Longhill in Brighton - is it all that bad?

[Brightonian76]

Hi,

So further to my post the other day I still really don’t know whether to look at moving house to get in a better secondary catchment.

We’re currently in Woodingdean so Longhill it would be for our son. Is it really as bad as people say? It’s rated ‘good’ on Ofsted but what are the main problems it has compared to, say, Stringer or Varndean?

I spoke to someone who went there as a child and says that he worked hard and did well and that any hard working bright pupils will do well anywhere. Any views on this?

No experience of Longhill I’m afraid but have you tried posting on the Woodingdean Community Facebook group? There’s often threads on Longhill versus BACA etc. & also talk about children from Woodingdean going to Lewes Priory & schools in Peacehaven & Seaford. Hope you find the info you’re looking for.

So you need advice on the current situation. I went to one of the other schools you mention and it was much better than Longhill at the time. Then the catchment area switched with Patcham and the other schools you mentioned went super downhill. My siblings went to Patcham and it started shit and then went got massively better because the catchment and parents were better.
I would try and find parents of kids at each school and find out. Or join the local Facebook groups.

Yes it is. Please dont send your child there. Friends daughter came home crying everyday because she hated it. Lots of people move within the first year. Have friends who hated working there.

Hello was this recently? Thanks

I’ve heard it’s dire but thats mostly based on gossip from parents that don’t live in the LH catchment.
However, my husband’s friend used to work as a replacement teacher at local secondaries and he said that it lived up to its reputation.
If you’re able to move Varndean seems to be the school of choice for those in the catchment.

Thanks, was this recently?

Yes.