Moving to Hanover, Brighton - schools advice needed!!

[ChaCo]

We're moving down from London to the Hanover area of Brighton in a few months with our 2 yr old. Although it might seem a long way off (2013), it would be really handy to have advice on primary schools in the area. We're moving to Islingword Street and having checked the distances for this year, it looks as though we're not quite close enough for St.Lukes or Elm Grove (the popular ones I hear!), but should be fine for Queens park or possibly Carlton Hill. Can anyone advise on the change in distances for admissions to St.Lukes and Elm Grove in the past 5 yrs? Also, what are Queens park and Carlton Hill like? Any predictions for changes in the next couple of years e.g. plans for expansions or even new schools? Looking forward to getting to know my neighbours!! www.mumsnet.com/thl/1.gif

Queens Park is getting bigger. I have friends who all have children at the above schools. I hear most favourable feedback from the mum whose child goes to Carlton Hill - v encouraging to children and to parents too.

Thanks Goldilocks! That's great to hear, Carlton Hill has an 'Outstanding' from OFSTED so it looks good on the face of it, but it's great to hear some personal feedback too as you know that OFSTED only see a snapshot of what a school is really like. I heard that Queen's Park was getting bigger this year too, so maybe that means they have more funding and it will improve too.

Hi Chaco, congrats on moving to one of the nicest streets in Hanover! I would def recommend Carlton Hill (where my son goes, so clearly I am biased!) but have friends whose kids love St Lukes also. We were on Southover when we applied and were out of the catchments for St lukes and Elm Grove but they do change every year.

Hi there, thanks for the good feedback on Carlton Hill, it sounds like a good choice. It's a good area for schools anyway, so I'm sure our daughter will get in somewhere that she's happy. Looking forward to the move, not long now with any luck!