Battle Abbey Vs Claremont, East Sussex

[scroogemcfuckaduck]

I just wondered if anyone had any thoughts on these two schools.

We have baby and toddler, and will be looking for pre-prep and prep entry.

I am not overly concerned with league tables and academic achievements. I am more interested in pastoral care, music, drama, sport, but also option to deep dive into subjects of interest.

Battle Abbey seems lovely and caring but doesn't have loads of outdoor space, facilities seemed a bit dated and felt a bit full on academically. They go off site for swimming and forest school.

Not seen Claremont yet. But the site seems amazing with an onsite forest school and swimming pool.

Battle Abbey’s swimming pool is very close to the prep school. They walk there. it’s not an issue. The prep school pupils swim all the time. For forest school they usually get bussed to the grounds of the senior school. or Battle great woods for more exploration.

Claremont prep has the forest school onsite which I think is great for nursery particularly. They do have pool onsite but it is outdoor so only used in the summer, they get bussed to the senior school for the indoor pool most of the year.

Claremont is a much bigger school.

My two children have just started at Vinehall, I moved them from another school. There is an indoor pool and my daughter swims each week (she loves it!) There is a forest school, acres of land with woodlands and the staff are truly amazing. The nursery got an award for best nurseries in the South, definitely worth you having a look around to see what you think. I couldn't be happier....

Both are very ‘local’ and small time schools which would suit the average child very well. There are a few successful outliers but not many and as there are so few of them, their opportunities to compete, create or perform are limited. I had a child at Claremont but moved her to a more competitive environment and she is now thriving. Claremont does have a lovely setting and Battle Abbey is possibly more nurturing and gentle but I hear the facilities are definitely lacking, which could explain the, from what I hear, higher than average fee increase for next academic year. Friends with children at both schools are happy!