Prep schools: Hurstpierpoint v Handcross Park

[Wallina]

We are moving to West Sussex from London. DD (8) has a place at both Hurstpierpoint and Handcross Park. We are told they are very "different" from one another. We are attending their open days, but does anyone have any recent experience of either school and is willing to give their opinion of it?
Thanks in advance!

Yes, I know both schools somewhat. They are quite different from each other.

You may know this already, but Handcross Park has changed a bit since being bought by Brighton College. It's become more hothousey, though still nothing compared to some of the London ones! Obviously the school environment will be quite different from Hurst as it is Prep only. Do you anticipate / want her to go to Brighton College for Senior?

Hurst will be considerably less academic than HXP, but is a great all-round school with good facilities. Obviously the Senior department will be a million times easier to get in to than Brighton College. I know a couple of families with girls at Hurst Senior who are very happy with it, but I also spoke to the Head of a local Prep who said that the school is on a downward trend currently and that quite a few of the children he sent there recently have been unhappy. I think the general perception in the area is that when it comes to all-through schools, Ardingly College is a better choice than Hurst (they're actually owned by the same group) although the boarding at Hurst is said to be nicer.

Perhaps have a think about if the HXP leading to Brighton College route or a more 'all-rounder' school such as Hurst / Ardingly will suit more in the future?

Thank you! That's interesting. In fact we chose Handcross before seeing your reply, much for the considerations you suggest, which is reassuring!

Glad to hear you made a decision OP. Hope she enjoys it there.