Education Choices AUTUMN 2021
TH E KEY TO YO U R CH ILD’ S SUCCESS
BLACK HISTORY MONTH Celebrations at Swaffield School, Wandsworth
CLASSROOMS OF THE FUTURE
Interview Dr. Sandie Okoro
Leading the way on the global stage Dr. Sandie Okoro discusses the importance of using her ‘voice’ to support gender and racial equality
High Mistress at St Paul’s Girls’ School, Sarah Fletcher, discusses introducing a multi-modal approach to GCSEs
BLACK BRISTOL SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMME KICKS OFF!
Forty students join £1m diversity initiative
SUSSEX SCHOOLS SPECIAL – INCLUDING MAINTAINED AND INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS PLUS A SAVILLS PROPERTY UPDATE
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FROM THE FOUNDER
Dear Readers, I am thrilled that so many leading experts, schools and universities feature in this very diverse edition. We are honoured to include Dr. Sandie Okoro and also my old EMAG partner, Val Crolle, among many... We hope you enjoy reading this inspiring edition! Email: chloeabbott@educationchoicesmagazine.com
‘Be bold enough to use your voice, brave enough to listen to your heart, and strong enough to live the life you have always imagined.’ Winnie the Pooh
Reading Corner Winter Warmers for early teens The Percy Jackson Series: these books are action packed and would be great for anyone who likes Greek mythology. Suitable for girls and boys aged 9+ years.
Author: Rick Riordan
The Explorer: a plane crashes in the middle of the Amazon Rainforest with a group of children onboard. This follows their tale of fighting for survival. Can be slow at times, but worth sticking with it. Suitable for boys and girls aged 9+ years.
Toffee: heart-warming, touching book about a girl who runs away from her abusive father. The girl finds safety in an unlikely friendship. Suitable for boys and girls aged 13+ years.
Author: Sarah Crossan
Love, Secret Santa: this is a teen romance that can melt your heart like Christmas pudding. Suitable for girls aged 10+ years.
Author: S.A. Domingo
When the Sky Falls: an emotional rollercoaster about an angry, out of control boy who has been sent to the city during World War II. Suitable for boys and girls aged 10+ years.
Author: Phil Earle
Author: Katherine Rundell
The Extremely Embarrassing Life of Lottie Brooks: helps young girls navigate through the challenging chapter of secondary school. Suitable for girls aged 9+ years.
Author: Katie Kirby
Spylark: a boy uncovers a terrorist plot and must stop it before it is too late… Suitable for boys and girls aged 10+ years.
Author: Danny Rurlander
The Wolf Wilder: Feo and her mother take in wolves that have been treated badly. Their job is to set them into the wilderness to let them roam free, but a dangerous man has kidnapped Feo’s mother and is threatening to kill the wolves.
Suitable for boys and girls aged 11+ years.
Author: Katherine Rundell
The Hunger Games: this sci-fi novel follows contestants from rural areas fighting to the death. The winner receives riches, food and electricity for its villages. Suitable for Girls and boys aged 11+ years.
Author: Susan Collins
By (Mini) Chloe Stewart
EDUCATION CHOICES MAGAZINE | AUT UMN 2021 | 3
SPECIAL FEATURE Inclusion and Diversity/Parent Perspective
EDUCATION CHOICES PODCAST INTERVIEW WITH
Dr. Sandie Okoro Dr. Sandie Okoro discusses the importance of using her ‘voice’ to support gender and racial equality and shares some insight into her childhood and education that enabled her to become a diversity and inclusion champion and take her current position as General Counsel at World Bank and Senior Vice President.
