SURREY HEATH EDUCATION P22-27 PUMPKIN PICKING GUIDE P12-13 WHAT’S ON & WHERE TO GO P1-21 raring2go.co.uk AUTUMN 2026 MAGAZINE & WEBSITE THE GO-TO GUIDE FOR YOU AND YOUR CHILD
3 Hello! There’s something lovely about autumn. The nights drawing in, leaves changing colour and that first feeling that Christmas suddenly isn’t so far away! It’s also a brilliant time for getting out and about with the family, with so much happening locally. From choosing the perfect pumpkin at favourites like Rogate Pumpkin Patch to wrapping up warm for the fireworks, there are plenty of opportunities to make some lovely autumn memories. For families thinking about schools, this is also the time of year when many local schools open their doors, so our education section has some useful tips to help you make the most of those all-important visits. And, yes, I know it’s still autumn, but I couldn’t resist looking ahead to Christmas! Panto is always a highlight for our family, and with favourites including Princes Hall and the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, it’s never too early to start planning. I hope you enjoy this edition and find plenty of inspiration for making the most of the months ahead. Enjoy! Gemma x Raring2go! HELLO THE TEAM Editor & Publisher: Gemma Campbell Design: Alex Atkins, AA Creative CONTACT US 07841 156 821 gemma.campbell@raring2go.co.uk Book Today A hole lot of fun! The next generation of mini golf has arrived at Guildford Spectrum!
Moomins at Polesden Lacey Saturday 5th September - Sunday 8th November Polesden Lacey invites you to take a magical wander inspired by Moominvalley this Autumn, with a family trail around the garden, meeting characters from the Moomin stories. Forest Bathing - Winkworth Arboretum Saturday 5th September - Saturday 17th October Join experienced Forest Bathing guide Nigel Grimes - a certified Breathing Trainer, Meditation and Mindfulness Coach - for a calming and restorative journey through the beautiful surroundings of Winkworth Arboretum. Haslemere Food Festival Saturday 19th September Haslemere’s Food Festival is back once again on Lion Green to celebrate local produce and producers! We look forward to welcoming you all for a family day with food stalls, catering, refreshments and entertainment. Camberley Farmer’s and Artisan Market Saturday 19th September Come and enjoy our Town Centre Market in Camberley, held on the 3rd Saturday of every month. Pick up some fresh local produce right on your doorstep and take away some special treats! Short Stories, Tall Tales: Adventures of an Ugly Duckling - Yvonne Arnaud Theatre Tuesday 22nd September Based on Han Christian Andersen, written and told by Hannah Summers with illustrations by Laura Bissonet. One day an adventure takes Tully on a surprising journey and she finds out who she is and where she truly belongs. A brand new adaptation for storytelling with interactive and sensory role-play for 0-5’s. Glow Night - Festival of Mechanical Music - Hollycombe Steam in The Country Saturday 26th September Enjoy Hollycombe at Night under the glow of festoon and brightly lit fairground rides and showman’s engines. 6pm to 10pm. Free parking, museum shop and café open! Fall into Autumn - Connect at G Live Saturday 26th September Looking for the perfect family day out this autumn? Join us for Connect at G Live, our much-loved community open day! This September, we’re embracing the theme of mindfulness, inviting the local community to step inside G Live and enjoy a morning packed with fun, creativity, movement and discovery. Best of all, it’s completely FREE to attend! The Squirrels that Squabbled - Claremont Landscape Garden Saturday 26th September - Sunday 1st November Join Cyril and Bruce on a family trail inspired by Rachel Bright and Jim Field’s much-loved picture book. Follow the rhyming adventure through the garden and help the two greedy squirrels learn to work together as they search for the last nut of the season. Normal admission applies. Spectacular Spooks at Freaky Fishers Adventure Farm Park October - information TBC! At the time of going to print, information was not published. Please refer to their website for all the details. Halloween Circus - Chessington Garden Centre Roll up for some spooky half-term fun at Chessington Garden Centre’s Halloween Circus. Expect a family-friendly live circus show packed with tricks, thrills and Halloween entertainment. Tickets are advertised at £9.95 per person. Check with Chessington Garden Centre for confirmed 2026 dates and booking details. Guildford Festival of The Arts Thursday 1st