Brighton primary schools urgent advice!

[Wondergirl100]

Hello - we are moving to the east side of Brighton and have to choose a primary school for 2 children within the next couple of weeks. We have been told there are spaces at all the schools nearby except for St Lukes - ie. Carlton Hill, Queens Park, Elm Grove, Fairlight -

I have a football mad child who really needs a good playground / space to run around - (something we don't have at his current london school) - and my other child is anxious/ needs a caring approach - I'd prefer they were together.

I also really really want a school where children have green space nearby - so was thinking that the Patch would be a good place to be near - or Carlton Hill where they can play in Tarner Park??

ANY thoughts at all really appreciated. Such an emotive decision.

Little bump for any Brighton mumsnetters

Hi OP, I'm in Brighton though my DS goes to a different primary school so I can't comment too much on what the primary schools are like but I know from friends that Queens Park has a big playground and Elm Grove has a smaller playground but nice play area (I guess that means climbing frame etc.)

Tbh none of those schools are that great for outdoor space. You might want to go and see a few schools a bit further out if that’s what you’re really looking for. I think Elm Grove is pretty popular ( more artsy than sporty tho)

OK thanks. I don't mind small playground I thought that elm Grove was near a little park where kids go after school. We definitely want a school a short walk from where we are living inthink.

@waterrat

OK thanks. I don't mind small playground I thought that elm Grove was near a little park where kids go after school. We definitely want a school a short walk from where we are living inthink.

It is, it’s backs onto a small park often called the patch.

Elm grove doesn’t have a huge playground but it has 2 and they’re both very nice, lots of resources. They’re very nurturing at Elm Grove so think they would be good with your anxious one.

Carlton hill is also lovely school, very friendly. The playground is smaller but it’s only 1 form entry. There’s definitely a lot of football mad kids and there’s football club as an after school club and during weekly golden time.

I haven’t been to the other two but worth looking around all of them to get a feel.

Great thanks for that @Birdkin really useful info and good to hear.

My DS goes to St Martins school which is right next to The Patch. Amazing school, cannot rate it highly enough. They've been so amazing with DS

Oh thanks @dogaibu and do the local kids use the patch a lot ?

Yes, they do all their sports days there

St Luke’s seems way better at pastoral care than our London primary was. My daughter was selected for the ‘yoga nurture group’ when she joined, and now seems to be doing some art in a small group once a week with Louise, who I think is in charge of pastoral care. We went to queen’s park for three weeks (before getting in to st lukes) and while the year 1 teacher ms morrison was really good, not sure the school as a whole is that well rated, though wouldnt want to do it down unfairly. Carlton Hill seems lovely but I don’t know anyone there. Seems very nurturing. St Luke’s is about to get a new headteacher who seems to have a strong track record in putting mental health first.