Handcross Park, Ardingly, Cumnor House, Hurst or Great Walstead??

[Mrshudders]

I’m in the predicament of choosing a school from my 3 years old to start in September 2021 when he is 4. However because of lockdown I’ve only been able to see Handcross Park and Great Walstead, my other visits keep getting cancelled. I have a very active/high energy ds and my hope is that he will hopefully focus better in a smaller class. Does anyone have any feed back experience on these schools as I having nothing else to go on and need to choose somewhere soon. Thanks!

We plan to move to Sussex area (near Lingfield, Ardingly & Hayward Heath). My son is turning 8 soon and currently in year 3. I virtually viewed 2 prep schools, Ardingly Colleage and Great Walstead School. Anyone here is familiar or know their friends' children attending these 2 schools, would be very grateful to have opinions from you. Thank you.

Hi, we are looking at the same two schools, Ardingly and Great Walstead - they have a slightly different feel to each other, and I can't make up my mind! I would be really interested in experiences of both prep schools too please.

Interested [name redacted by MNHQ] pls share especially the nursery at Great Walstead.

An year late to this but wonder if you had any opinion on Great Walstead and Hurst that you can share.

Hello, I’m looking for opinions on Great Walstead school as well. Would greatly appreciate concrete pros and cons if possible with examples as to what was desired vs what was received/offered. No school is perfect but i would like to know the good, the bad and the ugly😀
I’m interested in the pre-prep and prep and i could only dream of finding a school where my kids can attend till they go off to secondary. @Lagosgirl and @Usermum12 would you please share your findings since your “research” is more recent. Thanks

Would appreciate all opinions please.

Really depends on what you think your children need. Plenty of outside space at both Great Walstead and Ardingly but Great Walstead, I’ve been told, seem to use it better so lots of learning through play in pre-prep. I would say visit both with the children and ask lots of questions and decide. Both are good schools so depends on what you think would be best for your children.

Thanks @Lagosgirl great Walstead is one of my top choices and i wanted opinions on the pros and cons from parents’ experiences since i don’t personally know anyone who has kids there. I’ve met with the head and yes I’ve asked tons of questions. i still like it just want to hear parents’ reviews as i have seen one or two not so great reviews online from 2019 and earlier.

Great Walstead is wonderful!! It has a unique approach to outdoor education and makes real use of its grounds. It’s a good balance of academic work, sports and outdoor education. It’s always been good for music and drama and children with specific learning issues. An excellent all round school where all children can find their niche. Always worth considering.