“Brighton College –One word: exceptional.”
Tatler
Welcome
At Brighton College Prep Handcross, we are incredibly proud to be part of the United Kingdom School of the Decade: Brighton College.
Brighton College Prep Handcross is a happy and vibrant school for girls and boys aged 2 to 13. We believe childhood is precious and want our pupils to enjoy this special time for as long as possible, within an environment that offers a wide range of stimulating opportunities for growth and development, both inside and outside the classroom.
Our school is purposeful, ambitious, forward-thinking and, most importantly of all, it is kind. Set in 52 acres of idyllic countryside, we offer an exciting, bright and buzzing family school, where we are well known for our welcoming atmosphere, high academic standards, outstanding teaching and exceptional care for every child. We offer full, weekly and part-time boarding in our wonderful and newly refurbished Boarding House.
I would love to welcome you to our school so that you can see and feel the magic of Brighton College Prep Handcross for yourselves.
Jonnie Besley Headmaster
A Culture of Kindness
Our outstanding teachers support each child individually in their health, wellbeing and mindfulness, as they make their way through an exceptional educational journey.
We develop every child’s kindness, honesty, self-discipline, good manners and consideration for others, creating a culture where all feel valued and understand the impact which their actions have on those around them.
Never forgetting there is a whole world beyond our school, we encourage children to look outwards, and to care for others and for the environment. Our pupils always rise to the challenge of supporting a wide range of local and national charities.
As pupils move from Nursery through to Year 8, we help them build empathy and inner confidence. The pursuit of wholehearted effort is our priority; whilst the school encourages and praises high standards of achievement, we believe that who you are is as important as what you achieve.
“Brighton College: where confidence, kindness and curiosity are championed.”
“Brighton College: a masterclass in education.”
Tatler
A Love of Learning
Academic excellence is at the very heart of a Brighton College education. We have the highest expectations for pupils, in terms of personal progress and academic attainment. This is achieved by fostering in each pupil a love of learning, curiosity about the world around them, and an intrinsic motivation to be the very best version of themselves.
Subject-specialist teaching introduces our pupils to a wide range of exciting and varied areas of learning, from Mandarin to music, and from design technology to art and drama. Our 52 acres of stunning grounds provide ample opportunities to take learning outside the classroom. With outdoor classrooms, a dedicated Forest School, substantial sporting grounds and even our own beehives – the opportunities are endless!
We provide a superb, all-round education that stimulates, challenges and captivates young minds. Our bespoke academic curriculum is complemented by a wealth of sports, STEM, music and creative and performing arts, as well as a wide range of exciting activities and residential trips.
When children leave Brighton College Prep Handcross at the end of Year 8, they are confident, resilient, academically curious and – most importantly – kind.
Innovation
Our pupils are challenged to adopt a growth mindset; to strive to achieve their best and opt in to all the challenges presented to them. In return, we inspire, excite, enthuse, nurture and show children how to be successful lifelong learners.
Our innovative curriculum means pupils are busy, collaborative and energised as they take advantage of a wealth of the most cutting-edge technologies and approaches.
Whatever their talents, pupils are given the encouragement and support they need to pursue their interests to the highest level. Pupils not only enjoy an outstanding record of scholarship awards, but regularly secure regional and national titles across a wealth of disciplines.
We have the highest aspirations for all children at Brighton College Prep Handcross, and work together to support them in achieving their full potential in every area of school life.
“Pupils are well prepared for a future that can’t even be imagined today.”
Tatler
As part of Brighton College, one of the leading sporting schools in England, our school is extremely well-equipped to awaken a love of sport and physical activity in our pupils, while nurturing their sporting talents.
We have incredible sports facilities, including a wealth of football, cricket and rugby pitches, allweather pitches, athletics tracks, netball and tennis courts, and our fantastic indoor sports facilities include a swimming pool, climbing wall, cricket nets and even our own 6-hole golf course!
Sport is an integral part of school life and provides a platform for children to explore new challenges, discover hidden talents and ultimately have fun, whilst maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Sport at Brighton College Prep Handcross is not only competitive, but also inclusive. Through sport, our pupils learn the importance of sportsmanship; how to win with grace and lose with humility.
Specialist sports lessons commence in Reception, and weekly competitive fixtures begin in Year 3. A strong record exists in our core sports, including success at regional and national levels, along with a number of sport scholarships achieved every year.
“Sport is high profile; the school regularly wins county titles, with fixtures available for all levels of ability.” Good Schools Guide
Sport for All
“The school is universally brilliant in the arts.”
Good Schools Guide
Performing Arts
Pupils at Brighton College Prep Handcross participate in music, drama and dance from Nursery upwards, and perform in front of their peers and parents on a regular basis. Every child has lessons in music and drama each week with our specialist teachers. Essential skills are developed including singing, internalising rhythm, coordination, confidence and public speaking.