CAREER What are some of the most exciting things that you feel that you have achieved so far in your dynamic and diverse career? I am currently at the World Bank as General Counsel of the World Bank Group, and Senior Vice President. It was a big one, it was a really big step up in terms of GC role, and being in an area of development where it is all about ending poverty is huge and something I’ve hugely enjoyed. I would also say that some of the things that I have done outside of work have been really important to me: the work I have done promoting gender equality, racial equality – all of that on the diversity and inclusion side, many different forms of things that I am very, very proud of. So, I would really say that the balance between this sort of day job, and getting this big job at the Bank, and doing the work that I have been doing on diversity and inclusion. At the Bank at the moment, I am Chair of the Anti-Racism Task Force, which is something that came into being about a year ago, and I am very proud of the work that we have been doing there. It is a lot of work to do. We’ve recently done an Anti-Racism charter internally, so it is really taking that concept of racial equality and equity forward. So, I think there are many different 1 4 | EDUCATION CHOICES MAGAZINE | AU T U M N 2 02 1
things, all of which I think tie up together. I would really encourage anybody out there, no matter what age they are, no matter where they are in their careers, to do a little bit extra on the side. If you’re a pupil at school – get involved in extracurricular activities around diversity and inclusion. In your work, in the charities around you, everywhere because it is really important because your voice is very needed and we need everybody involved. To hear more about HSBC please listen to the podcast
“If you’re a pupil at school – get involved in extracurricular activities around diversity and inclusion. In your work, in the charities around you, everywhere because it is really important because your voice is very needed and we need everybody involved.” »
EDUCATION CHOICES MAGAZINE | AUT UMN 2021 | 15
SENIOR SCHOOL NEWS
Supporting young people from the very beginning Lancing College works hard to make new pupils feel at home Every year Lancing College welcomes between 150 and 200 new pupils who join the school in the Third, Fourth or Lower Sixth Form. From the moment they join they become part of a warm and encouraging community. Whether day or boarding, they all benefit from the all-inclusive care and support of the Lancing ethos. A comprehensive joining pack, provided well in advance, helps reassure our new joiners and allows families to plan in time for the September start. During the Summer Term new joiners come to Lancing for the ‘new pupils’ day’ alongside their parents. House staff and a pupil buddy are in touch over the summer to make the initial connections. The programme for the start of term is vital to offer the initial encouragement and
support needed, especially when joining a new school. First days of school for new joiners focus on group activities and social opportunities to get to know the school and make friends. Third Formers arrive one day early to settle in and explore before existing pupils return; the first days include orientation, music, drama, sport, and a workshop with the School Prefects who answer questions about college life. A formal lunch for the Lower Sixth gives an opportunity to meet with the existing members of the year group as well as teachers and other staff. The induction period continues with various gatherings and year group assemblies throughout
the year. Lancing Houses play a vital role within the school community: older pupils’ mentor the younger and guide them through the first few weeks at the school; House Captains look after a year group, keep a close eye on new pupils and organise social events. From the beginning of term, the Houses’ calendars are quickly filled up with barbecues, games or movie nights, sleepovers, bake-offs, and many other activities to facilitate socialising within the House. Deep friendships and memories are made in Houses. For those pupils who might be struggling with homesickness or anxiety, the Housemaster/ Housemistress and other House staff, the Chaplain, and nurses in the school’s Health Centre are always on hand to support every individual; the solution might be as simple as a good sleep and a chat, or a referral to our School Counsellors. The Peer Supporters are also around for a chat; they are pupils in the Sixth Form who are specifically trained to provide support and advice to their fellow students. www.lancingcollege.co.uk TURN TO P52 to read some top tips on settling into university
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Senior School & Sixth Form
Be inspired Be brilliant Be you Registered Charity Number 1076483
INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE
What are the benefits of taking the IB? The IB offers students at Box Hill many opportunities In the Sixth Form at Box Hill School, our students are fortunate to have the choice of two academic programmes; A Levels and the International Baccalaureate Diploma (IBDP). Both are academically rigorous and well regarded by top universities, the choice of programme is very much down to which suits each individual. Box Hill School provides a lot of support and guidance to help our students make this informed decision. We are extremely proud to be an accredited IB World School and have been running this programme with great success for over 15 years. The IB offers: Great preparation for higher education by developing the types of skills students will need for future studies. For example, all diploma students complete an extended essay, requiring independent research aligned with the study requirements at university. Amassing critical thinking skills, through the mandatory “Theory
of Knowledge” subject, which encourages the acquaintance of knowledge and the understanding of how this can be applied with greater awareness and credibility. A broad and diverse curriculum (six subjects plus the core) providing a well-rounded holistic education equipping students with the diverse knowledge to pursue a range of university courses and career opportunities.
