RGS vs CLFS vs Reeds

[TheParentBee]

Our DS has offers from RGS Guildford, City of London Freemen’s and Reed’s and we are genuinely torn between them.

He is academically strong and very much enjoys chess, maths , puzzle-solving, rubic cubes and lego. He plays piano and likes tennis, but isn’t particularly rugby-focused. He is emotionally steady, but quite sensitive to rudeness or overly laddish behaviour, so a kind and respectful culture is important to us.

We live in Surbiton, so the commute will be significant whichever school he attends. We would really value honest views from current parents, particularly on:
– The overall culture and how inclusive each school feels
– How competitive the atmosphere is, especially looking ahead to GCSE/A level and uniprep etc.
– How manageable the daily commute from Surbiton to RGS is in reality (tiredness, homework load, train experience, etc.) generally looks good but want to hear and justify with some experienced.

Any insights from those who have been in a similar position would be hugely appreciated. If you had the choice between these three again, what would sway you?

Go the easiest journey. I've heard Reeds is good on pastoral, know a few families with very happy kids there. I don't know much about the other two. CLFS was on here a few years ago, with regards to some bullying issues and some other things, I can't remember what they were you'd need to do a search with Google and MN and the name of the school. Guildford is too far out of my bubble to comment, but yes, choose the easiest journey, he's more likely to make some localish friends which is nice in the long run as it's easier to spend time with them out of school and that becomes more important as they get older. Also school events etc, it's just easier to drive to the closest place than take a looong trip once you've finished work to go and find out what your DS has been doing or up to.

You can take it down 2 options first by deciding on single sex or mixed. Then go on distance.

Congratulations on your offers! We were in your shoes this time last year (choosing between RGS, Reeds and St Johns) and are very, very happy with our choice of RGS. In our short time there, we have been so impressed by the school, the head and the teachers, and I would think it definitely suits an academic boy with your son's interests. This is the reason we chose it over Reeds, which whilst a lovely school , it is less selective than RGS, and we felt had a more of a 'sporty boy' vibe. I am not sure if this is an accurate assessment but it is how we felt on all the open days.

I would say RGS is a fast paced, but very kind and caring environment and I feel suits a wide range of children - both quirky and sporty alike- but probably suits those best who love learning.and embrace what school has to offer. Our son is a gentle, academic boy and is absolutely thriving, and really got stuck into school life. He has signed up to loads of lunch time clubs, has joined two music ensembles and is in the school play. He has told us that he has found everyone very kind and all his classmates seem to enjoy their lessons and are very engaged etc. (Quite a chnage from his prep school where some boys were quite disruptive) . He doesnt take the train, but I would say 80% of his friends do and it all seems very easy and safe. Lots coming from Esher, Claygate, Oxshott etc. He doesn't know anyone coming from Surbiton specifically, but I'm sure there are, along with all GHS and Tormead girls, as it is on such a quick line . I agree with the other posters that it would be a longer journey for you for school events, so that might be something to consider if this would be challenging for you. We have found it fine and are a similar distance to you, but every family's circumstances are different. Might be an idea to test out the journey on the offer day with your son and see how you feel. I hope that helps, and good luck with your choice!