Burgess Hill Girls/ Brighton College/ Ardingly School

[SleeplessinEastSussex]

Hi there - we are looking at options for our daughter and wondered if anyone had experience of Burgess Hill Girls, Brighton College or Ardingly school.

Bump!

I only know these schools by reputation but what from what I’ve heard: Brighton College is very selective/academic; Ardingly has a strong reputation for extra-curricular activities; Burgess Hill has a really good atmosphere and lovely children. Not sure if that helps at all!

Thank you @Flitter123

Not sure about Burgess Hill. Brighton College is a possibility for our dc in a few years, but it is quite a pressurised environment. Not sure if it is true or not, but have heard they can ask students to leave if they don't feel they are keeping up. Havent been to visit Ardingly, but has a good reputation locally.

Brighton College extremely selective. They get their results by continually weeding anyone out who doesn't fit the bill. However if your child DOES fit the bill and can get a place in the first place then it's great.

Ardingly doesn't get loads of press around here but I think it's still considered a good school. Very out of the way though so will depend on where you live.

Burgess Hill girls - for that I would prefer Brighton Girls who have the weight of the GDST behind them.

There is Roedean too

Hi there no experience of Ardingly I’m afraid. Brighton College is a very pressurised environment. Burgess Hill Girls is a really lovely nurturing environment. Hurst is also focused on attainment. Depends what your daughter is like and what environment you think she will thrive in I suppose. Good luck. I hope you find the right place for her.

There seems to be a lot of speculation and hearsay on this thread (including defamatory remarks about Brighton College) from some who don’t appear to attend any of the schools you’ve asked about… if I may give a personal account.
My daughter has attended Brighton College for the last two years and is very happy there. She takes learning in her stride, has lovely friends and we continue to be impressed by how the school operates. Her House Mistress, Form Tutors and Head of Lower School have been exemplary – very approachable, kind, caring and interested in her welfare, whilst ensuring an enjoyable school environment (when the Pandemic has allowed).
It is a selective school and as such, there would be an expectation to continue to do well, but we have never sensed any pressure. The suggestion that some are ‘weeded out’ because of poor performance is, quite simply, false. You can draw your own conclusions why someone might suggest that. It is a progressive school, one that thinks outside the box and wants to empower it’s pupils. It does not follow stereotypes; boys dance and girls play cricket.
We have only experienced warmth and welcome, throughout the school, and cannot recommend it highly enough.

Hardly defamatory, local information and friends who have children there. It seems that myself and the other commenters agree that Brighton has a reputation as being a pressurised environment and can ask students to leave if they don't keep up. I think that's an important point for the OP to consider. What conclusions are you drawing from us saying that?

Hi @SleeplessinEastSussex. My son is currently in the Lower Third at Brighton College (equivalent of Year 7) and is really happy there. He has made some lovely friends, the teachers are outstanding and the school has been incredibly supportive over the past year. I'd be happy to answer any questions you might have if that would be helpful - I can remember only too well being in your shoes trying to make such an important decision and wishing I could speak to someone with children at the school! Feel free to send me a direct message.