07738238273 info@cjaeducationalconsultancy.com www.cjaeducationalconsultancy.com
Chloe Abbott
Educational Consultant • Introductory meeting to get to know your family and your child/children • Assessment when required to establish your child’s levels • School advice for both primary and secondary in the London area and beyond • Support and advice on suitable school choices
Students have the opportunity to take part in a programme of education that can lead them to some of the highest-ranking universities around the world and the UK. Personal development through the CAS (Creativity, Action, Service) component of the IB enabling students the opportunities to get involved in projects outside the classroom. “The IB is a truly great academic programme because it develops every aspect of the individual. It enables students to perform well academically but equally importantly it encourages them to become curious about the world around them whilst equipping them with critical thinking skills. IB students tend to develop well socially and emotionally, and we see in terms of their personal growth that they set themselves high standards, preparing them for university and life beyond.” Julian Baker, IB Programme Co-ordinator, Box Hill School.
• Booster sessions in key exam skills
CONTACT: www.boxhillschool.com Place your stars in our hands... 3 4rising | EDUCATION CHOICES MAGAZINE | AU T U M N 2 02 1
EXAMS EXPOSED
Education, Assessment, and Classroom of the Future Re-evaluating the GCSE curriculum and introducing a multi-modal approach I would like to conjure two images. The first, an imaginary workplace with space for quiet working and areas for meetings and collaboration. There are powerful computers that drive new technologies. Teams of people, diverse in background and skills, are working together both in person and virtually. There are deadlines, but it is accepted that new ideas can be messy and that there will be risk. It is better to try something and fail early than not to try at all. Now we see an exam room: desks separated, rigidly aligned, front-facing. Collaboration is forbidden, breaks are supervised, notes and research are left at the door. Access to the outside world has been disabled. Those with dispensation to use computers are confined to another room. The task is strictly timed and an “off day” is not to be countenanced; there is only one chance to get it right and the answers are predetermined. The contrast is stark. There is, of course, a place for exams. The ability to work under pressure is important. They can act as a powerful motivator, and memory is a muscle we need to learn how to flex. But over the past few years, rote learning has taken root and stress levels have risen inexorably.
The need for mass produced tests and the chimeric search for “reliable” grades has driven out the openended questions that might invite deep thinking, support a growth mindset, and encourage fresh ideas. Academic success has trumped fabrication and technical skills and narrowed the relevance and appeal of what we teach. It is time to re-evaluate our approach. A slimmer curriculum at GCSE would free time for creative, collaborative enquiry, and enable a more personalised approach. It would offer scope for interdisciplinarity, critical thinking and ‘wicked’ problem solving. A renewed focus on digital skills, technical proficiency and the creative and performing arts would prepare young people for the broader challenges of the 21st century, hand, head and heart, while investment in technology would enhance collaboration across sectors at home and abroad. Fresh ideas and opportunities, underpinned by a multi-modal approach to assessment, would breathe new life into the curriculum and enable us to nurture the wellbeing, personal growth and multifaceted talents young people need to thrive in the modern world. The classroom of the future could be an exciting place, rigorous and demanding, but individually affirming and rewarding too. MRS SARAH FLETCHER, High Mistress – St Paul’s Girls’ School www.spgs.org TURN TO P44 to read about preparing to study abroad
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BLACK HISTORY MONTH
SWAFFIELD WEBSITE LINK: www.swaffield.wandsworth.sch.uk/News/ Community-Projects This links to films from Swaffield [2020 BHM]: Ms Crolle’s Black Lives Matter assembly explains in a clear and sensitive way the importance and impact of this worldwide movement, the need to combat injustice, and highlights the influence that even a single voice can achieve when it speaks out: www.youtube.com/watch?v=1G8YufRWYrQ
In our “Red Card to Racism assembly” Ms Crolle interviewed her son, ex-Swaffield pupil turned professional footballer, Kieron Cadogan. Kieron talks honestly about the highs and lows on his journey into football and of his resilience needed to overcome adversities faced on and off the pitch. www.youtube.com/ watch?v=EUnRfbpXeSQ&t=728s Wandsworth Council invited Swaffield to produce a film to be part of their celebration of Black History Month. Watch it here. www.swaffield.wandsworth.sch.uk
