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Original poster

Windlesham School, Brighton

14 replies

draughtywindows · 29/09/2013 08:19

Hi there, does anybody have experience of Windlesham school in Hove/Brighton? The last inspection report is something like 2008. i know you have to take these things slightly with a pinch of salt anyway but I don't know any other parents who send their children there so it's difficult to get a feel for what it's like. I went to an open day and liked the facilities - but, and it's a huge but for me, they don't offer any hot food at all. All the kids have packed lunches:( I think this is pretty poor, really. Anyone got any thoughts about it? Perhaps I'm getting worked up over nothing!

OP posts:

MissWimpyDimple · 29/09/2013 09:50

I don't have any personal experience of the school other than having visited and researched recently. The general vibe I got was that it was a nice school but not academically any better than the surrounding state schools. They finish at 11 too which, to my mind creates a problem as to where to go on to.

We preferred St Christophers and DC will be going there in September.

I know of a number of people who used Windlesham as a waiting room for a state place at Stanford or Davigdor. Also of a family who like it but have concerns that they don't seem to challenge the kids.

Where else have you looked?

Original poster

draughtywindows · 29/09/2013 21:09

We've only just started looking but tbh I'm not really taken with any of the Brighton options at all, state or independent. I think we'll go to the open day for Windlesham and possibly St Christophers too - hadn't considered this as the Brighton College link had put me off, but I guess it's worth keeping our ideas open at this stage. I'd be interested to hear what you think about St Christophers and what swung it for you, if you don't mind me asking!

OP posts:

clarexbp · 29/09/2013 21:22

Watching with interest. We're looking for reception next Sept. We really like Brighton College, but it's a bit of hike from us, and I have heard horror stories about drop off and pick up - a total bunfight, apparently. Quite liked St Christophers, but seemed perhaps a little formal and old fashioned...and a couple of the teachers were a bit...odd...although it's just got a new head, so maybe that will change.

Currently favouring BHHS juniors, but like MissWD, a bit perplexed about what happens at 11 - not sure I like the look of the senior bit of the high school - results not so good of late. I'd really like DD to go to Brighton College for senior (as it stands at the mo, although she is only 3!) and I know that they have an intake at 11, but I think it's tiny, so I'm worried that she wouldn't get in. Does anyone know how many applicants they get at 11? Also, does anyone know anything about dyslexia provision at any of these schools, as that's a potential issue for us (runs in family)?

Sorry for the rambling...but there just seems like such a lot to consider...

AKissIsNotAContract · 29/09/2013 21:37

Have you looked at the towers? Lovely school

MissWimpyDimple · 29/09/2013 22:08

Draughtywindows- it's hard to say exactly why St Christopher's seemed right for us, but the main thing that swayed it was that it goes up to 13. We also know people there already which will make the transition easier.

The location was good for us and single sex wasn't an option.

Quite honestly I went there expecting to be a bit put off (expecting it to be very formal and stuffy) and was pleasantly surprised. The teachers seemed lovely and the kids were really quite "perky".

Somehow I could just see my child there. This is not a reception start though so I suppose I am already aware at least a little of DCs personality and what will suit...

Oh and I like the red uniform

MissWimpyDimple · 29/09/2013 22:10

Just to add - if you are looking at Brighton College for senior, then St Christopher's is a really good compromise to BC prep as of course a lot of them do go on there.

twinstwins · 29/09/2013 22:46

I know parents who have put their children through Windlesham and have absolutely loved it. It's a small school where the teachers really know the children. The children are challenged and it has high academic standards with great pastoral care.
I suppose the lack of hot food could be annoying but you could pack a warm lunch in a food flask as a change from sandwiches.
Don't worry about it finishing at 11 as this is the most common time for children to move on. Brighton College have an intake at 11 which is separate from the 11 year olds already in their prep department.

clarexbp · 29/09/2013 23:12

Oh yes MissWD...I could quite be swayed by the lovely red uniform too. [slaps self].

AKINAC - Towers looks a bit religious for us...I think I can just about grit my teeth through the odd nativity play, but a convent would finish me off...

Does anyone know how tricky entry to Brighton College is at 11...? I imagine they have tons of kids applying. And although miniBP is a Mumsnet child prodigy, it is possible that their entrance test may lack the sensitivity to detect her genius if loads of actual geniuses were applying

Planning to go to the Windlesham open day in a couple of weeks time. It's been a bit off our radar, but it gets brilliant reviews on here. Although not sure I could cope with all that brown

maiacam · 30/09/2013 10:25

I had two children who have started at Windlesham at nursery and finished Year 6 and have loved every day they went. I have lived in Brighton all my life and I think you would be difficult to find a better junior school.

There are no cooked meals but I think it makes up for that with the great swimming pool!

Academically the children do very well to be best of their abilities and scholarships are more than abundant in Year 6.

RnB · 30/09/2013 14:18

My dd has just started at BHHS and so far it has been lovely.
Just went to open day at Brighton College for 11+ entry for ds, and was very impressed. They get about 120 applicants for 50 places for yr 7

RnB · 30/09/2013 14:19

Lancing Prep is definitely worth a look at too. Lovely school

gardener321 · 29/10/2013 23:02

I have been a Deepdene parent for many years now and I can assure you it is EXCELLENT in EVERY way! (It also provides hot dinners cooked by a lovely lady called Debbie in the school kitchen!) The teachers are really 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 scholarships as well as Academic scholarships. This is an amazing result for a non selective school and almost every child in that class had been at Deepdene since nursery. I know they do have waiting lists for some of the classes since they were rated Outstanding in All Areas by Ofsted recently but do I recommend you visit Deepdene to see for yourself.

islandmama · 07/02/2014 20:38

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Superstar1234 · 09/02/2014 20:40

Hi there islandmama....

The school you are describing sounds like Windlesham House in Findon. Coed boarding School. This is where my sons are as well:-)

This thread is about Windlesham School in Brighton which is a a Day School and nothing to do with WHS.

A common mistake.....and yes I agree with all you say about Windlesham House. My DS love it!

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