Recommendations for private school in Brighton for girls

[SurprisedParent]

This is my first post on MumsNet as I'm looking for a school for my daughter. In general the views I've had from multiple parents who go to each of the main 3 private schools and my own visits are:

1. Brighton College. Clearly the best academic results but it's not clear how much of this is through the skills of the school or from selection of the child. Every parent I've spoken to says they politely encourage children who aren't predicted A's to leave or change/ drop subjects. Having said that the parents all still liked the school. The facilities are amazing, it's fairly central compared to Roedean, the students go on to a varied set of international unis and degrees (which may just reflect the relative affluence of parents), it's mixed and the head gives by far the best speech of all 3 heads (he concentrates on nonacademic parts of the school and is quite witty and confident). I was shocked to read about MumsNet asking/ being asked for the identities of people with negative criticism of BC. These threats of legal action and the idea of asking people to leave are so ridiculous I don't think I'll apply for my DD (and this is despite her being academic, personable, fairly sporty and musical). I went to a highly academic school which always ranks as the top school in the part of the UK I grew up in and it was selective to a degree but I never heard of any children being pushed out for academic reasons. I also don't Iike how it seems to own/ be affiliated to other schools. This is a real shame as I thought it would be my top choice when we first started looking. 90 odd percent GCSE>= 7 grades is attractive still...

1. Roedean. Lots of space albeit a bit windswept. The outside of the buildings and swimming pool look dated. The most peripherally situated of the 3 so you really do need transport. The art department seems to churn out particularly impressive work and the maths department really are on the ball (eg very well structured syllabus, the head of maths was engaging, they adopt new tech that sounds like it would work). Having various bands playing 90s indie hits along the corridor during the open day made me smile (and was a nice difference to the usual classical/ West end numbers). It doesn't feel as elitist as BC (which is a bit strange as I always think of Roedean as being more famous pre 2000s at least). My DD was leaning towards this school of the 3 after open days initially. 75% for GCSEs

1. Brighton Girls. Very central/ seven dials type location. It had the fewest facilities eg no swimming pool/ playing fields (at least on site). The bald science teacher was very engaging and the careers guidance team seemed relatively clued up. Combing websites, it seems to have the worst reviews in regards to bullying but you never know if this is just one or two disgruntled but loud parents/ students skewing the reviews. Or having read about the threat of litigation that could explain the lack of posts about Brighton College! After school clubs are numerous and seem reasonably popular. It seems by far the least elitist of the 3 which appeals to my DD and partner. The GCSE 7s or above score does worry me at only 50% as does posts from about 4 yrs ago about dwindling finances/ numbers of enrolled students. However my DD has friends already accepted to go there so it's become her top choice...

Personally I haven't heard of any bullying at any of the 3 schools and 1 child who went to one of them had left another school (not of the 3) for bullying.

I suspect they're all decent but it would be lovely to feel more confident in which would be the best for my DD. Any tips including via PMs would be much appreciated

I used to live in the area. Roedean is about 15 minutes on the bus along the coast from the train station. In my life, that’s very convenient.

Thanks. Any recommendations based on other aspects than location?

Nope.

DD at Roedean and is very happy. Academically supported to achieve her potential and amazing opportunities for her co-curricular passions. We have had no negative experiences to share, only positive. Definitely the right choice for DD, they focus on the individual achievement and all the staff are very passionate and committed. Poor behaviour is not accepted at all and there is a constant emphasis on inclusivity, any bullying - which has been very low level and rare in the years my DD has been at Roedean, has, as far as I know, been dealt with extremely quickly and effectively. Not the same experience at other independent schools where friends children attend.

Brighton College is an excellent school if finances are not a hindrance (up to 50 k a year with all the extras) AND your child is extremely academic and conforming. They do weed out those who are not expected to get all As, or have them take the exams as "independent applicants" (that is, not represent BC) which explains the success rate. The atmosphere is very corporate so definitely not a good fit for everyone.

