Christ's Hospital, Horsham

[whatwouldsueheckdo]

Hi, is anyone with any current knowledge of this school able to give me any insight? I've found a few threads but most of them are pretty old.

We're on the cusp of turning down a day place for DD to start Y7 in Sept, in favour of a smaller independent school that is nearer to us and more practical for various reasons. BUT I have a lingering doubt that we're walking away from something potentially really special! Not being able to visit the schools this year is making a hard decision even harder so I'd love to hear from any current / recent parents.

Mine has been left a few years now.

What do you think you are walking away from?

Mine is also just about to turn 21 so left 3 years ago. Do you follow them on social media? They post quite regularly on facebook so you might get more of a feel for the school?

Did you read about Dobby? Have you asked the school what safeguarding processes have now been put in place?

Mixing with peers from all walks of life?
Being part of an amazing choir/band/orchestra?
Taking part in sport is highly encouraged?
Discipline of studying?
Activities such as pigeon clay shooting and climbing readily available and affordable?
Being taught amongst those of a similar academic standard?

Disclaimer - personal experience from the past: many troubled young people, drug use, mental heath problems. Don't think that just because it's a private school with fabulous facilities doesn't mean it avoids the usual difficulties of a state school.

@Tempusfudgeit I agree I don't know a single private or state selective or not that doesn't have those issues

I work in a private school, and we have just as many mental health/drugs issues as any other school. Sadly there is no escaping them :(

When my son suffered from mental health issues CH was amazing at supporting him though.

Thanks everyone.
Good question randommess - we really like the ethos of the school and the broader curriculum feels like it would give DD a lot of opportunities, including things like art and drama that she is passionate about. Its larger than our other option though and she can be quiet - so I do wonder if she'd get a bit lost in the crowd.
Might end up tossing a coin! DD likes both schools though of course its mainly based on websites and a couple of video calls, I think in other years it would have been easier to reach a decision.

For a secondary school going from yr 7 to 13 it's not that big. DS 'knew' everyone in his year and he was very quiet too. There are enough pupils for everyone to find their 'tribe' however small.

I did see that you were looking for a day school though, just bear in mind that by the age of 13 she might be begging to be a boarder!

A friend of mine’s son boards there and loves it (16), he’s a very extroverted energetic kid so benefits from boarding. His parents would say the opportunities there and the social mix (he is middle class, has very rich and very poor friends, and friends from all over the world) are much greater than the rural independent that was their alternative.

I think they currently feel that like a lot of traditionally boys’ public schools it isn’t very structured and they are wondering if he could do with a bit more of that.

But overall, for the right child - it’s great I think.

Don't assume that because Christ's Hospital has a more inclusive and social ethos it doesn't breed snobbery and entitlement. My experiences posting on the old pupils unofficial website (to say nothing of the official one, from which I've been banned) show that some pupils still hold the same exclusive attitudes that you might find from Old Etonians or Harrovians. Too much time in a "total institution" (as modern-day psychologists call them) can cut you off from real life.