Schools in Brighton and Hove

[clarexbp]

Hello, Knowledgeable Mumsnetters,

I'm looking for a school for my 3yo DD in Brighton/Hove - she will be starting reception in Sept 2014. We live in the infamous Hove Black Hole, and, unless something quite drastic happens in the next year or so, we will not get her into any of the nearby state schools. In fact, there is a distinct possibility of getting assigned a school that is both miles away and very weak. So, we have started to look at the independents.

We've looked at Lancing Prep (I didn't take to it, don't know why) BHHS Juniors (loved, but worried about the all girls thing), Brighton College (LOVED, but further away, and apparently v few places for reception entry) and St Christopher's (liked, but worried about there not being enough girls).

Obviously, she's only three, so we don't really know what sort of child she is going to be. My hunch is that she might be quite academic (we both were - Oxbridge and all that), but I don't know for sure. There is dyslexia in the family, although early signs are that if she has got it, it's not likely to be very bad. Personality-wise, she is sociable but a bit shy, and a bit sensitive (but not terribly). In an ideal world I would find a school that was 50:50 boys and girls, had high academic standards without being stressful, and great teachers. Does such a place exist?

I'm rambling now, so I'll stop, but I feel like I'm going round in circles. Can anyone who knows these schools (or others that I've missed) give me any pointers?

[Bloom59]

Just to add that as far as facilities go the school takes advantage of so many local spaces that the children are very active.
They swim every week, use the local gym, play short tennis/ badmington and have afterschool sports clubs (hockey/football etc) in the school playground. And to top it all I'm not sure if you're aware of the recent 'soft' partnership with Roedean which enables years 4/5/6 to go up every week and have full use if all there facilities which is totally amazing!
I think it's a misconception to think that a school like Deepdene is hampered by having less on site- they actually just seem to put more thought into what is on offer locally..And have some creative timetabling!

[Bloom59]

It is hard when you arrive in a new area especially as all the schools you mention are good in their own way. From personal experience and my own thorough research I think that Deepdene will meet all your needs for you and your daughter.
There is absolutely no question that their music and drama is of a very high standard and I love the fact that particularly in the lower school all the children take part in any performances not just the 'chosen few' which I have seen happen at other schools.
Acedemically the school has excellent results across all subjects (proven from external assessment recently) and to top it all it is has such a friendly atmosphere. Most mornings the children are greeted warmly by the headteacher giving such a great start to the day!
You will find it easy to meet other parents. I attended a lovely BBQ in the school playground during the Summer and ended up with several 'play dates' for my daughter.
I was anxious as any new parent would be when choosing a school but I have been so pleased with Deepdene and cannot recommend it, it's teachers and the whole atmosphere enough.

[Funkyflavours71]

I m finding it so hard to choose between Deepdene, Windlesham and BHHS Juniors for my daughter going into Year 2 who is very shy but loves singing, music and dance and definitely needs a nurturing environment and I loved BHHS but not sure as an only child about all girls. We are new to the area and are moving to central Hove and want to get to know people too. Some up to date feedback on the schools would be great, I know about the bad ofsted for Deepdene but I think they have resolved the issues raised now but the facilities seem a bit limited? Thanks

[user1474400143]

You can read it here if you want:

deepdeneschool.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/Deepdene-School-Independetn-Standards-Now-Met.pdf

I hope that helps @AOk76 ! x

[user1474400143]

I'm not sure the above comments about St Christopher's and Deepdene are very fair! I also live in Hove and have known children of friends and family at both Schools, and they certainly weren't arrogant or bad mannered! Both Schools seem rather impressive to me. It's also worth mentioning that following an Ofsted re-inspection at Deepdene recently the inspector wrote that "Pupils are polite, articulate and very respectful of visitors" which somewhat contradicts the above.

[AOk76]

Thank you Tinkitonki, hugely helpful x

[MariaSklodowska]

In fact I had one friend who removed her child from Deepdene and put her into a state school in case the bad manners and arrogance rubbed off on her.

[MariaSklodowska]

I used to live in Hove and the thing that stood out about children from St Christopher's and Deepdene was their total lack of manners.
You have some good state schools in the area it is worth checking out. Dont just write them off.