Lancing College is within reach and offers generous bursaries for those who have attained scholarships. The amount of academic work is reasonable when compared to BC and the co-curricular options are amazing. They have a bus service to Brighton and lots of international students, so it's not as provincial and shut off as it might seem at first.

Christs' Hospital is a school rarely mentioned in the mix, but it is academically selective and offers a real-world experience, as due to extremely generous bursary scheme it welcomes based on talent, not family finances. Living in Brighton, you would most likely have to board to attend, so it is not for everyone, but definitely worth visiting. The traditions and grounds are breath-taking.

Hurst also runs a bus service to Brighton and is academically good, although pales in comparison to BC and Christs Hospital. It is very sporty and has a nice community feel to it, so perfect for a more academically relaxed, active child.

Things I have heard about BC is that the grades are boosted by the high rate of "dyslexia" and "dyscalculia" diagnosed within the school so students will qualify for extra time in exams.
Also ask if planning to board about rules for "visitors" from different houses

I can give a review of Brighton Girls.

The results are indicative of the fact that it’s not super selective. You have to pass an exam, but they are more into potential than achievement. Probably 50% of girls come from state primary which is great and far more representative of life in general. They used to be very generous with Bursaries but I think post pandemic this is harder.

the head changed about 5 years ago and you either love her or loathe her. There is no doubt that she is driving the school to be modern and forward thinking but she’s rather single minded.

yes Mr Marsh the science teacher is great. A lot of the teachers are actually.

they do a lot of sports, but the fields are off site. That doesn’t matter really as they have a fleet of minibuses.

I don’t think the roll is falling at all. I believe it’s growing now after having been a bit lower pre pandemic.

I don’t regret my DD going there. Roedean and Brighton College were never considered for her though. Just not into that “old school” public school style. I know kids at both though and the above is an accurate description.

and yes - a friends son was “managed out” of BC. Other friends kids weren’t and they got extremely impressive results.

I would argue Roedean is not old style public school in any way.

Roedean unfortunately no longer lives up to its former reputation. Since Mr Blond's departure, the school seems to have lost a sense of strong leadership and direction. Rather than investing in top-tier teachers and sports coaches, there’s been a noticeable shift towards hiring average staff — some of whom lack the ability to truly inspire or lead successful programmes.
While there are certainly some excellent teachers at the school, there are also serious gaps — particularly within the STEM department, where teaching quality has let many students down, and the school doesnt seem to bother addressing these concerns.
In terms of facilities, it's disappointing to see that promised investments haven’t materialised. The swimming pool remains dated, and the science labs haven’t seen meaningful upgrades. Aside from a new library and minor theatre refurbishment, there’s been little improvement in recent years.
In hindsight, we regret moving our daughter from her previous academically rigorous school. Roedean has potential, but at present, it falls short in several key areas that matter to both parents and pupils.

Not sure if this is now an old topic but I have had several girls at the school … my reflection is, it is only as good as the current head
My Older girls had an amazing experience / education .. now the junior school is sold and all in one site the facilities are cramped
I honestly think the current head will be the schools downfall. She “kicked” the whole year group out for a couple of students pranks
Many parents were livid as at work and getting distressed calls from girls early afternoon having been told to leave immediately
no coats .. no way to get home
No safe guarding .. illegal ?
the woman has a mean temper
if I had a girl now wanting to go private I would not entertain the school whilst Rosie is there
Real shame as so many fantastic teachers hanging on there and the school ethos was always amazing

We are looking to move from London to Brighton (sorry yes another one 🫣) so am hoping for a little insight into some private schools for my daughter who is currently in year 3.
I have filtered it down to these ones:
Brighton Girls
Sompting Abbotts
Our Lady of Sion
Old Lewes Grammar
The good, the bad and the ugly all welcome. Thank you in advance 🙏🏻

@Lec4rael I would suggest you start your own thread, as your question is slightly different to the first poster on this thread. You might otherwise find that people start to answer the original question instead of yours.

Make sure the title of the thread mentions the area/schools so it is easy to spot.

Hi sorry I didn’t realise I hadn’t done that - thank you 🤦🏼‍♀️