Tormead Guildford?

[thebigchangeishere]

Any current or past parents able to share any views on this school?

Dd really likes it, we did too. She's middle of the road academic, dyslexic and can struggle with maths sometimes.

Not sure if it would be too pressurized for her?

Great school, has been on an upward trajectory over the last 5 years and seems to become ever more popular, each year. Middle of the road is just fine, there's always been a focus on value add and friends of my DD who are there with similar academic learning difficulties have thrived; both in class and socially/extracurricular, which school places equal weight on to academic performamce. No one is left to feel like they're lacking, there is no hot house atmosphere like other options and girls are locally known as being well rounded and down to earth.

Certainly academic results have gone up, Tormead has been hitting as hard as others locally these days, usually surpassing the other co-ed schools for results and has in recent years become an academic equal to StCats, which was always considered a more academic, more 'traditional independent school', Tormead alternative.

We've had a positive experience of the school, teachers and other families. So I would recommend a chat with the school if you're in any way worried about your DD and the things you've flagged - I'm sure they can offer better, real info than my drivvle!

Good luck with your school hunt - we are certainly blessed for choice locally and you'll do well wherever you go, I'm sure! 😊

Hi OP, if she likes it, & you do too, & you have defo got a good feel for it from open days etc., then that's a great start. We all want our DDs to be happy & if she's excited by it, then that's a clear winner. Agree with the PP. If worried about that, give them a ring or email the admissions people for a chat, you could ask to speak to the SENCO & ask some questions.

Long standing parent, one left, one current.

It's a super school, and has, quite rightly, become very popular in relatively recent times. Used to be 'school No.3' in Guildford, but certainly not considered that these days - parents are girls are proud to be there.

Good balance between academics and 'everything else'. Eldest had some learning support, which was great. There are a lot of girls there who get support and it's not taboo.

Turbulent times in independent schools at the moment, making chocie even more important. Tormead would defo would be on my list if I had to repeat it all again! Happy choosing to you and your DD.

Sounds like the right school for your daughter. She's enthusiastic - that's great to begin with.

It's upped it's game on academics in recent years, but has always been know for excellent pastoral care and a non-hot-house environment.

I know most schools locally, they all have their advantages and disadvantages. Tormead has always been saddled with a small site in the centre of town, which the more sporty saw as a downside (no rolling pitches), but they do now have that new sports complex opening just down the road. It also comes across as a more coty centre, modern and edgy offering, as opposed to the more traditional looking independent schools with grand old buildings, countryside and land. However this has made tormead very diverse, with backgrounds, nationalities and abilities seemingly broad.

Heard from currenr parents that staff turnover has been high in recent years, but hasnt caused any academic issues it seems. Lots of dead wood has been disposed of too (dead wood from when my DD was there years and years ago!) - guess that comes with new leadership.

I would suggest that your daughter should consider it.

Hi there! I have just found this tread. My eldest daughter is already at the school and my middle daughter is due to enter hopefully in 2025. She sat her cat 4’s in October and appears to be ‘above average’ on NVR and VR her maths and special pretty much on the average par. She’s not particularly sporting but does enjoy and thrive with singing and drama! I have another two girls and I am sincerely hoping they all get in. We are so so happy with the school and just worried my second child won’t be offer a space…interestingly the we feel the school will be so much better suited for her than my current Tormead gal! Even though her elder sister is much stronger mathematically. We believe she will thrive but concerned re the entry process will see her maths as a huge negative.

what is anyone’s else’s experience?

Hi,
I have just seen this thread, as I am interested in this school potentially for my dd for Y7 entrance. I was wondering how tough it was to get into? She is fairly average in academic ability, particularly maths is tougher for her. I see the school is quite big into gymnastics which she is very keen on, and has other extra curriculars she would very much enjoy. (I don’t believe school is all about maths and English personally). That said, is it all about academics to get into the school I wonder? Is it super competitive to get in?

The impression I get is that it’s becoming a lot more competitive. Their most recent communication concerning admission seems to imply they had a more applications than perhaps they expected.

They've also cranked up the fees recently, including passing on the full 20% VAT increase. (grumble)

We’re aiming for Guildford High but we’d be very happy with Tormead.

We've applied for Tormead- we were impressed with it from the open day. We're new/first timers at all of this- currently in state and it's our first child. I'd assumed that, with the VAT increase, competition for private schools would be generally lower - so waiting to see what happens with interest!

Tormead is a great school and I highly recommend it. Having seen the numbers at the recent activity day for prospective year 7s, there was considerable interest, and in my mind its well placed. We have a DD there and she is now in an upper year group, and still doing well.

@durness and @pippitypoppitypoo On VAT , jusy as an FYI there was a lot of chat amongst parents about the 20% full pass on, on a WhatsApp group... But most parents were happy that Tormead has always been a 'cost effective' option, with the lowest fees in the area for many many years - yet still offering a great education. It's one of the reasons we chose it, value for money, and they run a tight ship, not overcharging parents.

What we didn't realise, but it came out from the school, that even after passing on the full 20%, Tormead is still cheaper than all the other independents in the local area. If I was a parent at another independent, I'd actuallt want to know how they are managing to absorb any VAT - with the obvious answer being they were (and historically been) charging parents more than they needed to, for many years, affording them a buffer to do so.

I think competition for economically solid schools like our local; Tormead, RGS, GHS, St.Cats, etc., will actually increase, as remaining prospective parents shy away from smaller and less stable looking schools. I think some, sadly, in due course, will close.

Good luck with the hunt and deciding.

@pippitypoppitypoo did you get a space at Tormead?

I went to an Open day this week and was very impressed. Great facilities, lovely and engaged students that showed us around. I liked it a lot more than I was expecting.

Hi @SchoolDilemma17 yes- we’re starting there in Sep! We weren’t expecting to like it either but feels like the right decision, albeit the change is going to nerve wracking for us all!

Great! Congratulations!!

We are going to apply to GHS, Tormead and St Cats but interestingly enough I was underwhelmed after the GHS open day. It felt like they don’t even try hard, they are oversubscribed anyway. The girls who gave us a tour didn’t seem enthusiastic about the school or anything really.

we are also moving from state school, so feel a bit nervous about the transition too. Our DD is also likely going to be the only girl from her school. But 11+ first!