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Many people worldwide think that segregated education is a throwback to ancient times. Times when it was thought that girls and boys couldn't learn the same things. And they shouldn't, either! After all, what did the future have in store for girls but domestic work or going into service? Not to say that either of those paths is deserving of scorn. Besides, from the start, Guildford High School was different:
- Guildford started as a progressive school, and it still is one
- Guildford's curriculum was modelled on the boys' public schools' reforms
- In the mid-1900s, Guildford expanded rapidly to accommodate a growing student population
- Guildford's campus includes a swimming pool and a large sports complex
- Guildford places great emphasis on student socialisation
With its more than 230-year history, Guildford can undoubtedly hold against some of England's more historical schools. The City of London School for Girls, the second-oldest facility in the country, was founded in 1741 - about 40 years ahead of Guildford. But it taught girls only grudgingly. Does that make Guildford a superior school? Discover the Guildford High School entry guide and decide for yourself.
About Guildford High School
Guildford High School is an independent day school for girls between four and 18. It was founded in 1888 by the Church Schools Company and Headmistress Agnes Morton. Although the school only gained two pupils in its opening week, Guildford was committed to educating girls beyond the typical female duties like housewiving and governessing. Today, Guildford High School’s mission is to “provide a first-class education for academically able girls.”
In a sense, Guildford's name is misleading. A high school generally implies it teaches only older students, maybe 13+ and up. However, this High School wants to imbue girls as young as four with their sense of conviviality and love of learning. And they must be very good at it, indeed! On our tour of Best English Schools, we were already sincerely impressed with Haberdashers School for Girls, but Guildford took things to another level altogether.
Guildford High School receives the Independent School of the Year award for 2012 - 2013 and the Independent Prep School of the Year award for 2015 - 2016. And with good reason, too! 89.8% of students typically receive A* - A grades on their A-Levels. Over 85% of students go on to enrol in Russell Group universities in the degree plan of their choice. Thus, the reasoning behind those awards and Guildford’s thriving 1000+ student population is clear.
How to Know if Guildford High School is Right for You
Guildford hosts several Visitor Mornings throughout the year. Taking part in one of these occasions will allow you and your daughter to tour the school. Also, you can meet school staff and students and ask as many questions as you’d like. You will have to register for your visit, though. You may do so directly on the school's website.
Guildford High School Admissions Policy
As Guildford welcomes pupils as young as four, this student group's entry requirements are slightly different than for older students. For one, Guildford staff does not expect your daughter to be able to read or write at that tender age. Thus, their assessment consists of playing games and interacting with these prospective students. Assessments take place over two visits, each lasting 45 minutes. Note that your daughter must undergo this assessment one year before her projected enrolment date.
Most girls enter at 7+, 11+ and 16+. For these students, admissions procedures are closer to the norm. For instance, 7+ pupils will sit English and Maths assessments. They will also partake in daily school activities and extracurriculars such as Music and Physical Education. Note that Guildford offers limited placement for this student group. For the 2023 school year, they anticipate having only about 12 places open.
Guildford is nothing if not flexible. They keep a few spots open for girls wishing to get into Guildford High School at other ages. Contact the school's admissions office if your daughter is preparing to enter Years 1-2 or 4-6. They may yet have a place for your girl!
If your daughter is entering Sixth Form, she must return a completed registration form and her registration fee before October, one year ahead of her proposed entry. She must be able to present her seven GCSEs - at a minimum, all of which have satisfactory scores.
Guildford High School Interviews and examinations
Girls applying to 7+ will be invited to the school for a day to take their assessment and enjoy a group lunch and activity period. The assessment includes papers in Mathematics and English. Your daughter will also be required to read a passage out loud. She will then sit for an interview with the Head or Deputy Head of the Junior School.
If your daughter is entering at 11+, she must also write papers in Mathematics and English and sit for an interview on the day of her other assessments. Girls entering Sixth Form will sit three one-hour papers in their chosen subjects. They must also complete an interview with a member of staff. Your daughter is recommended to select subjects she wishes to study at A-Level, but it is not a requirement.
Guildford requires all girls studying GCSEs to obtain at least eight GCSE passes. Two of those must be in English Language and Mathematics. Any subjects taken at the AS Level and any remaining subjects must result in an A* or A. So, not quite as laid-back a process as getting into James Allen Girls' School. But still, not bad. Best of luck to you!
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As a student at Guildford High, having stumbled upon this article, I thought that this article was a very good one. I just wanted to point out a couple of things that were miss printed or misunderstood. The school was founded in 1888 not 1788, the 11+ exam also consists of a verbal and non-verbal reasoning test.
Thanks so much for reading and commenting and correcting to make the article more accurate!