Looking for state and independent schools around Brighton for Year 6 son

[user1474286818]

Hi, I'm looking at all options for my Year 6 son for next year. I'm close to Brighton and prepared for him to travel for the right school. He's been in state so far but I'm seriously considering independent - mixed preferably. He's pretty academic and also loves his sports. Any advice on where I should be looking really welcome.

[soolewis]

My sons both went to Sompting Abbotts Prep School which is a lovely little school which I thoroughly recommend. Not everyone goes onto to Lancing, Brighton College etc from there so there is no pressure to do so but many do - and they have an excellent record with scholarships. Both were very happy there.Fantastic grounds and lovely friendly staff. One son(15) is now at Our Lady of Sion in Worthing ( up to age 18) which has a good academic record but not particularly sporty - though that may just be him. He has settled down well and is happy there, though I am hoping it might be a bit more dynamic under the new Head. He has recently upped entrance requirements for sixth form. Steyning Grammar ( actually a comprehensive with a great sixth form ) and Bohunt are state schools and will obviously have catchment areas. I have heard that Bohunt has an excellent headmaster, it is only the second year it has been in existence. Worthing state schools only take up to age 16 i.e no sixth form.

[HenfieldHen]

Hi all, I have now been to a few parents evenings and I am really torn between schools, as such a range. If anyone else has any insights into Our Lady of Sion and Bohunt Academy in Worthing that would be great. Not heard much about them through this thread and must make a decision soon!

[Brightonhome]

As for which local schools feed BC lower school, well it's a mixture. The choice of private after state is not the usual route, and it is risky if you've got your heart set on it because they may not get in. Not all the Prep kids go, but their parents are already aware of their kids' limitations and have the choice to apply elsewhere. The state kids do not do the same exams as the Prep kids because they are two years younger. VR and NVR tests are used as well as interviews (just have opinions and smile) Obviously English and Maths need to be good. As for cost, there are bursaries available based on income, not house price. You could get maybe a term's worth off your bill at the very most, but even with that, you're still looking at £15kpa at Y9, plus £800 uniform, £1.5k deposit, plus school trips (the food is included in the bill) Different schools have differing bursary pots and policies. Scholarships are available too, but they are small compared to some other schools.The only way to get a clear idea is to set up a personal meeting with admissions and the bursar.
Don't be put off by BC's formidable reputation, it's a friendly place, full of happy kids.

[HenfieldHen]

Thank you for all your help! Hurst is a bit out of my price rang so planning on heading to Our Lady of Sion's parents evening tonight and will go to Steyning Grammar asap. Anymore feedback on these schools would be great!

[MABS]

Hurst is very selective and academic now i promise. Brighton College brilliant of course.
Steyning Grammar very good, big comp school, but you cant really compare to the independents.

[derektheladyhamster]

You'd be looking at yr 7.. Majority of kids in 3rd form (yrs 7 & 8) are from the various local state schools. There's no particular school which sends them. The prep school kids join the senior school in yr 9

[HenfieldHen]

Thanks Brightonhome - do you know which LOCAL state schools children are going to before joining BC? I am interested because I am sure that the getting through entrance exams is hard without the support Prep Schools can offer.

[Brightonhome]

*fourth :(

[Brightonhome]

My DD went to Brighton College Prep School btw. There are a few state school kids who joined BC into their lower school (not part of Prep, but on the senior campus) for Years 7&8. They all join up in BC Y9 (forth form).

[Brightonhome]

The kids who didn't go to BC all went to other independent schools. Most went to Bedes, a non-selective, a couple to Lancing on scholarships, and a few left at the end of their Y6 to go to Roedean and Hurst. Hurst is much more selective than it used to be.

[Aldwickfamilyhouse]

Our Lady of Sion definitely more reasonable fees than some of the others. Results not bad - for example if he's a high-achiever 92 per cent of their kids got A* to A in all their GCSEs this year. Would you consider boarding? Lancing also gets good results. Don't know any children at either school though so just based on what they publish on their websites. Open events are well underway I think so maybe just get to as many as you can? Hope that helps

[HenfieldHen]

Thanks have heard of Steyning Grammar and will probably be on our list. I know lots of parents want to get their children into Brighton College and while I'd hope my DS would be ok I know it's really competitive so want to hedge my bets. Brightonhome - any views on where parents who don't get Brighton College go? I'm aware it's all a bit late so trying to draw up the best short list I can, and like I said have been in state so far so this is all a bit new! Thanks

[LIZS]

Also consider whether you want A level and/or IB options in 6th form

[HPFA]

There is a Steyning Grammar but despite the name it's actually a comp. Don't know it personally but results look good - 399 (A-) average GCSE score for High Achievers - Kent grammars average is 404. So results for bright children in line with grammars.

[LIZS]

If he's already y6 you need to get your skates on , go to open days and register for the relevant entrance tests. Some will take place later this term.

[Brightonhome]

Isn't there a Steyning Grammar school? My DD is at Brighton College and is flourishing there, so if you want to know anything in particular, just ask :)

[HenfieldHen]

I heard that Hurst is well-regarded but it is expensive. It would be great to know more about schools which people think are good academically and affordable towards Steyning, Worthing because that's closer to my place of work. Any more thoughts on Our Lady of Sion for example?

[BizzyFizzy]

Hurstpierpoint is only one notch below Brighton College.

[HenfieldHen]

Surprised by that. Which secondary / senior schools would be perceived as academic around this part of Sussex?

[LIZS]

Hurst and Our Lady wouldn't be perceived as academic though.

[BizzyFizzy]

Hurst?

[HenfieldHen]

Thanks for your input. Have also heard good things about the Bohunt Academy. Really helpful. I'm wondering if anyone has any knowledge of Our Lady of Sion in Worthing up the road from Bohunt - it seems to have reasonable fees for a independent school.

[Aldwickfamilyhouse]

If you're happy to look at state schools then friends' DS and DD go to Shoreham Academy. The new Bohunt Academy in Worthing is also getting a good reputation I think.

[Leeds2]

No personal knowledge, but a friend's DS left Brighton College this year and were very happy with it. He didn't start until Year 9 though (I think).

[LIZS]

Brighton College is the most obvious, but Lancing and Ardingly also worth a look.