October - Sunday 4th October After the success of our inaugural year, the Guildford Festival of the Arts will return in October 2026 to further showcase the talent of local artists and engage the community in creative experiences. Wharf Weenies - Dapdune Wharf Friday 2nd & Friday 9th October Immerse yourself in our tranquil outdoor setting with songs, stories and time to explore and play in the natural environment. Get mixing in the mud kitchen and make crafts from natural resources and go wildlife spotting. The sessions will be led by Julie Johnson who has a wealth of experience as a forest school and early years leader. Stranger Folk - Winkworth Arboretum Saturday 10th October - Sunday 8th November Download the free Stranger Folk app and set off on a digital adventure through Winkworth Arboretum. Families work together to track down escaped folklore creatures hiding around the woodland in this interactive quest, designed particularly for children aged 7–12 and imaginative grown-ups. Half Term at The Lightbox, Woking Saturday 17th October - 1st November Spend your October Half term with us and enjoy a variety of family-friendly activities. Throughout the building, we are offering a range of colourful activities and cultural experiences, sure to keep the whole family entertained over the holidays. We will also be celebrating Halloween for our Family day in the Education studio on the first floor, so just drop in 28 October between 10.30am12.30pm or 2-4pm. Spooktacular Science - Hever Castle Saturday 17th October - Sunday 1st November Halloween gets a scientific twist at Hever Castle with a Mad Scientists Trail, hands-on craft activities and an interactive sciencethemed show. Children can search the grounds for clues, make their own mad scientist goggles and enjoy plenty of curious experiments along the way. Activities are included with admission. WHAT’S ON & WHERE TO GO! Raring2go! WHAT’S ON & WHERE TO GO Raring2go! WHAT’S ON & WHERE TO GO 4 raring2go.co.uk 5
Pop up Autumn Market - Denbies Wine Estate Sunday 18th October Join us for a curated pop-up market at Denbies Wine Estate featuring unique handmade, British-made and eco-friendly goods from local artisans and creative makers. Explore fashion, gifts, homeware, art, food and drink in a friendly, inspired shopping environment. Creepy Crawlies - A Family Walk and Minibeast Adventure - West Horsley Place Monday 19th October Discover wildlife on a family-friendly nature walk at West Horsley Place, complete with a fun minibeast hunt for creepy crawlies! We’re Going On a Ghost Hunt - Family Trail at Hatchlands Park Saturday 10th October - 1st November Based on the bestselling children’s books, this Halloween the Bunnies of Hoppity Hill are setting off on an adventure to find the ghosts hidden around Hatchlands Park with heaps of exciting things to see and do along the way. The trail is ideal for pre-schoolers and young children and is free after normal property admission. Hallo’Welly’Ween - Wellington Country Park Friday 23rd - Saturday 31st October Step into a world of magical mischief and playful spooks as Hallo’Welly’Ween returns to Wellington Country Park for its 13th year! This October half term, families are invited to enjoy a week bursting with enchanted Halloween fun, packed with activities for all ages. Awesome Autumn! - Birdworld, Farnham 24th October -1st November Become an Autumn Science Seeker this half-term as Professor Peck brings the natural world to life with fun experiments, fascinating discoveries and plenty of laughs along the way. The family show is included with normal admission. There’s a Monster in Your Show - Princes Hall, Aldershot 6th - 27th October Tom Fletcher’s much-loved interactive story comes to the stage. Expect plenty of fun as Little Monster and his friends invite young audiences to join in with singing, dancing, clapping and plenty of silliness along the way. YEM Theatre Productions: The Addams Family - Camberley Theatre 26th - 27th October YEM Theatre Productions presents The Addams Family: Young@Part® Edition – a delightfully dark and hilarious musical comedy! Join Wednesday Addams as she falls in love with a “normal” boy and invites his family to dinner… with spooky consequences. Scarecrow Trail - Rural Life Living Museum, Tilford 26th - 30th October Explore the museum this half-term and see how many scarecrows you can spot along the way. Follow the family trail around the historic buildings and grounds while enjoying an autumn day out at this fascinating open-air museum. Spells & Stories - West Horsley Place Tuesday 27th October