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Secondary education

Connect with other parents whose children are starting secondary school on this forum.

Original poster

Boys private school options around Guildford

47 replies

helmethead · 07/06/2010 17:10

Of course there is the grammar school, Cranleigh (too expensive), but any other good day schools? Don't want a boarding school so Charterhouse is out. With all the brillant girl school options feel like by moving we may be short changing our son.

OP posts:
LIZS · 07/06/2010 17:18

Is St John's Leatherhead too far, City of London Freemans, Epsom College (mixed)

pagwatch · 07/06/2010 17:20

Most of the parents whose boys didn't get into RGS went to Cranleigh or opted for Freemans in Ashtead which is mixed ( and which I don't like).
Hampton school is very good and has coaches that go from around Woking.
There is St Johns at Leatherhead. St Georges Weybridge I will try to think of more. But of course your options are wider at secondary as the boys all use public transport or the school coaches.

RGS is the best, then Hampton I would say. They were the ones DS1 tried for

pagwatch · 07/06/2010 17:20

Oh yes Had forgotten Epsom ..

Original poster
helmethead · 07/06/2010 17:48

We currently live very close to Hampton - beginning to really rethink the house move as there is so much less choice for boys in Surrey.

OP posts:
maddylou · 07/06/2010 17:50

Churchers is popular too

LIZS · 07/06/2010 17:54

Ewell Castle if you want something smaller and less pressured.

pagwatch · 07/06/2010 17:54

if I lived near Hampton I would go for Hampton and LEH - assuming DD would be accepted at LEH ( indications are she would but I don't want to leave as I love area and DS2s school is close by too).I would LOVE DD to go to LEH. But DS1 loved RGS

I don't know your circumstances - do you already have place at one of the girls schools - and are finances an issue because most of the schools are close in cost I think?

MeganMog · 07/06/2010 18:01

There's King Edward's School at Witley - co-ed, and I don't know how good it is - interested to know though if anyone does.

iloveasylumseekers · 07/06/2010 18:04

North Surrey is surprisingly crap for boys' private schools.

Earlybird · 07/06/2010 18:07

Can you not be a day student at Charterhouse? I thought it was possible, but have not personal knowledge/experience...

Rocinante · 07/06/2010 18:10

You can be a day pupil at Charterhouse but the overwhelming majority are boarders. IME those who were day pupils never really integrated as well as they could have done.

iloveasylumseekers · 07/06/2010 18:11

DH boarded at a public school (not Charterhouse) and he always said he wouldn't want any child of his being a day boy at a predominantly boarding school - I think mostly because the day boys were the lowest in the pecking order, and tended to feel left out. It has probably changed now, but there may still be an element of truth there.

pagwatch · 07/06/2010 18:13

I think it must be very difficult to be going home where you have few peers/friends while all your peers/friends stay at school forming much closer bonds..

Original poster
helmethead · 07/06/2010 18:22

Prep schools are generally not that great in West London but secondary choice is amazing. Prep schools in surrey we are considering are so much better than the offerings we have here but secondary boys worries me. Lots exit the state sector after primary level as state secondaries are crap round here.

Only 15 day pupils at Charterhouse!

OP posts:
omnishambles · 07/06/2010 18:26

Yes Epsom is the same in day pupils v boarders. And is very expensive.

King Edwards always used to be more non academic but very good at drama and such like - they used to have integrated same sex common rooms - very progressive

Is Christs Hospital too far? I suppose it is.

pagwatch · 07/06/2010 18:32

I am still not getting the cost issue re The Grammar School and Cranleigh. They are not more expensive than Charterhouse surely?

LIZS · 07/06/2010 18:34

really omni ? I know several parents with dc who have been day pupils at Epsom.

pagwatch · 07/06/2010 18:36

Ditto LIZS. That surprises me too. Some of DS1s friend day school at Epsom. I thought the boarders were the minority

Original poster
helmethead · 07/06/2010 18:53

The Grammar School = cheap (cheaper than Hampton)
Cranleigh = very expensive for day pupil, normal boarding
Charterhouse - normal boarding fees

OP posts:
badgerhead · 07/06/2010 20:18

Christs Hospital is taking day pupils from this September, don't know about costs though.

omnishambles · 07/06/2010 20:22

It depends if you mean proper day pupils or day boarders - if you dont day board then you get left out there. And I wouldnt want to day board from guildford really - what time would you get home of an evening?

AND its a right schlep going back in for Saturday...

LadyPeterWimsey · 07/06/2010 20:26

DS1 is at the Grammar, and so far we are thrilled with it as a school (and, more to the point, so is he!).

Just adding my twopence worth.

orienteerer · 07/06/2010 20:27

Don't move to East Berkshire then, massive opening in the market for a good boys day school (loads of girls schools).

orienteerer · 07/06/2010 20:29

If you live near Hampton I'd sit very tight

mummytime · 08/06/2010 05:42

Reeds? Coach from Guildford. Salesian Farnborough has some from Guildford. Lots of boys on the train to St John's and Epsom. Reigate Grammar is also do able by train.
I loved St George's. Friend's sons did Epsom. Oh another did Box Hill but that is more driving. Lots at St Edward's, but I've never been totally sure about. An alternative is Frensham Heights (I know a few families who commute).

My DS is bright but wouldn't have got into RGS, so is now at a great state comp (as are several ex-Lanesborough boys).