Ardingly College

[plummie29]

Hi everyone! Interested in any recent experiences of Ardingly College. Have seen some mixed reviews, and keen to hear from anyone with real experiences from the senior school as considering for Y7 entry. DC sat the entrance exams this past weekend and really wants to go if they get in!

Hi there, yes, I posted a question recently and had some quite mixed responses in the thread and via PM. It seems to be very marmite - people’s experiences seem polar opposites! Some people I know rave about how the pastoral care is fabulous and how warm and welcoming it is (my DC feels that too), whereas others have said it’s really pushy and uncaring! I guess everyone has their own experiences and expectations so you have to go with your (or your DC’s) gut. It would be my DC’s first choice too, if they make an offer. Luckily we won’t have long to wait to find out!

Thank you so much for replying - I saw your thread. I think as you say everyone’s experience is different. But if there’s anything really bad obviously would like to know before going for it! It feels like such a weighty decision doesn’t it, especially with the fees side added in too. Hope your DC got in ok in the tests etc! X

How many others did you apply for? Has your DC got ISEB this week as well?

We only applied for Ardingly and Hurst, which is on Saturday.

Really keen to get any perspectives on Ardingly & Hurst. Bumping for any insights! X

how are you getting on? Are you local? X

Yes we’re pretty local. Waiting nervously! Have you heard from Hurst yet? We didn’t apply there but a friend did and they’ve had their offer already!

Yes - we got an offer from Hurst. So depending on Ardingly some serious thinking to do! 😬

Congratulations! At least you have one offer, whatever happens, that must be such a relief

Thank you! How many are you waiting on? X

Only this one so far - otherwise won’t find out till January! Was hoping to get one in the bag before Christmas to take the pressure off but we didn’t hear anything today. Not sure if that’s a bad sign… Have you heard anything yet?

As a generation removed from Ardingly College I can now add a cautionary note as child has left.
The experience there for 8 years was not good. Started off ok in Pre Prep then detiorated in the Junior School. Could not wait to leave by year 5 but had only 1 year left before changing schools so had to stick it out.
To say the pastoral care was awful is an understatement. ..... I will say no more.
Lots of sport if you have a sporty child. If you don't its probably not the school for you.
Some members of staff appeared to have some sort of connection with the children the others not so much(1 in pre prep, maybe 2, the other 2 in Junior school)
Apart from the school looking lovely,( but with a few Oliver Twist era style classrooms, ) and the Summer Fair and Bonfire Night being very well organised, not a lot else was good..... The cricket pavilion seems to play a main role in the school boast.
The education side of things.....further ahead than state primary schools if that is what you are looking for. But, beware ,if your child has any learning issues. This child had none but the happiness factor and confidence factor reduced rapidly as time went on.
To balance this out I am sure some are happy at the school and thrive well. Our experience was not one of happiness quite the opposite.

I know this thread is old, but I also know lots of parents will currently be considering places for their children in 2025 and may come across this. I hope you whatever choice you made OP your child is happy and thriving.

We have children at Ardingly currently spread across three areas of the school and all are very happy. They are completely different children with completely different needs and the school is supporting each one in different ways. It’s early days for us, but we are happy with the school.

The new head mistress in the prep is extremely caring and genuinely seems to want each child to thrive. Yes, there are teachers who aren’t as enthusiastic as they might be, but they are in the minority.

We moved from a state school and I have been quite surprised at how full on the school is. I spend a lot of time at the school for various meetings, presentations, sports fixtures and concerts, but at least it means I feel connected with my children, even if we are all exhausted by Friday afternoon. Better happy and exhausted than bored and miserable. I have also learnt with independent schools, if you don’t like it you can just move your child elsewhere.

Our experience was awful. My children both look back on their time there with awful memories. Outdated attitudes and some teachers with ridged thinking. I’d go as far as saying it’s a dangerous insular institution and time will catch up with them. The culture of fear, the vigilance. I really regret sending them there.

F

Hello,
I see this is an old thread, but since we have received an offer for Year 9 boarding at Ardingly College, I am currently gathering some opinions and feedback from parents.
To be honest, I am a little confused and even slightly shocked by some of the negative comments I have read.
We visited the school and my daughter really liked it there. We still do not know how things will be once she actually starts studying there.
If possible, could you please share some opinions or experiences?
Thank you in advance!