Hello,
I am currently considering secondary school options for DD (Yr 6) for 13+ entry in Yr 9.
When I spoke to the head of DD's prep school he suggested I look at Lancing, Hurst, Ardingly, Eastbourne, Brighton and Sevenoaks.
DD is extremely able in the more 'creative' subjects (English, History, Languages) but gets 'B's in maths and the sciences. She is not massively sporty, though good at gymnastics and dancing, and is very into drama, music and art.
Probably because I went to an all-girls school myself, I would prefer DD to be in a co-ed environment!
So far I have looked at Sevenoaks (exceptional results and fab facilities but I have reservations about the IB for my DD and I worry about the size of the school in terms of pupil numbers), Brighton College (impressive head but facilities pretty average and I am not a massive fan of the town itself) and Eastbourne (which I thought could suit DD well, but I am slightly put off by the fact it's full boarding with just the occasional exeat weekend, although I do completely understand the school's reasons for this re: overseas boarders being alone at weekends.)
While I know people who themselves attended or have had children at Sevenoaks and Eastbourne, I don't know as much about the other schools. I also have a friend went to Lancing decades ago and hated it, but I'm sure the school is completely different now!
I will be attending Open Days for Hurst/Lancing/Ardingly in Sept/Oct, but I wondered whether, ahead of that, any of the well-informed M-netters might have opinions/recent experience of these schools.
My school wish-list would be: Kent/Sussex area, co-ed, traditional ethos, rural-ish environment, medium-sized school so teachers know all pupils and can give them lots of individual attention/support, good facilities for drama/art/music, strong English department, weekly boarding/option to go home at weekends.
In case it sounds as though I am ignoring DD's opinion on the matter, I will take her to see a shortlist of two/three schools when I have decided on the ones I feel she would be happiest at.
Really grateful for advice/opinions!
WKMum