Enjoy a Halloween storytelling adventure through the Manor House, filled with witches, magical creatures, games and potions. Families can uncover a spooky secret beneath the staircase and discover ancient ways to guard against ghosts. Suitable for all ages, with three one-hour sessions throughout the day. Hindhead Halloween - Devil’s Punch Bowl 27th - 31st October Discover the spookier side of Hindhead on a family-friendly guided Halloween walk through the Devil’s Punch Bowl. Hear mysterious local tales and discover some of the myths and legends associated with this dramatic Surrey landscape. Frimley Lodge Railway - Frimley Lodge Park 28th October All aboard for a half-term ride on Frimley Lodge Park’s miniature railway. Trains will be running from 11am-1pm and 2-4pm, with rides costing £1.50 and under-threes travelling free. Ministry of Science - Princes Hall, Aldershot 30th October The popular science show returns with a bang, bringing experiments, demonstrations and plenty of audience participation to the stage. Expect explosions, laughs and fascinating facts in a lively show designed to make science fun for the whole family. Silent Disco: Trick or Treat? - Farnham Maltings Friday 30th October Join us for a monster, ghoul and vampire mashup, dressing up is highly encouraged to dance the day away with a spooky theme and devilish tunes. Glow Night Halloween Spectacular - Hollycombe Steam in The Country Saturday 31st October Join us for Hollycombe’s 2026 season finale… Halloween Glow Night as you know it but scarier, do you dare enter our Haunted Edwardian Fairground? All things Macabre to see out the season, not for the faint-hearted... Halloween at The Museum - Museum of Farnham Saturday 31st October Don your scariest costume and join us for a spooky day of crafts, potion making and storytelling. For ages 3+. Annie - New Victoria Theatre Woking Monday 16th - Saturday 21st November Set in 1930s New York, brave young Annie is forced to live a life of misery at Miss Hannigan’s orphanage. Her luck soon changes when she’s chosen to spend a fairytale Christmas with famous billionaire, Oliver Warbucks. Meanwhile, spiteful Miss Hannigan has other ideas and hatches a plan to spoil Annie’s search for her true family… Collectively Camberley Christmas Cracker Saturday 21st November This is a FREE family fun day to open the festive season in Camberley. We have some incredible strolling entertainment acts throughout the day, wowing the crowds with festive fun! Check out our Christmas lights that will be on around the town. Be sure to get involved with our from FREE face painting and balloon modelling. We will also have a jammed packed Christmas Market with the team from Surrey Markets! Enjoy live music and dance from our local community acts and groups positioned across the town. Finally - look out for Father Christmas! 6 raring2go.co.uk 7 Raring2go! WHAT’S ON & WHERE TO GO Raring2go! WHAT’S ON & WHERE TO GO
9 Raring2go! WHAT’S ON & WHERE TO GO It’s fast approaching Christmas, and that means it’s time to start thinking about panto. Oh yes it is! Princes Hall in Aldershot are back with their annual pantomime and this year, it’s the dreamy, magical tale of Sleeping Beauty! This enchanting story tells of a beautiful young princess who, through an evil fairy’s curse, is doomed to sleep for 100 years and can only be awakened by her true love’s kiss. As the kingdom falls into a deep slumber, a dashing prince, a silly sidekick or two, good fairies and a whole host of colourful characters must come together to break the spell and ensure that true love conquers all! Expect all the usual pantomime conventions: fabulous sets, stunning costumes, fantastic dancers, a great script, and excellent songs and music. The wonderful cast, well-loved panto traditions and friendly atmosphere all come together to make the Princes Hall pantomime an annual Christmas treat for all the family. For those with additional needs, Princes Hall offers Relaxed Performances, designed to provide a more flexible and welcoming theatre experience for audiences who may benefit from a less formal environment. During these performances, audiences can feel more comfortable moving around, making noise and leaving or re-entering the auditorium when needed. Adjustments to lighting and sound also help create a more relaxed and comfortable atmosphere. For the fourth consecutive year, Princes Hall Theatre is also proud to offer Integrated British Sign Language (BSL) Performances, making the magic of the show more accessible and entertaining for Deaf BSL users. These performances