb when it comes to dealing with SEN issues.

How did you hear that Surbiton is taking fewer students next year? I’m interested as DD was offered a place yesterday. We are very excited but it’s tricky trying to make the right choice for your child!

[2023username02]

@Mammamiammy , I’ve PMed you.

[Mammamiammy]

Surbiton is an amazing school and for DD 1 perfect! They had an accidental huge intake last year (current year 7 is 220 kids) but have been very open that they over offered therefore can only take a small intake this year (around 120). As I’m an existing parent, the head of admissions called and explained their rationale for denying DD2 a place explaining the above and how they felt that DD2 might be better off at a less academically focused school. Overall I think it’s the right decision but I’d be v happy to talk to you about my experience of SHS if that’s of any help.

[Mammamiammy]

I’ve also heard mixed things about the pastoral at CFC too (mostly positive but some negative) but I work in children’s mental health so I’m less concerned about in school provisions as I know how to access the system externally. I agree that’s it’s a very key factor to consider however…

[nonheme]

I wouldn't choose either but would strongly consider Surbiton High then maybe St Teresa's and Danes Hill. I imagine Surbiton might be challenging to get into but it's better IMO.
You haven't said where you are but there are other schools, Felton Fleet, LEH, Putney High, ACS - which you may want to consider.

[Timeforaliein]

Have DMd you

[Mammamiammy]

Hi. @RedDogBlueDog i have no reference points on pastoral provision at CFC except what I’ve heard via hearsay. @nonheme as I said, SHS was not an option and CFC and ND are now the best schools available to us. Why would you say ‘you wouldn’t choose either’. Do you have direct experience of both? Your thoughts would be appreciated thank you.

[nonheme]

I haven't had good feedback about those schools from other people who have left. A quick search here will also help.

That said, you have to visit the schools and make up your mind. Every child is different. They maybe awesome choices for your child.

St John's, Epsom, have 13+, so does Prior's Field, Cranleigh and perhaps Charterhouse,