[tinkitonki]

Hello. A lot depends on your budget to be honest.
Hove Infant school, and the juniors are consistently well thought of and split across 2 sites (School road and Conaught) but you need to live very close to have a chance at a place.
St Andrews and Davigdor are both good as well but again the distance of home to school is small and houses are at a premium around all of these places.
Hangelton and Portslade are certainly 'cheaper' housing options and the schools there are no less good, just not so popular. For example our school is OFSTED good and undersubscribed so the classes are smaller than the 30 permitted which can only be a good thing IMO.
Nurseries in the area, there are loads and I've never really heard any negative comments about any of them so I don't think you will struggle there.
it also depends if you want the lifestyle of central Hove (cafe culture) or are happy to be a small distance away for the sake of a larger house (and garden).
Hope this helps a bit

[AOk76]

Hello, we're looking to move to Hove and have a 3-year old so very interested to know local wisdom on the best nurseries and primary schools to inform where we look to live. Equally, are there any areas you wouldn't advise living? Thanks in advance xx

[Bloom59]

Just to let you know that Deepdene are having an open morning this Saturday, 14th May from 10 am until 12 noon. They are having a bouncy castle and face painting – it sounds like a lot of fun.

[caroleanne82]

I would just like to disagree with the comment about Deepdene’s Ofsted Report, if you take the time to actually read it, it completely contradicts itself.
My children are at Deepdene and are extremely happy and well adjusted children, they love going to school every day.
All I can say about Deepdene is that the teachers are very professional and teach the children to a very high standard.
The school has changed for the better since Miss Brown the new Headteacher has taken over, I cannot fault the fresh feel and dynamic and exciting ideas that she has brought to the school. The teaching is still the same as it was under the previous head.
From what I understand the Ofsted report is all about policies not being in place, not really about the teaching.
My father recently collected my children from Deepdene and was totally impressed by how well behaved and happy the children were.
I would suggest that you go along for a visit and see what a happy environment Deepdene really is.

[Jessicamayellis]

Point of information about Deepdene School as the school does not seem to be updating their website with their new Inadequate rating by Ofsted. Deepdene had a new Headteacher in September 2014 and there have been lots of changes. It is no longer Outstanding. Deepdene is now rated Inadequate by Ofsted overall and is requiring improvement in every category.
reports.ofsted.gov.uk/provider/files/2521529/urn/114641.pdf

[peaches98]

Can someone help me please. What are the fees for Deepdene ???

[Jayne76]

St Christopher's is a lovely family school and my 2 (boy and girl) love it. Highly recommend.

[ellasmummy8]

Hi archerabc my daughter has a taster morning next week at Deepdene it's so lovely to hear nice things about the school I can wait to have a look! Can you tell me what she is likely to expect at the taster?

Thank you :)

[archerabc]

I also recommend Deepdene School to fellow parents who are looking for recommendations. We looked at every independent school in the area and we felt Deepdene had the most positive and caring ethos and the best academic standards. It was absolutely the right choice for us as our children are very happy there and doing very well. The teachers are absolutely brilliant!

[clarexbp]

Ignore me. Just found it the distances on the council's site. Here, if anyone else is interested.

www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/sites/brighton-hove.gov.uk/files/Primary%20Allocation%20Fact%20Sheet%202014_0.pdf

[clarexbp]

Hi MissWD/3month

That is really interesting about the distances. Where did you find that out? I'd love to have a nosey. However, I think we would still just be too far from either...and as you say, poor old Davigdor must be fit to burst.

[MissWimpyDimple]

Hello all.

I'm 3month after a name change

We didn't go private in the end. We stuck with our local school as DC was so distraught at moving. Now thinking will reserve funds for secondary.

Davigdor and Stanford were both well up in distances this year, 1115m and 903m so I think a lot more parents had options! As far as I know Davigdor was forced to take yet another bulge class so that helped a lot (though it must be stuffed to the rafters now!)

[clarexbp]

Good news Brightonhome - it looks like a great school.

Just to update, we decided to go for Brighton & Hove High School in the end, and our DD will be starting reception in Sept. If anyone else has also got a DD starting reception and would like to meet up beforehand, give me a shout. :-)

[Brightonhome]

Hi 3MonthMaid. We have just got a bursary and scholarship worth 6,500pa off the fees of approximately 15,000pa for years 7 and 8 at BCPS. This makes it affordable for us. Reductions are there if you need them (and we need them!!)

[soolewis]

Try Sompting Abbotts Prep in nearby Lancing - lovely little school.

[clarexbp]

Hi 3Month

maybe see you there in a year or so :-)

[3MonthMaid]

Hello again... We have decided on St Christopher's, many reasons for that, not least that they can stay to 13, after which there are a few more options.

The ratio of girls to boys is pretty much equal these days.

Brighton College is just too expensive and too far away to be ideal, deepdene is really not for us, BHHS is all girls which we don't want and a windlesham didn't appeal.

We are looking at admission into year 3 next year.