make the interpreter part of the world of the show, rather than standing at the side of the stage. They interact with the cast, follow the action and become part of the storytelling, so BSL users can enjoy the action on stage while following the interpretation, without having to choose between watching the interpreter and watching the performers. Join us for a magical Christmas adventure Whether you’re a regular panto-goer or discovering the magic for the first time, Sleeping Beauty promises fabulous costumes, spectacular sets, brilliant music, plenty of laughs and all the muchloved traditions of a Princes Hall pantomime, and we can’t wait to welcome you! Sleeping Beauty Friday 4th December 2026 to Sunday 3rd January 2027 Where will your curiosity take you? Book online now winchestersciencecentre.org HC-63x89mm-Raring2Go.indd 1 10/07/2026 17:12 VIRTUAL REALITY ESCAPES & GAMES SUITABLE FOR AGES 6+ AND LARGE GROUPS (+44)01276732530 36-40, Obelisk Way, Camberley. GU15 3SG https://camberley.another-world.com/ camberley@another-world.com SUMMER HOLIDAY FAMILY DAY OUT BIRTHDAYS INSET DAY ADVENTURE/ESCAPE 15% OFF WITH CODE R2G15 Valid until 31 August st Raring2go! WHAT’S ON & WHERE TO GO 8 raring2go.co.uk Our 2026 pantomime is proving more popular than ever! So, don’t miss out, book your tickets NOW to get the best seats at the best price! Call the Box Office on 01252 329155 or visit www.princeshall.com
11 10 raring2go.co.uk Raring2go! WHAT’S ON & WHERE TO GO Raring2go! WHAT’S ON & WHERE TO GO 13 YEARS OF AWARD WINNING HALLOWEEN FUN Book now & save: wellingtoncountrypark.co.uk 23 TO 31 OCTOBER RD ST MAGICAL FAMILY SHOWS HANDS ON ACTIVITIES SPOOKY ADVENTURES 25+ PARK ATTRACTIONS The perfect family day out for witches, wizards & ghouls SCAN NOW MEDICINAL PLANTS FORAGING Friday 4th September SOUND JOURNEY MEDITATION Tuesday 15th September AUTUMN UNWIND Saturday 26th September AUTUMN AT www.westhorsleyplace.org MINDFUL MONSTERS TRAIL 24TH OCTOBER – 1ST NOVEMBER CRAFTERS COLLECTIVE MAKERS MARKET 24TH OCTOBER, 10AM–4PM FREE FACEPAINTING 31ST OCTOBER, 11AM–4PM Mon Monsster ter Hugger Hugger Mons ter VISIT PRINCESMEAD.CO.UK FOR DETAILS HALLO AT PRINCES MEAD EEN WW
13 12 raring2go.co.uk Pumpkin picking is back this autumn! From traditional pick-your-own pumpkin patches to spooky trails, farmyard fun and Halloween activities, there are plenty of places to enjoy a fun-filled family day out. We’ve rounded up some of the best pumpkin patches locally as well as a few a little further afield so grab your wellies and get picking! Rogate Pumpkin Patch - Petersfield 16th October - 1st November Enjoy all your family favourites – pick your own pumpkins – themed play areas – family activities – photo opportunities – food and drink – free parking – along with plenty of spooky attractions and new surprises for 2026. The season finishes with the spectacular Pumpkin Smash. Secretts Pumpkin Picking - Milford Exact dates TBC A great family autumn day out with pick your own pumpkins – Halloween scavenger hunt – pumpkin field – fancy dress competition – pedal tractors – entertainment – farm shop – food and drink. Pre-booking is required, with additional activities available during selected dates. Moneys Farm Organic Pumpkin Patch - Mattingley Exact dates TBC Choose your perfect pumpkin from this organic pumpkin patch, with pick your own pumpkins – carving pumpkins – mini pumpkins – large pumpkins – pumpkin stall. A lovely traditional pumpkin-picking experience for families. Crockford Bridge Farm Pumpkin Fields - Addlestone 4th - 31st October This is one of Surrey’s largest growers and it’s also the oldest pumpkin patch in the county. Visit us to pick pumpkins directly from their growing fields. Pumpkin picking finishes before the end of October. This is to protect their crop from ground frost damage. In the last week of October, Pumpkins are available to purchase from their Pumpkin Shop only. Rotherwick Pumpkin Patch - Hook Exact dates TBC Enjoy a traditional autumn experience with pick your own pumpkins – family farm fun – pumpkin displays – photo opportunities. The patch is returning for 2026, with exact opening dates and ticket information still to be confirmed. Garsons Pumpkin Parade - Esher Exact dates TBC Celebrate the spirit of the season with vibrant circus-themed decorations and displays, lots of interactive carnival-style games, and plenty of scenes to capture family memories. Along with thousands of pumpkins of all shapes and sizes to explore and choose from. Merrist Wood Pumpkin Patch - Worplesdon Exact dates TBC Enjoy pick your own