The best preps for GHS

[Netballma]

I’m interested in GHS (Guildford) for my DD. Does anyone know which prep schools in Surrey have a high proportion of it girls go onto GHS? If you have numbers that would be even better. I'm not concerned about location at this time. I would just like a rough idea of the most academic preps in the county.

At the risk of stating the obvious: GHS Prep! About 40 out of 100 entrants come from their prep school. Speaking as the (no doubt laughably naive) parent of a state primary girl aiming to get in this year, I would hope that there isn’t an advantage otherwise.

Bear in mind that lots of applications come from outside of Surrey.

Interview day is this Friday; I’ll try to remember to ask my daughter her impressions of the mix of children.

I’m aware of their lower school, but I’d like other options too. It’s incredibly difficult to get a place at 7+.

@Netballma , it's hard to get a place at 7 but not as hard at 11plus due to the large volume of choice for girls and the access via South West Trains.

For example Rowan Prep school in Claygate has a consistently high success rate with GHS but not all the offers will be accepted as pupils get other offers too and I wouldn't suggest you move to Claygate for the prep school. The numbers are on their leavers destination list on the website.

Most Surrey academic prep schools will have GHS success,

@tennissquare Yes, I think 7+ is a non-starter. We may well try for 4+. If not, we'd aim for a good prep that prepares the girls well for 11+ at GHS. I had heard of Rowan. It seems to be well-regarded and one to consider. I'm not sure about their facilities. They seem to be lacking, relative to some other preps. Are there anymore preps in Surrey that work to a similar academic level?

The most academic pushy girls prep with the best facilities near Esher is LEH juniors but it doesn't prepare for Tiffin or other secondary schools. The parents tutor out of school if they want to leave at age 11.

If you live near Guildford you would do best in any pre prep and tutor for 7+. If your dd in pre school age in a few years time due to the falling birth rate and vat on fees all the prep schools will be easier to access at 7 plus.

You should read a thread in secondary education called Wimbledon High versus prep schools to give to a better view on the nurturing emphasis in girls prep schools.

The preps with the best facilities near Esher are Danes Hill and Feltonfleet but you wouldn't choose them to prepare for GHS 11 plus, instead you need any prep and a good tutor.

GHS takes girls from a wide geographical area and consequently the girls will have been to a variety of prep schools and state primaries across Surrey and SW London.

@durness: my daughters went to GHS at 11 having been to a state primary and, though they were in a minority, they were by no means the only girls in that position. Good luck to your daughter!