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

[Rivvy]

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!

Even more delighted - daughter flourishing. School is embarking on £10 million pound expansion and upgrade of facilities which are already pretty good. Sadly no separate theatre but school just done My Fair Lady and Judi Dench whose grandson is is in the school has raved about it - best school production ever - so what we have is doing just fine!

Must just add to MABS' comment about Hurst's result being better that you can't compare Ardingly's results to hurst (or Brighton Collge) as half the sixth form do IB and hence Ardingly do not look so good in A level league tables. In fact they are 9th in the country for IB out of 350 schools - but the Head does not like league tables (agreed!) so school never boasts about it. Must say in 2 years dd has not had a single poor teacher and from all the work i used to do in schools I can say this is SO rare!! Definitely treat Ardingly seriously - and it has a lovely atmosphere. The Head recently led a successful nationwide campaign to get the obnoxious Little Gossip website closed to schools because over 100 pupils contacted him to object to it - pupil power from nice pupils!

I was actually talking gsce results as it happens, not A levels.

I attend Burgess Hill and have done for nearly 14 years. Just starting my GCSE's and absolutely love the school. i considered leaving for college, however i decided to stay, as i dont feel ready to leave. everyone is so friendly, class sizes are small and teachers are extremely supportive.

burgess hill has offered me so many opportunities, and a rounded education, including sport music and academics.

schools like hurst, worth, and ardingly provide 'a complete solution to live' in my opinion. school days are long and many activites are compulsory. burgess hill on the other encourages you in what you want to do and will support you in what you decide to take part in.

i play the violin, attend byo, dance and row, so a school that meant i wouldnt get home until half six was just not practicle. i get home at half four everyday, so have plenty of time in the evenings to relax and do what i want to, not what my school wants me to.

i hope this helps, and i would really recommend my school, and i hope you consider it.

as for the girls aspect, i do not feel it has got in the way of my social live, as i have the time available to meet new people away from my studies.

Watching this one with interest. DS has been at Birghton since Nursery in the Pre-Prep. Now in Year 10. Would never consider else and still won't. He loves it, is very sporty (not at all muscial or drama) and is academic. Has been happy every single day he has spent there.

i absolutely loved brighton and applied for college there.

however, not prepared to get up at 6 every morning and have a 12 hour day! so used to the flexability of BHill that Brighton just can't offer.

loved it there though!

I was thinking whether to chose IB or A level at Ardingly? Anyone has any views?

San1211, i think it depends if you know specifically what you want to do in the future. if you have no clue about a possible career, then maybe choose IB as it keeps a broadness that isnt offered by A level's. However A level's go into so much more depth which in my opinion is more valuable. hope this helps

Rivvy, if your child is doing GCSE level maths at the age of 8 I wouldn't even contemplate Ardingly, Hurst or Notre Dame as they will not be academic enough for your DC. Brighton would suit your child well if DC is so far above for their age! I know a few parents who sent their kids to Ardingly and they were very disappointed with it as it didn't support their kids at all! One child went to Ardingly and then moved to brighton after GCSE's as it wasn't a school were he felt he could work hard without being picked on etc. He is now at Brighton and loves it!