pumpkins – tractor experience – farm animals – photo opportunities – family activities. A smaller, family-friendly pumpkin experience that's particularly convenient for families around Guildford, Woking and the surrounding areas. Hans Christmas Andersen Pumpkin Farm - Godalming Mid October - 31st October Pick your perfect pumpkin from 18 varieties, with pumpkin picking - pumpkin games - bean bag toss - pirate ship - mini tractor driving - Halloween accessories - farm animals - refreshments. A relaxed and family-friendly pumpkin-picking experience. Willinghurst Homegrown Pumpkin Patch - Surrey Hills 21st - 31st October Enjoy pick your own pumpkins - brand-new maize maze - arts and crafts - face painting - photo opportunities - refreshments - crêpes - free parking. Choose from a wide range of homegrown pumpkins in different shapes, sizes and colours. Raring2go! WHAT’S ON & WHERE TO GO Raring2go! WHAT’S ON & WHERE TO GO Pumpkin Patches
Raring2go! Raring2go! If you do one or all of our Raring2go! Autumn Bucket list, we hope you have fun! Have a fantastic time creating wonderful memories with your kids this autumn. An Autumn bucket list for the family… 1. Go on a nature scavenger hunt: Create a list of items to nd in nature during the autumn season, such as colourful leaves, acorns, pinecones, or certain types of birds. Explore local parks or nature trails together as you check off each item on the list. Need ideas, click here! https://raring2go.co.uk/activities/ have-fun-with-our-raring2go-outdoorscavenger-hunt/ 2. Carve or decorate pumpkins: Get creative with pumpkins! Have a pumpkin carving or decorating session with your kids. You can try traditional jack-o’-lantern faces or get inspired by other designs like animals, superheroes, or their favourite characters. 3. Visit a local apple orchard: Take a trip to a nearby apple orchard and let your kids pick their own apples. They’ll enjoy the experience of plucking fruit from trees, and you can later use the apples to make delicious treats like apple pie or caramel apples. 4. Create leaf art: Collect colourful leaves during your nature walks and use them to make leaf art. You can create leaf rubbings, press leaves in a book to preserve them, or even glue them onto paper to make autumn-themed collages. 7. Create an ‘Autumn family portrait’: they grow up so fast, so capture those special moments in the amazing Autumn season. 6. Have a costume dress-up day: Organize a costume dress-up day for your kids, even if it’s not Halloween. Encourage them to dress up as their favourite characters or get creative with autumn-themed costumes like scarecrows, witches, or woodland creatures. 5. Make Toffee Apples - a traditional scrummy recipe for all the family, you don’t have to make them just once you know! 9. Create a memory jar: Autumn is a great time to make memories. Decorate a jar with your kids and encourage them to write down things they enjoyed during the Summer and are thankful for, on small slip of paper. Fill the jar throughout the season and read the notes together on a cosy autumnal evening by the re. 10. Make leaf piles and jump in them: Rake up a big pile of fallen leaves in your garden or a nearby park and let your kids experience the simple joy of jumping into the soft, colourful mound. It’s a classic autumn activity that never gets old and creates lasting memories 8. Plan a family ‘games’ night in- from Cluedo to Snap, there’s a family favourite for everyone! fi colourful leaves, acorns, pinecones, or spiders webs. Explore local parks or nature trails together as you check off each item on the list. Need ideas? Scan the QR code! 14 raring2go.co.uk 15
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18 raring2go.co.uk Raring2go! WHAT’S ON & WHERE TO GO An afternoon of thrilling Jumps racing and free Halloween-themed family entertainment followed by a spectacular fireworks display. TICKETS FROM £29 AT ASCOT.COM SATURDAY 31st OCTOBER 2026 Fireworks Our pick of the best local fireworks announced at the time of going to print. Saturday 31st October Ripley Bonfire A hugely popular traditional bonfire with spectacular fireworks, an extensive funfair, food stalls, bar and live music. Fireworks Spectacular Family Raceday - Ascot Jumps racing returns with a bang alongside fairground rides, live entertainment and a spectacular display of over 20,000 fireworks. Halloween Fireworks Night - Pine Ridge Golf Club, Frimley Enjoy an 18-minute musical fireworks display, bonfire and food, with Halloween fancy dress encouraged. Gates open 5.30pm; fireworks 7.30pm. Sandhurst Town Council