Progressive/social-emotional focussed primaries in and around Brighton

[Dwjssdss]

Is there such a thing? We’re thinking of relocating to Brighton and looking for a primary. For us the social-emotional aspect of school is the most important component but it’s the hardest to find using the internet. So I’m wondering if you have any suggestions of schools I can check out. We’re open to any and all areas in and around Brighton for the right school, ideally a state school but we’ll consider private (the Dharma School so far seems most in line with what we’re looking for). Ideal qualities would be diverse, inclusive, child-led/emergent learning, minimal testing, no homework, no competitiveness, strong parent community. I’m not expecting to get all of that but just to give you an idea of what kind of things that appeal. I realise it’s a lot to ask from the state sector but I’m hoping there are some out there! Thanks for your input.

[Pabboo]

Hi. I wonder if you ever found an answer to your question??
We, too, are looking to relocate (to Hove, in December) and have the same requirements of a local school. And similarly would be happy to go privately if necessary - and in fact prefer small class sizes and so have been privately educating since reception.
Would be interested in hearing how or where your research has gone/taken you.
Thanks

[Dwjssdss]

@pabboo the best we found are the Dharma School (Buddhist ethos but not a faith school), very small and nurturing and lovely - private. And the Bilingual School which is fairly normal as it’s state but was very nurturing, optional homework, minimal testing, great head. It’s a lottery to get in, you can apply from any Brighton or Hove postcode but they have 3 applicants for each place so it’s not easy. If you find anything else let me know!

[Pabboo]

We are looking at Dharma too, but it’s quite a way out from where we will be living
Did you look at the Brighton and above Montessori? They are tiny but so lovely and nuturing. We looked around yesterday and my son loved it.
For me the worry would be the very different academic approach and whether he would fall behind mainstream school approaches. They are adding GCSE years to their school next year

[Pabboo]

Brighton and Hove Montessori I meant!

[Dwjssdss]

@Pabboo I forgot to mention the Montessori and Steiner Achilles that are there. We didn’t look round them yet, great to hear your son loved it. And great it goes up to GCSE, I think the challenge with a lot of alternative education is it not being available for secondary.