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Help me find a lovely nurturing school in Sussex...

11 replies

Knickersinatwistagain · 02/01/2024 08:03

... or anywhere roughly in the London to Brighton corridor. For context, DS is currently in year 4 at a private all-through school and has been there since nursery. We always thought/hoped that he'd stay there until 18 but he's not enjoying this year (more to do with the ethos of the school than anything else, so nothing that's likely to improve anytime soon), so we've decided it might be time to move on.

We're lucky enough to be flexible and would move to be closer to a school that better suits him, but need to be based in Sussex-ish for work. DS is excelling in maths (currently top of the year), history and sciences. Less so in English. Recently has some outstanding Cat4 results. Enjoys sport, music and drama. Very social and really gets stuck in to all the extra-curricular activities.

He's only ever gone to the same private school (as it worked out cheaper to send him somewhere with extended school days than hire a nanny as we both work full time) but we would absolutely consider state if it was the right fit. If we moved him before secondary I'd much rather he moved to a school he can stay at until he's 18 to avoid more upheaval later on.

We know of Hurst, Bedes, Brighton College, Eastbourne College, Lancing, Ardingly & Cardinal Newman but there must be some other hidden gems out there. Would love to hear your thoughts.

OP posts:
Thewayweare · 05/01/2024 23:13

Lewes Old Grammar is a small, nurturing independent. There's no fancy facilities, you're paying for small classes and teachers that know your child. Very into meeting a child's needs - will help them find their niche. Not really selective. Attracts an ever so slightly alternative clientele (the Lewes and Brighton crowd) who find the local (perfectly decent) state schools too big and impersonal, and want something a bit kinder. We are really happy with it.

Knickersinatwistagain · 06/01/2024 04:55

@Thewayweare Thank you. I’ll check it out.

OP posts:
RadRad · 24/01/2024 21:19

Worth school has a good reputation, although I don’t speak from experience.

NewYear24 · 24/01/2024 21:21

Hurst.

LaPalmaLlama · 24/01/2024 21:41

Can you explain what it is about the ethos of his current school that you don’t like? It’s just that some of the schools you mention as alternatives are not ones that I would describe as particularly nurturing, which I would take to mean “supportive for students who might struggle a bit socially or academically” which it sounds as though your ds doesn’t.

BingBongBoo86 · 24/01/2024 21:51

Our Lady of Sion in Worthing has an excellent reputation.

bogoffeternal · 25/01/2024 11:40

I'd say you can't go far wrong with Hurst or Ardingly.

Both allow you to move sooner rather than later which, if he's not enjoying his current school, could be a good idea.

Mamaisacornflakegirl · 27/01/2024 14:50

Windlesham house school? It’s not all through but we were super impressed on a visit and our boy is starting there in sept. Really lovely feel.
the head there made really interesting points about finding the right senior school when the time comes and they put a lot of time into each student.

snowdropsarehere · 27/01/2024 15:05

Great Ballard is definitely in the 'hidden gem' category. Lovely setting, very nurturing, very friendly. Smaller than some of the other settings on your list but definitely worth a look.

Imsureitsnotjustme · 14/01/2025 23:45

snowdropsarehere · 27/01/2024 15:05

Great Ballard is definitely in the 'hidden gem' category. Lovely setting, very nurturing, very friendly. Smaller than some of the other settings on your list but definitely worth a look.

Id second this sentement! Take a look
for yourself Open Morning coming up 8th March I think.

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