Fireworks A popular community fireworks event for families. Further details to be announced. Friday 6th November Godalming Town Fireworks - Guildford Rugby Club The annual town fireworks return with outside bars, food outlets and fun for little ones. Saturday 7th November Cranleigh Bonfire and Fireworks A traditional village celebration organised by Cranleigh Lions, raising money for local causes. Entry is free, with donations encouraged. Guildford Firework Fiesta - Stoke Park A spectacular fireworks display accompanied by live music and children’s entertainment. Chiddingfold Bonfire and Fireworks Enjoy this historic village bonfire and fireworks night. Check online for the latest details. Woking Fireworks Extravaganza A fully music-synchronised fireworks display with a party theme celebrating its 50th anniversary, plus a funfair and food and drink. Fleet Lions Firework Fiesta - Calthorpe Park Fleet Lions’ popular annual event features fireworks, children’s games and plenty of food and drink. BOOK ONLINE AND SAVE BROOKLANDSMUSEUM.COM UNDER 4S GO FREE GERMAN DAY SUN 27 SEPTEMBER Admire Porsche, VW, Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz and more, plus Test Hill action MOTORSPORT DAY SUN 11 OCTOBER Expect an impressive track day, Test Hill ascents and exceptional displays LONDON BUS MUSEUM TRANSPORTFEST SUN 18 OCTOBER All aboard for this showcase of buses and other commercial vehicles OCTOBER HALF TERM SAT 17 OCTOBER - SUN 1 NOVEMBER Explore aircraft, racing cars, buses and family activities this half term! OFF ROAD DAY SUN 1 NOVEMBER See off-road vehicles tackle the off-road course challenge at Mercedes-Benz World plus Test Hill ascents FREE FOR MEMBERS WHAT’S ON THIS AUTUMN
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22 raring2go.co.uk 23 Raring2go! EDUCATION Raring2go! EDUCATION Visit Us Guildford High School, London Road, Guildford, Surrey GU1 1SJ Join us at one of our upcoming Visitor Mornings for 2027 Entry RAISING THE BARFIELD RAISING THE BARFIELD PROVIDING AN EDUCATION THAT GOES ABOVE AND BEYOND BOOK YOUR PLACE NOW Book a personal tour today Come and see Barfield for yourself. It’s a place where our children are nurtured to become confident, curious and compassionate individuals who thrive in every sense. With small classes, inspiring teaching, and a love of learning both indoors and out, every child has the chance to flourish. T: 01252 782271 | www.barfieldprep.org.uk | admissions@barfieldprep.org.uk | Runfold, Farnham, GU10 1PB Choosing a school is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make for your child. With school results, inspection reports, catchment areas and countless opinions to consider, it can sometimes feel like there’s a lot to take in. But while the facts and figures are important, choosing the right school is also about finding somewhere your child will feel happy, supported and confident. Start with your child Every child is different, so think about what your child needs to thrive. Are they outgoing and energetic, or more reserved? Do they love sport, music, art or getting stuck into practical activities? Do they enjoy a busy environment or feel more comfortable somewhere smaller? There’s no single definition of the “best” school – it’s about finding the best fit for your child and your family. Visit before you decide An open day is one of the best ways to get a feel for a school beyond its website or prospectus. Look around the classrooms and outdoor spaces. Watch how teachers interact with the children and, importantly, notice how the pupils themselves seem. Are they happy, engaged and confident? Try to picture your child being part of that community. And don't be afraid to ask questions. Schools expect prospective parents to be curious, so make the most of having staff on hand. Look beyond the results Academic performance is worth considering, but it’s only part of the picture. Results can tell you how pupils have performed, but they don't necessarily tell you whether your child will develop confidence, discover new interests or feel they belong. Think about the wider opportunities, the school’s values and the kind of experience your child will have each day. Trust your instincts If possible, visit more than one school. You may find that somewhere which looks perfect on paper doesn't quite feel right – or that another school immediately feels like somewhere your child could flourish. Take notes after each visit and, where possible, take your child along too. Their reaction might tell you more than you expect! Ultimately, choosing a school isn't about