TURN TO P19 to read about how the language we use can be changed
Celebrating Black History Month at Alleyn’s School The Minority Students Union have worked hard to explain its importance to fellow students Student leadership has long been a strong feature of Alleyn’s, and it is no surprise that our pupils have taken an active role during Black History Month, just as they have led in our recent work on gender equality and LGBTQ+ rights. In addition to organising a series of events to mark Black history, our Minority Students Union (MSU) – a student-led group dedicated to combating racism – gave an
inspiring address to the student body to explain both why BHM is so important and why it is vital to embrace diversity all year round. Their powerful talk presented personal perspectives on why outstanding figures, such as Yvonne Conolly, remain exciting, inspiring, and relevant; it has also highlighted the value of being proud of one’s own identity, and the need to create environments in
which that pride can be celebrated and respected. With a clear nod towards intersectionality, they highlighted how reactions towards their own identity shaped their sense of self and their daily experiences. Finally, they explained the importance of meaningful allyship and what this requires of us all. For the remainder of the month – amongst various talks and a poster campaign celebrating less well-known inspirational Black figures – the MSU are working with our English Department to review texts for inclusion within our future curriculum. We are proud that they are being so proactive in promoting change in our society. MRS LIZ THORNTON, Head of Lower School www.alleyns.org.uk CLICK HERE to listen to Dr. Sandie Okoro’s interview
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INCLUSION AND DIVERSITY AT UNIVERSITY
Black Bristol Scholarship Programme kicks off! Forty students join £1m diversity initiative Forty Black students are preparing to take up places at the University of Bristol as a new scholarship gets underway. The University’s Black Bristol Scholarship Programme was launched to address the underrepresentation of Black students. Starting this month, the scheme will see scores of students given bursaries, postgraduate funding and targeted careers support. One of the inaugural scholars, David Afikuyomi, who will be studying for an MRes in Economics, said: “I was lost for words when I received the scholarship. This is one of the best things that has happened to me and I’m incredibly grateful. “The University of Bristol has always supported me since I finished my undergraduate degree six years ago. “Ultimately, this funding helps my dream to complete a PhD in Economics. As one of the first people to receive this scholarship, I hope that I can set an example for others with a similar background to pursue their research aspirations.” Funding for the first four years of the Programme – totaling more than £1million – comes from the University of Bristol’s generous community of alumni and friends. It adds to a range of other support which feed into one of Bristol’s core aims: to be an antiracist university. Initiatives include week-long summer schools (Insight to Bristol), support to prospective students and their parents through
David Afikuyomi, one of the inaugural scholars
Year 13 (Next Step Bristol), and free one-to-one counselling for BAME students provided by a specialist partner organisation. The University also runs the Be More Empowered (BME) for Success programme, which employs and trains current BAME students as advocates to work with students and staff to understand challenges faced by BAME students. Over the past five years student undergraduate enrolments to the University from Black students have more than doubled. The Scholarship builds on this success. The £250,000-a-year programme includes: 20 Black Futures Scholarships, which provide undergraduate students with both a bursary and targeted support from the Careers Service, alongside funding to support employability opportunities. Three postgraduate scholarships for students within the University’s Widening
Participation programmes, encouraging students to progress to taught master’s programmes. £125,000 to grow the Opportunity Bristol studentships, which will support around four to five students within the research community to embark on postgraduate research master’s degrees, preparing them to pursue funded PhD opportunities. Four PGCE scholarships to increase the number of Black teachers in the UK’s education sector. Two Black Humanities master’s scholarships per year which will fully fund two teachers to complete the unique interdisciplinary course either full-time or part-time.. Professor Judith Squires, Provost and Deputy Vice Chancellor, said: “I am really proud to be welcoming our first cohort of Black Bristol scholars. “This landmark scheme provides much-needed positive support for highly talented students, addressing the historical under-representation of Black students at our University. “A huge thank you to our evergenerous alumni community, who are once again helping to change the lives of those who come after them.” Fewer than 1% of the professors employed at UK universities are Black, and few British universities employ more than one or two Black professors. Overall, Black academics make up 2% of the total working at UK universities. www.bristol.ac.uk
