Brighton College for Sixth Form

[Retrecir]

DD is in Year 10 and we're turning our attention to sixth form. She's currently doing very well academically. She's predicted all 9s (early days, of course), top of tops sets, wins end of year academic prizes etc.

I took her to a Brighton College open day a couple of weeks ago and she was very taken, as was I, mostly...

She's keen on somewhere very academic, where she'll be stretched in lessons and where the pace is quick. I, on the other than, am worried about the pressure being too much.

Are there any Brighton College parents who can advise? She's likely to apply for a weekly boarding place. Will she be swamped with work? Is there any downtime? Is it just an exam factory, or do teachers go beyond the curriculum? What is the culture like - friendly, hierarchical?

So many questions! TIA.

My niece goes and enjoys it. She moved there after obtaining a full bursary for a levels. Made lots of friends with plenty of fun times.

She enjoys the teaching and feels supported by the teachers.

Thanks @Birdseyetrifle. That's super-reassuring! Do you know if the day kids and boarding kids mix much?

I’m pretty sure l they do yes. I also used to do some bank nurse shifts there at the weekends some years ago, found the kids lovely and the teachers friendly. Kids seemed to respect them.

Have you looked anywhere else? Perhaps you need a point of comparison to make sure it is the right choice for your child?

Yes @Sjwilloughby13 we are considering several options, including her current (private) school and also a local state school and local (enormous) sixth form college.

The problem is not having a crystal ball! You can only pick up so much from an open day. And I have long come to the conclusion that schools are horses for courses - no one school suits everyone.

Did your daughter end up going to Brighton College? We are in very similar position considering 2027 entry for my daughter worried it’s only two years and whether it’s worth moving from her academic West London School but Brighton was incredibly impressive, and the teachers appeared in a different league

She has accepted a place @Gilmoreleaves but doesn't start until September.

Thank you for replying. Good luck to your daughter. I hope it all goes well if it’s okay I’ll contact you before. My daughter applies to see how the experience has been.