Does anyone know of a decent school in Brighton which isn't so difficult to get into?

[southerngirl10]

Hi All, we didn't get either of my DS 3 choices of primary school last year here in Brighton and the school we were given was Carden. My husband and I went to the open day and my son attended two sample lessons but, in the end we decided the school atmosphere just felt a bit rough (sorry, can't find another word to describe how it felt) and most other people we talked to felt the same. We decided to pay for our DS to attend an independent school while he had his name down on a waiting list for the three choices he didn't get. Well, after a year we are still on that list. The money is running out and we keep getting further up the waiting list then frustratingly dropping back down. Does anyone know of a decent school which isn't so difficult to get into which may not involve moving? A move would put further strain on our resources with perhaps no guarantee our son will get the place. Thanks for any help.

[tinkitonki]

Where are you on lists for and are you certain you are still in them?
Have you looked round all the schools with spaces that you could get to, you might be pleasantly surprised?
Maybe worth ringing a few schools, they might tell you how many leavers they have had to give you a rough idea of its mobility, help you suss out if moving close to one would be a gamble that could pay off?

[southerngirl10]

Thank you for your reply tinkitonki. Great idea about phoning the schools, though must admit I've phoned some before and asked a few questions but they seemed reluctant to share info. Perhaps I can try again.
My DS is still on the waiting lists. We got as high as second for one school but now back down to eighth.
We visited 7 schools last year incl. the three on the waiting list. Really liked Coldean but were put off when told it's 80% catchment from Moulsecoomb.
I don't want to come across as a snob but I haven't heard good things about Moulsecoomb.
Anyone out there who would like to give some insights about coldean or carden - maybe I'm completely wrong about my view of these schools.

[tinkitonki]

I wonder if the Moulscombe thing is a bit of a red herring. Perhaps now what would be his peer group are in school you should go and look again?
I do get where you are coming from, the school our ds is at is not great on paper, not in the best area etc, but we really liked it when we visited and he is thriving now he's there.
I like that there is true diversity reflected in his school and I know that they are well set up to support any additional needs, should the need arise.
It is hard when all you want is a good school for your child, I wish you luck

[Lavage]

Just ring school admissions and ask where there are spaces. Hertford used to be good but undersubscribed - think it's full these days but a space may come up.

[Lucy61]

Try Hertford infants- it's a lovely school. Hreat atmosphere. He junior school's reputation is not as good but the infants and juniors are amalgamating so things are bound to improve by the time your dc gets there.

[majormoo]

Carden has a new head who started in September so would be worth looking at again. She came from one of the popular Hove schools and is making changes, recruiting new staff etc

[Hyvaapaiva]

Head at Carden was deputy head at Summerhill. Don't know what changes she has made but staff are leaving en masse and they are finding it very difficult to recruit (so prob not best time to enrol).
My DS went there- pulled him out after a year- dont want to go into too much detail but their big seller of being inclusive basically mean they do makaton (and have a speech and language centre on site), it does not mean they are inclusive of all other needs.
My DD goes to Coldean and is really happy there, very mixed demographics but people from Moulsecoombe can be nice too y'know!

[Laucoom1234]

Hello, I'm in a similar situation as you. We are in Hove and been on the waiting list for 2 schools now for a year. We have appealed twice and no luck. We are going to be home schooling from September and just praying my DD goes up the list fast.

It's so hard to get into a school now a days.

[Kiddiewinks2008]

Have you tried Fairlight? Its got a good reputation these days- or the bilingual school up at Falmer?

[puppetfut]

the best school my son went to was coldean. we then moved to a village and the school wasn't a patch on it. i hate to say this, but don't be a snob.....