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LIFESTYLE AND LIVING
Cozying Up Top tips to address the long nights and stay warm with winter looming
This is the time to look around us, to reassess our homes. We have asked so much of them over the last few months, whereas they could in the past feel slightly frozen in time, habitual and predictable. As life has opened up, in contrast, days are now shortening and we are wanting to huddle again, find our cozy corners, and nestle with a good book and a cup of cocoa. It does not mean there are entirely less demands on single spaces to fulfil a variety of briefs; many of us still work from home and have grown accustomed to exercising in the living room… Space is not elastic but as we have seen under duress, can reveal itself quite generously in its interpretations; the same room having very different atmospheres,
revealing multiple identities. We find ourselves doing the best we can with homes that can only do what they can do… So how do we make this work and yet recreate a welcoming, warm and comfortable retreat? The key is in the trifecta of storage, focus and light. A room whose multiple personalities are constantly on show on equal footing can be welcoming in a lovely, slightly chaotic way, because the eye never knows where to stop, and is quite literally constantly distracted. It is not, however, conducive to focusing and relaxing. It is ideal to include within the room or elsewhere in the home, a dedicated storage area for the temporary identities, ie. work, exercise, homework,
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ironing, basket-weaving… So it can all be put away and the room starts to breathe more freely. A more pared down, airy layout, allows for circulation and, indeed, reflection. A certain serenity is infused within a room that breathes, that leaves pauses in its allocation of voids and solids. An adagio rather than an allegro, let’s say. It does not mean the room cannot be lived in and show signs of daily battle scars. And too great pockets of emptiness can lend to the room an air of unfinished business and even coldness. In order to strike the right balance and make a room ‘work’, it must be given focal points. Look at the space objectively and identify its strategic areas: a particularly comfortable armchair, conversation piece of furniture or art, gathering spot like a breakfast bar, large wall or bay window, a fireplace… This then calls for special treatment. Providing it with a backdrop, a striking texture, colour or wallpaper, an area rug or rich frame, statement curtains, plants, funky bar stools, a throw and cushions in accent colours… So that the eye travels quietly on
“Once the space has its rhythm, a home for every tool, function, task and purpose, once it has been given focus and drama, it needs dressing up. And nothing dresses a space like light.” the surrounding calm elements, to have the pulse quicken when it reaches destination. Once the space has its rhythm, a home for every tool, function, task and purpose, once it has been given focus and drama, it needs dressing up. And nothing dresses a space like light. Light lends warmth, depth and colour, creates contrasts and shadows, to better reveal details and textures. Mix it up! Hide uplighters behind a sofa or on a wall to light up wallpaper or curtains – for the inner calm, metime pauses and the rediscovered romance. Set shaded lamps on low side tables at key cozying up and reading spots. For those decadent, last chapters to be selfishly devoured. Install directional spots or narrow beam lamps focused on plants, casting shadows or letting art stand out in all its glory. For the irresistible cackling evening catch up, gossip bouncing on the upholstery. Provide higher light
sources for broader gatherings or more general tasks. Give your rooms - and yourself - the luxury of mood options. Any room, in any type of residence, can be made to ‘work’ by using these three steps. Our homes all have their winning features and their best angles, as well as their challenges and quirks. I am a huge believer in the Japanese concept of wabi-sabi, an aesthetic philosophy centered on the acceptance of transience and imperfection, in beauty, in nature and in life. I feel now is the perfect time, as we have really gotten to know our homes intimately, inside and out, warts and all, in the middle of unprecedented and unexpected demands on our spaces, to embrace our perfectly imperfect homes and celebrate them, their uniqueness, and how we are made for each other. So look around you, smile and breathe – you are home.
