Handcross has a very glossy image, which perhaps attracts a wealthier clientele, but some of it is probably marketing spin over substance. Often winning things like ‘Prep School of the Year’ but you have to self-nominate and not all schools have the time, inclination or marketing budget to apply! They are part of the Brighton College group (‘UK School of the Decade’!), so academics are strong and there is a general expectation the children will move on there or another highly selective senior school.
Copthorne has less highly polished marketing and a slightly less picturesque setting but has a lovely community feel. It’s less academically selective initially but the higher up the school you join the more hoops you have to jump through. The parents are relatively down-to-earth but mainly professional types and the academics are also high without too much pressure. Around 50% children moving to senior schools go with a scholarship and I am always agog at speech day at their achievements and demeanour! The school is extending to GCSE from September, although they assure parents they are not aiming to become simply an all-through school, and will continue to prep children for gaining access to other senior schools as well as attracting children from other local independent and state schools.
I think there is a benefit with both schools in starting in the nursery if you can. Once you’re in you’re virtually guaranteed a place in Reception and they don’t have to have tests, interviews or references. Then you should have a place as far up the school as you want to go, unless it turns out your child has quite significant additional learning needs or behavioural issues.
I hope that helps, sorry I don’t know Farlington. I’d recommend going and looking round, talking to teachers, children and parents if you can. You’ll know which is right for your child.