finding the one with the longest list of achievements. It’s about finding a place where your child can learn, grow, make friends and be happy. With local schools opening their doors over the coming months, now is the perfect time to start exploring your options. Choosing the Right School: What Really Matters? Questions worth asking Your priorities will depend on your family, but you might want to ask: • How does the school support children who need additional help? • What opportunities are there for sport, music, art and other activities? • What clubs and activities are available outside the classroom? • How does the school approach behaviour and pastoral care? • What wraparound care is available before and after school? • How are parents kept informed about their child’s progress? • How do you help children prepare for their next stage of education?
24 raring2go.co.uk 25 Raring2go! EDUCATION Raring2go! EDUCATION Join us for our Open Morning on Friday 2 October 2026 Just minutes from Sunningdale, Chobham and Windlesham. GU24 8TE www.coworthflexlands.co.uk A Prep School where happiness gets results Beyond the Prospectus: What to Look for When You Visit a School Autumn means school open day season, as families start making decisions about where their children will go next September. With the deadline for secondary school applications on 31st October 2026 and Reception applications closing on 15th January 2027, now is the time to visit potential schools and find out what they’re really like. Websites, prospectuses and Ofsted reports can tell you plenty, but sometimes it’s the little things you notice when you walk through the door that tell you most. Look at the children Do pupils seem happy, relaxed and confident? Notice how they interact with teachers and each other. If pupils are showing you around, ask what they like most about their school. Take in the surroundings Look beyond impressive facilities. Do classrooms feel welcoming? Is children’s own work displayed and celebrated? Most importantly, can you imagine your child feeling comfortable there? Watch how staff interact Notice how teachers speak to pupils in classrooms and corridors. Warm, natural interactions can reveal a lot about the culture of a school. Ask about everyday life Find out about homework, clubs, wraparound care, communication with parents and how children are supported when they need extra help. Finally, trust your instincts. Try to picture your child walking through those doors each morning – sometimes that tells you more than any prospectus can. EARLY YEARS MORNING WEDS 30 SEPT magikats.co.uk Call: 01483 667795 MagiKats Farnham and Guildford FIRST TWO WEEKS FREE!* *On enrolment, with 3-month minimum commitment. Offer ends 10.12.2026. Build their confidence andhelp them reachtheir full potentialwith extra help from MagiKats. From pre-school to GCSE Terms and conditions apply. Fees vary. Participating centres only. Please refer to your local study centre. Subject to availability. Farnborough South & Farnborough North - 07599 860805 Fleet - 07498 243071 Frimley - 07473 356444 Book today to receive FREE REGISTRATION for Kumon Maths and English
27 26 raring2go.co.uk Raring2go! EDUCATION Raring2go! EDUCATION Learning a language from a young age is more than just acquiring vocabulary and grammar; it shapes the brain, expands empathy, and unlocks a lifetime of opportunity. In an increasingly interconnected world, the ability to communicate across cultures is no longer a luxury, it’s a necessity. Children’s brains are uniquely wired for language acquisition. During the critical period of early development, they absorb sounds and patterns with astonishing ease. Studies show that bilingual or multi-lingual children often outperform their monolingual peers in tasks involving problemsolving, multitasking, and memory. Learning an additional language strengthens the brain’s executive functions, laying a foundation for academic success across the whole curriculum. At St Catherine’s, we aim to encourage all our students to see themselves as pluri-lingual. We are explicitly preparing them for their lives in a diverse world beyond school - a world of global opportunity and relevance. Children naturally find this exciting, and we wish to harness and cement this outward-looking perspective in our students’ ethos. We have vibrant Languages departments across our Prep and Senior schools with active links between both. We celebrate languages and culture across the world with special activities at the beginning of every academic year. Our Sixth Form linguists lead