Sussex Prep school - Cottesmore, Handcross Park & Brambletye

[Whichschool123]

Hi, I am looking at Cottesmore, Handcross Park and Brambletye for our son who will start reception next year. We are looking for a good all rounder school which looks to bring out the talent of each child (academic, sport, music etc), with a caring and fun approach to education. Flexible boarding is likely further down the line (depending on the desire of our son to do so!). Does anyone have any recent experience please?

Did you decide in the end? We’ve been thinking along the same lines for our son whose due to start reception in sept. Brambletye too far for us unfort but I know ppl with kids there who rave about it and is a bit of a half way house between the v different offerings of Handcross and Cottesmore. We decided on Cottesmore in the end. Our daughter is starting nursery at Handcross too. Still very confused tbh but had to make a decision!

Thank you very much for coming back to me. We are still undecided as they are each so different, but we are rapidly approaching the time when we must decide. Would it be possible to let me know what swayed you in the end?

I just felt Cottesmore has more character and I like the less formal, less corporate culture. Also think small class sizes good when they are young. Also kids i met there were so polite and kind.
however I think Handcross probably gets better results - well it does - so im still not decided (even though eve made our decision!) Kinda hoping I could move my son to join my daughter at Handcross later down the line if I’ve made the wrong decision. But they’re v oversubscribed so a bit worried about it all tbh!
i think I would have chosen brambletye if we were closer to there. What’s your concern with it?

Thank you for coming back to me and I completely agree with your take on the two schools. Brambletye is closer to my home but further from work so, whilst a contender, would be a bit more difficult to get to and from work. It is a very difficult choice to make but I hope your children settle well in their respective schools.