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Secondary education

Connect with other parents whose children are starting secondary school on this forum.

Original poster

Brighton College/Burgess Hill School/Reigate Grammar or St Catherines? Any ideas?

33 replies

Rivvy · 13/06/2010 21:21

We've got a few years to go but are debating private for senior. I am looking for an academic school that has a flexible approach. I would however like a rounded education not a hot house! Also a school with excellent pastrol care is important. Any comments?

Thank you!

OP posts:
LIZS · 14/06/2010 18:26

RGS is quite academically focussed, with sport and performing arts on the side, anecdotally not that flexible or strong on pastoral side.

Original poster
Rivvy · 14/06/2010 19:31

Thank you that was my impression!

OP posts:
Kammy · 15/06/2010 08:25

I had a friend that taught at Brighton College - she loved it and was very positive about the Head.

nickijc · 05/07/2010 11:41

What about Ardingly College near Haywards Heath? It is now a place for high academic achievers - and it's also hot on music, sport,art and on developing kids' social skills - public speaking, listening, good manners etc. Excellent atmosphere where the boys and girls care - and support each other.It has beautiful surroundings - everything is on tap; you don't have to take a bus to the sports fields, like you do with some of the inner-town schools nearby. Our three have been really happy - and excelled academically at Ardingly.

Original poster
Rivvy · 05/07/2010 20:28

Thanks Nick I was looking at their website last night. It didn't used to have the best reputation did it (goign back many years!) - but I think it has improved?

I didn't know it was that academic - it's not that selective though is it?

Ardingly is closer to us too.

I get the feeling Brighton and Ardingly may be more nuturing than the others?

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LIZS · 06/07/2010 08:42

I think Ardingly is less selective than Brighton. There are certainly less academically able children who go there but agree it can also achieve good results and is very popular for boarding at senior level.

MABS · 06/07/2010 16:23

Yes, Ardingly is less selective, Brighton very very selective. Have you not considered Hurst?

Original poster
Rivvy · 06/07/2010 17:53

I have considered Hurst but I didn't think it was that academic?

My dd1 is very bright, years ahead so I'm looking for somewhere where there are likely to be children like her. Also somewhere who would allow early GCSE if that is what she needs (she's already doing some GCSE level maths at 8).

She's very musical as well but although she enjoys sport will never be a sportswoman!

Thanks for your comments.

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MABS · 06/07/2010 18:19

far more academic than Ardingly without doubt!

dd did 3 Gcse in Year 9, 2 in Year 10 and will do another 7 in year 11. All A or A* so far. She is also a sports scholar, but isn't musical at all, tho the music there is great.

She was offered sport and academic scholarships to all the schools mentioned here, but we chose Hurst over them all, far better vibe and more rounded education we felt. Drama is also marvellous there.

Original poster
Rivvy · 06/07/2010 18:28

OK thank you - got it wrong again! It's so hard to judge different schools, all you get is the schools marketing and a bit of gossip!

Do they have an 11+ intake?

OP posts:
LIZS · 06/07/2010 19:28

All have an 11+ intake. Worth might be another option (just going coed) or Lingfield Notre Dame

MABS · 07/07/2010 07:01

yep, Worth are great too, as Liz said, all do 11 intake.

mrspink27 · 07/07/2010 08:04

very musical? How about Lancing?

mrspink27 · 07/07/2010 08:05

Notre Dame - not especially musical - Brighton - depends if you mind a city campus and if you warm to the head!

MABS · 07/07/2010 08:14

a good point Mrspink ;-)

LIZS · 07/07/2010 08:16

Head of ND leaving next summer .

Original poster
Rivvy · 07/07/2010 08:23

Thank you everyone. I guess this is where being in a prep school helps as you get help and advice from school.

Is Brighton's head a strong chatacter then!?

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Tashtodd · 07/07/2010 21:13

My dd is at RGS, they do push them hard academically, detentions if they miss homework etc but it is a lovely school overall and the sport facilities are second to none

nickijc · 08/07/2010 18:00

My DD1 achieved 12 A* GCSEs at Ardingly College - and several others in her year group also achieved high. She and my other children are extremely musical, as soloists and members of the choir, orchestra, jazz and cabaret groups. The great thing about Ardingly is that it is not a hot house; it nurtures both the highly able, talented and academic; yet it also brings on those who find aspects of academic work challenging and enables them to build on their strengths, without reinforcing their weaknesses. I'd definitely consider looking there for your daughter. The prep school there is great too - one of my daughter's friends did GCSE maths while there, before going up to the senior school.

Original poster
Rivvy · 09/07/2010 09:16

Hi Thanks for all the comments - so many schools to consider.

I think we'll be going to far more open days than I thought in October!

Nick - Do the brighter children fit in well? It looks like the sort of ethos I'm looking for but I'm just a bit worried about her still being 'one on her own'. Do you know if the scholarships hold much value or are they just honourary?

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midsussexmum · 20/07/2010 11:45

Been on holiday and just read all the discussion. Have you seen the Ardingly IB results post on the website - don't think it will leave you in any doubt about the academic standing! Much more academic than Hurst these days and less pushy & selective than Brighton. Ardingly keeps on a broad range of students but gets amazing results. Ok will come clean - am an educational consultant advising overseas parents but having therefore seen all the local boarding schools over the past few years, I chose Ardingly for my child and am delighted.

Original poster
Rivvy · 20/07/2010 13:12

Thank you msm.

I will go and visit next term. Do you know local state schools or just private?

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Buttercup38 · 26/01/2011 11:51

To midsussexmum.

Are you still happy with Ardingly? What facilities do they have in the school at senior and junior levels?

MABS · 26/01/2011 13:12

Ardingly is a great school,many friends there, but Hurst's results are better academically

meanttobe · 26/01/2011 14:57

For what it's worth I love St Catherine's (Bramley, I presume?). I went there myself and have looked at it again recently for my daughters at 11. It offers an excellent, broad academic education, coupled with great sporting and musical opportunities. I have life long friends from there, they have a strong old girls network (of which I am not a part of I hasten to add!). Great pastoral care, fantastic grounds.
That being said my daughter is due to start at Lady Eleanor Holles Junior School(Hampton) in September so it will be a battle to take her from her friends going onto the senior school! This is another academic option with a strong emphasis on extra curricular activities. No boarding however. Good luck with whatever you decide.