Lingfield College

[Nectar444]

Hi, my son is currently in Reception at Copthorne Prep and he loves it there. However, we’ve just moved house and are finding the journey a bit much - especially with the tricky parking at the school. Does anyone have any experience of Lingfield College please? Obvs we don’t want to move schools just because of the travel time but just wondering what other’s experience is of Lingfield. Our other son would also be joining the nursery if we were to move his brother. Thanks

I see you’ve not had any replies yet. I don’t know about Lingfield specifically but I know Copthorne. I think the parking situation there is exacerbated at the moment by the drop offs not being as staggered as usual due to no breakfast club because of Covid. It should get easier when bubble restrictions are eased.

Thank you. Yes I’m sure that’ll make things easier. It’s taking 40mins each way on a good run and the car park situation makes pick up quite stressful! So I just thought I’d explore options a bit closer to home...

Are you also being affected by the West Park Road closure? Another problem which should be temporary but is very annoying in the meantime!

Have you managed to get any opinions from Lingfield parents anywhere? Local Facebook group perhaps? I don’t know anyone currently at the school, I had a friend with kids there until recently but they have now left. I could ask if you think it would help.

That’s really kind of you to offer, thank you. I’ve now asked around and found a few friends of friends have children there and are mostly positive about it. I’ll ask on FB too - thanks for the suggestion!

Yes, once that road opens (at the end of the year apparently) it’ll cut the journey time to just over half an hour I think. So may just hold out, so hard to know what’s for the best!

I’m sure you already know this, but it’s worth bearing in mind that if you gave notice to move now you’d still be liable for fees until Christmas anyway because you have to give a full term’s notice. So you’ve got time to see how things go and get more information before you make a decision. Good luck!

I have only got experience of older years but the parents were happy with the school and the girls in questioned both thrived.

Thank you Enko, that’s really good to hear!

My children had an awful experience at Lingfield College, one was particularly traumatised. Teaching standards are very poor. The Head has contempt for the parents. Far better schools in the local area.

I have had 3 children going to Lingfield College who have been very happy there and successful in their learning. It is a friendly family school with good class sizes where everyone knows everybody. There is virtually no bullying which was a problem at a previous school; they address any bad behaviour firmly and quickly. Parking is rarely a problem as they use overflow space provided by the racecourse.

We also had an awful experience at Lingfield College. Our child did experience bullying but the school refused to acknowledge any incidents. I suppose there is ‘virtually no bullying’ when a school doesn’t classify bullying as such. In the end we took our child away because of the sheer arrogance of the senior leadership team. They also don’t ‘prep’ the children for anything other than transition directly through to the senior school. When we looked at other local schools as alternatives we were shocked at how backwards and under invested Lingfield was.

Placing my children in Lingfield College was like leaving my most precious plants in a dark cupboard with no food and water, and slowing watching them wilt.

However, on a positive note, I pulled my children out having noticed their confidence deteriorate. There were many red flags during their time there.
I found a wonderful school in Pease Pottage. They are now thieving in an amazing environment. They are now confident, and happy. As a result they are flourishing academically. In a strange way, Lingfield College have done me a huge favour treating my children so badly.

I totally agree with Tweetdy review.

Any parent who is underwhelmed with a private school’s response, or if their child experiences a terrible time e.g bullied by teachers or peers. They should inform the Independent School Inspector. Email [email protected]
It helps the ISI build a picture of the school when they carry out an inspection. So many people just walk away disgruntled and the school just carries on allowing bad behaviour to flourish.
Schools can be dishonest and underhand in order to cover up their failings.