Guildford High Vs Tormead Vs St Caths

[SouthWestGirl2020]

We are planning to move to the area in the coming years and would like to start our daughter in a junior school that ideally takes her right through (4-18 years).

I am interested in the above three schools and wonder if there is a huge difference in teaching style, ethos, academic and extracurricular focus etc.

I would be particularly interested in hearing from parents with DDs who are currently at each of these schools and what their perspective is?

Thank you :)

It really depends on what you are looking for. St Cat's is a country boarding school and GHS and Tormead are day city schools.

My DD felt St Cat's was too traditional and we felt she would rather have the independence of going into Guildford as she got older. She didn't enjoy her taster day - but this is personal as some of friends did. That said for many its village location, facilities and boarding are a big draw.

We really liked Tormead. I thought the new head was great and the new sports facilities will be a big plus. I thought the pastoral care seemed excellent too and like all the teachers I spoke with.

Ultimately we chose GHS and my daughter will be starting year 7 in September. My daughter went back to look at her offer schools and she felt GHS was the most dynamic. She also had a very positive experience at her interview day and liked the lessons and teachers. I'm also really pleased that Karen Laurie is the new head, as I think she will ensure that pastoral care is front and centre of all they do.

My advice would be to go and view them- more than once. Open days are good but arrange private tours too if you can. I think you have to try and imagine your child there.