St Christophers School Hove, or other prep options?

[MissWimpyDimple]

Hello all.

Am looking for any reviews or recommendations for prep schools in the Hove area for a girl who is nearly 8. She is fairly academic but more creative than sporty. The money is coming from a trust set up by her late grandfather so money isn't hugely abundant otherwise!

Any opinions gratefully received! Looked at St Christopher's recently and really liked it (which surprised me actually)!

Thanks

[maiacam]

St Christophers is now part of Brighton College so I am guess that most children eventually feed into there at 11 and 13. The same applies to Lancing Prep which obviously feeds into Lancing College at 13. If you want mixed and more independence to choose senior education at a later stage there are only 2 choices Deepdene and Windlesham.

Ive put 2 children through Windlesham and they have both done very well and been very happy.

[MissWimpyDimple]

Yes I am aware of the Brighton College connection and I'm not 100% happy about that as I really can't see her going on there.

I like the look of windlesham but it concerns me that they finish at 11, where would a girl go on to in Brighton at 11? I liked that St. C went to 13 as I felt it might widen options for her depending on what her specialties and leanings were by then!

[MissWimpyDimple]

I really wasn't keen on Deepdene, can't say why really but it's definitely not an option

[maiacam]

My just year 7 dd has just started lewes old grammar as my son is already there. Apart from the girls options of brighton hove high, the towers, roedean and burgess hill you have mixed options of lewes grammar brighton college hurst lancing or shoreham depending on leanings, finances etc.
I personally think you have wider options at 11

[MissWimpyDimple]

Thanks, I suppose what I meant really was that at 13 she might be more willing (and I might be happier with) her travelling further. I've heard good things about Hurst...

[maiacam]

All the surrounding schools all have good bus services if they are further afield.

Also from a friendship point of view it can be easier to start at 11 than to break into established friendship groups at 13.

If you are keen on Hurst maybe you should look at the prep school now
as I imagine the majority follow on to the senior.

However if you want to leave your options open for a few more years then Windlesham may be a good option.

[jaczachsmum]

Have you considered Shoreham College? Non-selective so none of the pressures of Brighton College and no worries about entrance exams. Can stay right through to age 16, so no moves necessary until 6th form.

[Kazzyv]

Bit late but I have friends with kids at Shoreham and haven t heard much positive info from there. If you can go a bit west my son went to Sompting Abbotts which is lovely- lots of space and good art music and drama departments. And he went on to Brighton College which he adores.... Not sure why you thought that wouldn't t work for your daughter going forwards as their art, drama and music departments are wonderful.

[gardener321]

I have been a Deepdene parent for many years now and I can assure you it is EXCELLENT in EVERY way! The teachers are caring and inspiring and the children are very happy and make brilliant progress academically. 73% of last year's Year 6 class gained awards and scholarships to their first choice senior schools inc. Roedean, The Towers, Lewes Old Grammar etc and these included Art and Drama awards as well as Academic awards. This is an amazing result for a non selective school and almost every child in that class had been at Deepdene since nursery. Our oldest child has been very creative from a young age and was very shy and that is one of the reasons why we chose Deepdene initially - we heard on the grape vine that the Drama, Art and Music teaching was really strong and that it was a particularly caring school - we have not been disappointed as she has really grown in confidence and is very happy at school. Our younger children have very different temperaments and are both very academic - Their needs have also been met and they have really flown! I know they do have waiting lists for some of the classes since they were rated Outstanding in All Areas by Ofsted recently but I do recommend you visit as I whole heartedly recommend Deepdene for any child.