MARIE-NOËLLE SWIDERSKI focuses on quality of life. That includes coordinating the interior architecture and design of her clients’ exclusive residential projects of varying scopes and budgets around the world with her studio GALUCHAT, as well as creating sustainable, thoughtful housing solutions to connect communities and generations and providing access to life-changing, natural hemp oil products to transform health, wellbeing and financial outlook. Marie-Noëlle started her international design career as an intern at Andrée Putman’s design studio in Paris, worked in Montreal and London before moving to Dubai to launch a comprehensive architectural and interior design studio, leaving Dubai in 2012 to settle GALUCHAT in London. www.galuchatdesign.com TURN TO P65 to read about the Sussex property market
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SUSSEX SCHOOLS SPECIAL FEATURE MAINTAINED SCHOOL OPTIONS
SOME LEADING MAINTAINED SCHOOL OPTIONS ALL are Ofsted rate “Outstanding”
PRIMARY SCHOOL HEADTEACHER CONTACT DETAILS St Luke’s Primary School Mrs Katherine Watson admin@stlukes.brighton-hove.sch.uk 01273 675 080 Downs Infant School Dr Hildi Mitchell 01273 293653 Downs Junior School Mr Giovanni Franceschi office@downsjun.brighton-hove.sch.uk 01273558422 Stanford Infant School Madeleine Denyer office@stanford-inf.brighton-hove.sch.uk 01273 555240 West Hove Infant School Mrs Wendy Harkness admin@westhove-inf.brighton-hove.sch.uk 01273 733386 Patcham Infant School Mr Chris Taylor admin@patchaminf.brighton-hove.sch.uk 01273 509 766 Barcombe CofE Mr Stewart James barcombeoffice@skylarkfed.education Primary School 01273 400287 The South Downs School Remo Palladino enquiries@thesouthfieldtrust.com (special school) Cuckmere House School Jim Cameron ContactUs@sabden.org.uk (special school) 01323 691000 Roselands Infants’ School Mrs Kyra Siddall-Ward roselandsoffice@roselands-stafford.org 01323 726764 Polegate Primary School Mrs Claire Martin office@polegate.e-sussex.sch.uk -O’Donoghue 01323482404 High Cliff Academy Miss Abby Kilgarriff office@highcliffacademy.org 01273 041471 Little Common School Mrs Linda Appleby info@littlecommon.e-sussex.sch.uk 01424 842297 St Peter and St Paul CofE Mrs Angela Hamill office@stpeterstpaul.e-sussex.sch.uk Primary School 01424 211073 Catsfield CofE Miss Caroline Garland office@catsfieldcep.e-sussex.sch.uk Primary School 01424 892247 Netherfield CofE Mr Chris Brown office@netherfield.e-sussex.sch.uk Primary School 01424 838323 Robsack Wood Miss Caroline Thayre office@rogsackwoodprimaryacademy.org Primary Academy 01424853521 Newick CofE Miss Natalie Alty admin@newickschool.co.uk Primary School 01825 723377 Ark Blacklands Primary Mrs Natalie Rankin info@arkblacklandsprimary.org Academy 01424429279 High Hurstwood CofE Mrs Jane Cook office@highhurstwood.e-sussex.sch.uk Primary School 01825733231 Burwash CofE School Mrs Debbie Gilbert office@burwash.e-sussex.sch.uk 01435 882440. Torfield School Mr Richard Preece saxonoffice@tasmat.org.uk 01424 426303 Parkside Community (Co Headteacher) office@parksideprimary.org Primary School Derek Hollywood 01435 86457& Helen Punter-Bruce Hassocks Infant School Mr Adrian Bates-Holland office@hassocksis.com 01273 842549
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ADDRESS Queens Park Rise, Brighton, BN2 9ZF Ditchling Road, Brighton, BN1 6JA Rugby Road, Brighton, BN1 6ED Highcroft Villas, Brighton, BN1 5PS Portland Road, Hove, BN3 5JA Highview Avenue South, Brighton, BN1 8WW Barcombe Cross, Lewes, BN8 5DN Beechy Avenue, Eastbourne, BN20 8NU Eastbourne Road, Seaford, BN25 4BA Woodgate Road, Eastbourne, BN22 8PD Oakleaf Drive, Polegate, BN26 6PT Southdown Road, Newhaven, BN9 9FD Shepherds Close, Bexhill-on-Sea, TN39 4SQ Buckhurst Road, Bexhill-on-Sea, TN40 1QE Church Road, Battle, TN33 9D Darvel Down, Battle, TN33 9QF Whatlington Way, St Leonards-on-Sea, TN38 9TE 63 Allington Road, Lewes, BN8 4NB Osborne Close, Hastings, TN34 2HU Chillies Lane, Uckfield, TN22 4AD School Hill, Etchingham, TN19 7DZ Croft Road, Hastings, TN34 3JT Beechwood Lane, Heathfield, TN21 8QQ Chancellors Park, Hassocks, BN6 8EY
