Brambletye, Copthorne Prep or Lingfield College

[Rals80]

Hi,
Can anyone please share any recent experience with any of these schools? Looking for a prep school with attached nursery and can't decide which one would work best for us? My daughter will be 2 years old next year and I want to enrol her somewhere where she could stay until secondary school at least.
I couldn't find any recent reviews, so any feedback will be great. Thanks.

Hi, we have two at Lingfield. One started in the reception, the other nursery. Generally fine, not sure we’ll keep them there for senior school, but really lovely teachers and a lovely learning environment in the prep.

Thank you for the feedback, just out of interest why wouldn’t you keep them for senior? We decided on Copthorne Prep for primary in the end and was thinking Lingfield College for secondary.

We've heard awful things about the culture in the senior school (from families who currently have children in both prep and senior) - there seem to be a lot of parents with “heavy involvement” who influence a lot of decisions, and cause a number of issues, which aren’t appropriately addressed by the school. We know a number of families who’ve taken their children out because of this. The facilities and opportunities aren’t great compared to other local schools, and there just doesn’t seem to be anything outstanding about it.
That being said, we know people who’ve got on very well there, so it’s really all about what you’re looking for.
But the culture is definitely what puts us off.

That doesn’t sound good, thank you for the info, I have read mixed reviews here but there weren’t recent, so your feedback is much appreciated. Thank you.

I would definitely recommend going to see all of the schools, what is right for one child might not be for another. Copthorne Prep is a lovely nurturing family-feel school.

Thank you for your reply, we have chosen Copthorne indeed. Do you have a child there, and if so, what has been your experience so far? We loved it during the open day visit.

Ah great news. I haven't got a child there, but have been working closely with the team there and love the feel of the school. Hope your little one loves it. Forest School looks like so much fun!

What about The Hawthorns if your in that area? Excellent nursery. Very sporty school. Its a proper prep to age 13.

We didn’t include that one in our search as it is slightly further out than the other three from where we live but I know it has a good reputation.

I removed both my children from “Lingfield College Prep.”
There is a strong “bully” culture. Head and teachers have contempt for children
and parents.
My children left the school scared of their own shadow. Traumatised!
When I raised my complaints and filed a “Subject Access Request,” it was evident that information was deleted from systems and record logs changed. (Gaslighting)
Dishonest and underhand.

However, my husband and I found an amazing school in Pease Pottage. My children are now thriving.

Other parents I knew at the school, have also removed their children with similar experiences. They are now happy with their new choice of school.