language clubs in the Prep School, creating a wonderful space where Prep and Senior girls come together to share phrases from their own languages, such as Welsh and Ukrainian, and we have welcomed visiting family members to share childhood storybooks and cultural traditions in a variety of languages. Language Monitors help with structured role plays to support learning, special initiatives, and lead in our school entries to external language competitions. It has been inspiring to see the younger students embracing these opportunities and working hard to participate and acquire new knowledge. These ongoing cross-year group exchanges open up conversations about cultural traditions, giving students a deeper appreciation of the rich diversity within our school community. Learning a language early teaches children that communication is more than words, it’s about connection. It shows them that the world is vast and varied, full of voices worth listening to and communities worth belonging to. In a time when division often dominates headlines, raising a generation that can speak - and listen - across boundaries is a powerful act of hope. Sophie Edwards, St Catherine’s Prep School MFL Subject Lead The Power of Early Language Learning Help your child learn to read in 30 days for FREE with Reading Eggs! Created by experts and loved by over 20 million children worldwide, Reading Eggs is designed to develop early essential literacy skills such as phonics, sight words and vocabulary, planting the foundation for a life-long love of reading. Here’s why you’ll love our programs: FREE 30-DAY TRIAL in 30 Days Learn to Read FREE! readingeggs.co.uk/bts21 Scan QR code for 30-Day FREE trial This 30-day free trial offer allows you to add up to 4 children. You will be charged at the end of the trial period unless you cancel before this time. You can cancel any time by selecting the ‘Cancel Subscription’ option located on the ‘Manage My Subscription’ page in your family dashboard. Offer is valid for new UK customers only. Hundreds of fun learning games Exciting rewards keep your child motivated See results from just 15 minutes of play a day! Positive screen time that’s KidSAFE & Ad-free Automated progress reports Log in across multiple devices at the same time, with no restrictions!
28 raring2go.co.uk Raring2go! EDUCATION
30 raring2go.co.uk 31 Raring2go! EDUCATION Eight years ago, that’s exactly what I did. After a successful career in publishing, I was pregnant with my daughter Izzy and couldn’t imagine going back to a 9–5 in London with a long daily commute. I knew I still wanted to work - I just didn’t want to miss out on watching her grow up. Raring2go! turned out to be the perfect solution. Pastures New After eight incredible years, I’m now looking for someone new to take over the magazine, which has truly become my second baby. It’s a thriving, well-respected business, and I’d love to find someone who’ll continue to grow it and care about it as much as I have. A new opportunity has come my way, which is why I’ve decided to sell my Raring2go! baby - but don’t worry, I’m not disappearing! The magazine will continue as normal until I find its perfect new owner. What’s life like as a Raring2go! publisher? You’ll be your own boss, but with the full support of the Raring2go! franchise behind you - there’s always someone to turn to for advice when you need it. No previous experience is required, though a love of your local community, a good eye for detail, and a can-do attitude will definitely help. The role typically takes around 20–25 hours a week, and the best part is you choose when you work, so it fits easily around family life. Can I really have a career and still be there for my family? Absolutely! Raring2go! has given me the flexibility to do the school run, attend sports days and nativities, and enjoy time off during school holidays. We’ve also been lucky enough to try out so many fantastic activities and days out - discovering wonderful places, reviewing attractions, shows, classes and more along the way. So, if you’ve always dreamed of working for yourself and would love the chance to take on a well-established, much-loved local business, I’d love to hear from you. Give me a call for a friendly chat on 07841 156 821 or email gemma.campbell@raring2go.co.uk THIS MAGAZINE IS FOR SALE! Could YOU be the next publisher for Raring2go! Guildford & Surrey Heath? Have you ever dreamed of running your own business, making your own decisions, and shaping your work around your family life?
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