SUSSEX SCHOOLS SPECIAL FEATURE MAINTAINED SCHOOL OPTIONS
PRIMARY SCHOOL HEADTEACHER CONTACT DETAILS Eastbrook Primary Academy Mrs Natalie Naylor office@eastbrook.w-sussex.sch.uk 01273 874 050 The Gattons Infant School Mrs Sarah Gospel office@thegattons.co.uk 01444 235071 St Lawrence CofE Mrs Marianne Brand office@stlawrencehurst.co.uk Primary School 01273833229 Blackthorns Community Mrs Sarah Neller office@blackthornprinaryacademy.org.uk Primary Academy 01444454866 Seaside Primary School Mr Lee Murley schooladmin@seasideprimary.co.uk 01903876300 Upper Beeding Primary School Mrs Rebecca Linford office@upperbeeding.w-sussex.sch.uk 01903 812 288 Groombridge St Thomas’ Miss Angela Nicholls office@groombridgest-thomas CofE Primary School .e-sussex.sch.uk 01892 864305 Turners Hill CofE Mr Ben Turney office@turnershillschool.org.uk Primary School 01342715412 Forge Wood Primary School Miss Jo Newton info@forgewoodschool.org 01293850651 Pound Hill Infant Academy Mr Thomas Jordan office@phiacademy.org.uk 01293873975 Maidenbower Infant School Mrs Sarah Harper office@maidenbowerinfant.w-sussex.sch.uk 01293 886324 Manor Green Primary Mr David Reid office@mgprimary.co.uk School (special school) 01293 526873 Heron Way Primary School Mr James Crump 01403261944 Southwater Infant Academy Mrs Christie Cavallo office@southwaterinfants.co.uk 01403 733254 Broadwater CofE Mrs Natasha Simpson office@broadwaterce.org Primary School 0190323589
ADDRESS Manor Hall Road, Brighton, BN42 4NF Royal George Road, Burgess Hill, RH15 9SL Trinity Road, Hassocks, BN6 9U 3 Blackthorns Close, Haywards Heath,RH16 2UA Freshbrook Road, Lancing, BN15 8DL School Road, Steyning, BN44 3HY Corseley Road, Tunbridge Wells, TN3 9SF Church Road, Crawley, RH10 4PA Somerley Drive, Crawley, RH10 3SW Crawley Lane Crawley, RH10 7EB Harvest Road, Crawley, Crawley, RH10 7RA Lady Margaret Road, Crawley, RH11 0DU Heron Way, Horsham, RH13 6DJ Worthing Road, Horsham, RH13 9JH Rectory Gardens, Worthing, BN14 7TQ
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SUSSEX SCHOOLS SPECIAL FEATURE INDEPENDENT SCHOOL OPTIONS
Buckswood School Buckswood is an independent, inclusive, co-educational day and boarding school for 10-18 year olds, where every child is empowered not to be ‘the best’ but to be ‘their best’. Small class sizes allow inspiring teachers to support and guide every student through the various educational pathways: GCSE, A Level, IB, and a UFC in Business Management. Whilst academic success is important, Buckswood believes a good education extends beyond the classroom and therefore offers an extensive co-curricular programme, as well as specialist academies for football, rugby, equestrian, golf and netball. Buckswood is committed to making a difference to people’s lives, rewards talent and outstanding ability with academic or sport scholarships, and bursaries. www.buckswood.co.uk
Burgess Hill Girls Our mission at Burgess Hill Girls is to develop your daughter into one of Tomorrow’s Women. Our facilities, curriculum and philosophy are completely designed to provide girls with the skills and opportunities they need to fulfil their potential. Girls have the complete freedom to be bold, to take risks, to challenge themselves, to try new experiences and to make and learn from their mistakes. Burgess Hill Girls accepts girls from ages 2 to 18, with boarding from age 11. It is set in 14 acres of beautiful grounds within a conservation area in the centre of Burgess Hill, West Sussex. www.burgesshillgirls.com
