Tormead School

Since September 2020, David Boyd. Grew up in Belfast, read theology at Oxford, did a PGCE at Cambridge and a masters in education and technology at UCL. Rose through the teaching ranks pastorally including 11 years at Abingdon School (eight as

Main entry points are reception, years 3, 7 and 12 and usually follow a tour of the school and meeting with head. Informal assessments for reception and prep entry. Over-subscribed at reception where there’s just one form entry. From year 2,

Much anticipated new sixth form block opened in 2022. School is hoping ‘cosy acoustic pods, new café and an inviting series of social spaces’ will entice more girls to remain at the school after GCSEs. Currently around a third leave in search of

In 2024, 81 per cent 9-7 at GCSE; 46 per cent A*/A at A level (81 per cent A*-B).

Has always attracted families seeking a good all-round school with strong pastoral roots. Now parents tell us they are assured it is ‘academically sound’ too. Could be in part due to the High Performance Learning educational framework school has

Team of five specialists support 100 girls with mild needs across prep and senior school. Mainly dyslexia or processing issues. Head of department says, ‘We are central to the school and embraced. There’s no shame to needing learning support at

Not a school for shrinking violets judging by the lower prep rehearsal we stumble upon. Girls are singing their hearts out as if on a West End stage. A year 2 pupil plays the piano effortlessly as quite the jolliest teacher conducts proceedings. It’s

Huge department (six full-time and five part-time teachers plus specialist coaches) is headed up by a straight-talking ex-commercial manager for M&S, who fell into teaching after helping out with PE at her own children’s school. ‘I was always sports

Pastoral care is top notch. ‘We’ve had the people and systems in place for years but continue to invest heavily rather than rest on our laurels,’ says head. A dedicated team of six comprising school nurse, two in-house counsellors and pupil support

A clear mobile phone policy is a really important part of modern schooling. This school has provided us with their policy.

Parents speak of perils of living in Surrey bubble and while the epicentre is probably not a million miles away, pupils speak of increasing horizon-shifting volunteering with charities such as RISE, Brighton based domestic abuse charity. ‘Every

‘Excellent value for money,’ according to parents. School generous with scholarships though they only knock 10 per cent off fees and are reviewed annually. Limited entrance and hardship bursaries also available.

From the website to the windows (self-shutting) this is a slick school. And beyond the aesthetics it has academic substance and true soul. A warm and welcoming environment with a town centre edge that makes for grounded girls who want to achieve.