Any views on Farlington or Seaford college, Sussex?

[Mayhemmumma]

I'm looking to move my DD (currently year 7) for year 9 - she is bored and increasingly uninterested in school lessons in her local state school, although achieving very well and consistently recognised as g&t in English.

Art is her real passion so I am applying for an art scholarship - I particularly liked the art department at Farlington.

Any views on either school? (Not boarding)

No experience of Farlington, but friends have been happy there in the past. Seaford has quite a reputation locally for drugs.

Thank you

Name changed as potentially outing if tied to my other posts.

I know Seaford well as my DS was there Y9-13. Left last year. He was v happy there and did better than academic expectations. Nurturing school who care about whole child and lots of opportunity to find what they are passionate about.

DS was also very keen artist - they have strong art department (don't know how it compares to your other option as don't know it). Seaford offer at least fine art and textiles for gcse (maybe another, can't remember) and at a level had fine art, textiles, photography and I think at least 2 other options (3D? And graphics maybe?) so it's a good department and well supported. His year got good grades and they supported those applying to art schools with portfolios etc (they have a tutor group just for that in Y13 as it's different to normal UCAS) . He did 2 art a levels and spent most of his life in the art department!

I don't recognise what the PP says about reputation for drugs and didn't know that was local reputation. Definitely not drugs in school but out of school think that's something you might find at a lot of schools - I doubt it's to do with the school. School's policy and actions around drugs always seemed quite robust and sensible. Including things like vapes and smoking. From a school pov they were quite tough on it all. In 5 years I'm aware of some suspensions for having vape and an expulsion which was rumoured to be for drugs. I'd say that's probably pretty normal for a lot of schools.

@artypov that's really helpful and encouraging thank you!

Appreciate this is a bit of time after you originally asked - I went to Farlington and loved it. This was when it was girls only. Lovely environment and great, supportive teachers.

A few friends have sent their children there and they have positive feedback. If you have any specific questions, I'd be happy to try and answer them.

@GlitterFluff
That's great to hear.

It's a big decision but I would like DD to go in year 9 for her GCSEs (currently year 8) especially the option of doing fine art, the art department is the selling point for me.

Any negative feedback from your friends? My DD is quite confident but it's a big move to make at 13.

Really, the only issue is with VAT being introduced (but we won't go there!).

The art department is strong and well respected. I don't know whether they still do but they used to exhibit students' work in various locales in Horsham, and they always had lots of art displayed around the school.

A few girls would join in Year 9 and were supported by the school as they integrated into their new classes. If she were thinking about staying on for A-levels, the sixth from block is really nice too!

Another mum told me today that Farlington will close by September because another local large boarding school is attracting a number of their students. Has anyone else heard this? With children at the school this is a real worry and I don’t know what to do.

Name changed as I don't want to be linked to my other posts 🙂I saw your other post but responding here too - I also have children at Farlington, and when we were considering our options last year, we had questions about the stability of the school, financial status, etc, and we were reassured that numbers were steady and the school was in a good financial position. They are very open to discussion and scrutiny, so I would suggest contacting the Head and asking for a meeting, and I am sure he will be able to reassure you that the school is not closing. I hope your children are as happy as mine are there - we love it.😊

Thanks. As I said in my other response I do hope you are right. I know of a number of children in my dc’s year (yr7) that have gone for taster / assessment days elsewhere. Just worried that they’ll be left in a very small year group which will restrict the opportunities they have.