Horsham Secondaries

[AppleMagnolia]

Hello!

I’m planning on moving to the Horsham area with my partner and two kids (currently G5 and B3), and am wanting to land in as good place as possible with regard to secondaries so we don’t need to move again. (I’m fully aware things could change quickly if there is a new head etc, but still trying to do some due diligence now!). Ive read every thread I can on here, and understand that the local state schools have quite different cultures/ flavours, and was wondering if any locals could unpack that a bit. Tanbridge and Bohunt are currently top of my list, but v much open to others. We are currently in N London so popping down for open evenings isn’t straight forward! Any intel on primaries that are particularly good (and bad!) in those catchments would also be really helpful. Thanks so very much in advance - I so appreciate any intel you can provide - planning such a big move always feels like such a big leap of faith!

I would move to the catchment of Tanbridge. Consistently oversubscribed, great results and very well thought of locally. However, it is worth noting that people living in catchment in the south of Southwater don't always get in... this may even out a bit though as Millais is going co-ed next year, which will increase the number of places for boys locally.

Bohunt is good but some people are put off with their culture to do nearly everything on ipads.

In terms of primary schools, there are no bad ones.

Maybe join a couple of the local parent Facebook groups - always lots of talk about the schools and their pros and cons.

This is so helpful - thankyou for taking the time

I am also interested to know more about secondary schools, does anyone have insights on both Bohunt and Forest?

Hi @qwerty7a I have a DS in Year 10 at Bohunt, so would happily be able to answer any questions about the school if there's anything in particular. I know Forest fairly well and had no issue with it as a school, the choice between the two was very slight and we just went with personal preference rather than anything specific that we felt was "wrong" with Forest.

I don't have any issue at all with the use of iPads in Bohunt. We've had no issue with it, my DS uses it appropriately and finds it convenient to do his homework on it. He doesn't use the iPad for anything other than school things, he has other tech at home that he uses for non-school things.

Thank you very much @ImitationOfDignity one of the main things would like to understand is in relation to discipline, bullying and teachers. Mainly when visiting it during open morning it appeared to us kids were very much under pressure as to what answer to us so unsure if it is due to very strict rules, but obviously could be very wrong. Love Bohunt facilities, but unsure whether there is enough personal/emotional support rather than a performance only approach. It is a difficult age and trying to choose the best option really... Thank you very much in advance.

My personal experience is that the children tend to behave well in general, not because there are very strict rules and draconian punishments. It is a normal secondary school not some sort of Michaela academy type place! There is a pretty standard behaviour policy, the children get points for positive conduct and negative points for minor issues like not doing homework or not bringing PE kit. There is a very typical detention system with the usual range of detention types, and subsequent sanctions if that isn't working.

From my experience with the teaching staff, they are genuinely interested in the children and are keen to develop an environment where people care about each other and their wellbeing. My DS is predicted 7s to 9s for his GCSEs but he is not pressurised to achieve results, there are just high expectations and the support is there to achieve.

There are lots of extra curricular clubs at lunchtime/after school, something for every type of child. They are all encouraged to try out the clubs and pick up at least one extra curricular.

I would say that my quirky and sensitive DS is thriving both academically and personally/emotionally.

@ImitationOfDignity thank you for taking the time to explain a bit more, it's very appreciated. I guess everyone will have different personal experiences, and it's always good to hear different opinions. Thank you again!