Christ’s Hospital School Christ’s Hospital is a remarkable school; it is the UK’s leading charitable school and largest bursary charity. The School was established in 1552 and provides free or substantially reduced cost places to over 630 of its 900 pupils each year – this is more than any other organisation in the UK. Through first-class education and exceptional pastoral support, Christ’s Hospital provides each pupil with stability and the opportunity to thrive and fulfil their potential. 98% of pupils go on to university and leavers take with them the confidence and resilience they will need to achieve success at university and beyond, as well as to make a meaningful contribution to society. www.christs-hospital.org.uk
Conifers School Conifers School is a co-educational school for children aged 2 – 13 years. Located in the heart of the South Downs National Park, Conifers is able to provide a supportive space for its pupils to explore their passions and follow their dreams. With its aim to give its pupils’ a ‘zest for life’, its pupils are often awarded scholarships at a range of national and local independent schools. Children can join in the Nursery or Pre-School, before Reception. www.conifersschool.com
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SUSSEX SCHOOLS SPECIAL FEATURE INDEPENDENT SCHOOL OPTIONS
Cottesmore School Cottesmore School is an award-winning academic boarding prep school for boys and girls in West Sussex, less than an hour from London. Cottesmore is one of the few full boarding co-educational prep schools in the UK and has been preparing children for major public schools since 1894. It provides excellent preparation for senior boarding schools who share Cottesmore’s belief in nurturing a rounded, dynamic individual. Endeavour and fun are the most important elements of intellectual life. Success follows an explosion of discovery and purposefulness. Leavers’ destinations include: Eton College, Downe House, Harrow, Cheltenham Ladies’ College, Radley College, Benenden, Winchester College, Wellington College, Marlborough College, Charterhouse, St Edward’s and other top schools. www.cottesmoreschool.com
Cumnor House Cumnor House Sussex is one of the country’s leading independent prep schools for children from the ages of 2 to 13. Situated in the heart of the Ashdown Forest, Cumnor lives by its motto of Aim High, Be Kind and Dare to be Different. It places the child at the centre of all it does, looking each day to help them become the very best version of themselves. The unique Cumnor Foundation offers talented children access to a free independent school education from the age of 8 to 18. www.cumnor.co.uk
Dorset House School Dorset House School in Bury, West Sussex, is a co-educational Pre-Prep and Prep School for children from 4 – 13. `Be the Best You Can Be’ is its school motto, and it is woven through all aspects of school life for both staff and pupils. Dorset House strives to improve continually, everything that it does, and the impact and benefit of this on the pupils’ school experience, is always at the forefront of its mind and i ts prime motivation. `DH’ children are characteristically kind, happy, confident, resilient and articulate. They move on to their senior schools, many with scholarships and awards. www.dorsethouseschool.com
Eastbourne College A traditional heart, a modern mind. Founded in 1867, Eastbourne College has always done things differently. It’s proud of its heritage, but is always looking forwards. Progressive and innovative. Empowering its pupils to question the answers and find their own path in life. Set in idyllic coastal surroundings, this is a place that truly makes a lasting impression. In 2021, 82 per cent of the grades awarded at A-level were A*-B. Fifty per cent of the School’s top achievers were girls with six going on to study at Oxford or Cambridge University. Boarding, day, and family-friendly flexibility included. The main points of entry are Year 9 and Year 12. www.eastbourne-college.co.uk
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