Our girls and boys are introduced to a wide range of instruments and styles in their music lessons. We also offer a wide range of ensembles and music groups to build on skills developed in
class. Private tuition is available, and all instrumental and vocal lessons are delivered by our team of excellent peripatetic teachers, who are themselves successful practising musicians.
Opportunities for drama include a thriving LAMDA programme. Pupils are given the opportunity to flourish and develop their skills, both on and off the stage. Each term sees a different large-scale production, where pupils can showcase their talents. Our pupils enjoy an excellent record in securing scholarships in the performing arts.
“Brighton College: A true centre of excellence in all things.”
The Telegraph
Creative Arts
Art is taught in a modern, light and airy Art and Design Centre, with a wonderful gallery that showcases our pupils’ fantastic work, and that has its own garden space for outside creative work.
Specialist art teaching starts early, with children encouraged to express their own ideas and experiment with a wide variety of media, as well as learn from the work of important artists through the ages.
As well as painting and drawing, there is a wheel and kiln for pottery lessons, sewing machines for textile work, and state-of-the-art cameras on hand for photography.
Design Technology is taught in a spacious and well-equipped workshop. Pupils discover different stages of the design process, and the various tools, materials and techniques that will turn their ideas into reality.
We are proud of our record number of art, photography and design technology scholarships achieved each year.
The Secret Garden
The moment you step through the gates into our walled Secret Garden, you know you are somewhere very special.
Our Secret Garden is home to our Pre-Prep and Nursery, for children aged 2 to 7. The welcoming and friendly environment, purpose-built buildings and idyllic walled garden offer a perfect nurturing environment full of opportunities to develop and extend your child’s interests, strengths and passions.
Nursery is made up of two classes: Little Owls (aged 2 to 3) and Wise Owls (aged 3 to 4). We also offer a
“A magical place of willow arches, cherry trees and every sort of adventure equipment.”
The Good Schools Guide
weekly toddler club called Mini Owls. Inspiring and engaging classrooms lead out to dedicated outdoor spaces for each Nursery class. There are chickens, mud kitchens, vegetable beds and bespoke outdoor play equipment. Girls and boys enjoy our woodland trails as well as weekly swimming lessons in our heated pool.
Within the Pre-Prep, we value the importance of developing the whole child, fostering childhood and a deep love of learning. Traditional values are combined with a curriculum focused on high academic standards, to ensure every child reaches his or her full potential.
Children are naturally curious, and we feed this with our creative approach to learning, focussing on creating memorable opportunities and taking children on a journey of discovery, so that they are excited and engaged in their learning every day.
The Secret Garden is located right next to the Prep School, meaning all our school facilities are on its doorstep: our swimming pool, sports hall, AstroTurf pitches, science labs, art rooms and, of course, our wonderful grounds and dedicated Forest School.
“Boarding School of the Year 2024”
Independent Schools of the Year Awards and TES Awards Shortlisted
Boarding
Boarding at Brighton College Prep Handcross is an incredibly special experience for each and every one of our boarding pupils. A supportive family environment that promotes independence, as well as a strong sense of belonging, assures our pupils that this is their home away from home.
From Year 4 (age 8), we offer a familystyle boarding experience for either full, weekly or part-time boarders. Our beautiful Boarding House sits in the heart of the main building and is run by our House Parents and live-in Matron, as well as our Boarding Tutors, who are also class teachers.
As a boarder, your child will benefit from the academic support of the teachers during supervised prep sessions. They will also take part in a wide range of exciting evening and weekend activities, ensuring your child’s experience is educational, social, busy and, most importantly, fun!
Evening activities include pottery, art, drama, swimming, golf and movie nights, with BBQs in the summer and camping in our wonderful school grounds. At weekends, boarders visit exciting attractions including the Tower of London, South Downs Planetarium
and have even participated as flag bearers at Harlequins rugby matches! The opportunities are truly endless.
We have a comprehensive bus service that picks up pupils from Sussex, Surrey and London. Our London service collects pupils from pick-up points across the city on a Monday morning and returns them on a Friday evening.
Within our beautiful Boarding House, your child will make friends and memories that will last forever.
During term time, we offer an extended day, allowing flexibility for your family. During the school holidays we offer a variety of clubs including Art and DT, Multi Sports, Forest School, Cooking, Craft Club and many more.
We have over 100 clubs held during breaktimes and after school. From Lego Robotics and Science, to Chess, Judo and Filmmaking. We also invite external coaches to run clubs; including Rugby Tots, Chelsea Football and Inspire Dance School.
Our extensive daily minibus service offers a number of routes across Sussex, Surrey and London. Our highly-trained drivers ensure your child arrives at school each day safe and happy, ready to embark on a day of learning and play.
Flexible Care
Start your Journey
STEP
1
Register
Complete our online registration form and pay our non-refundable registration fee.
STEP
2
Assessment
Following registration, your child will be invited to a Taster Day or an Assessment Morning (Years 3 to 8), for informal assessments in maths, English, and non-verbal reasoning.
For children being considered for a place in our Nursery or Pre-Prep, your child will be invited to join us for a Taster Session.
For children being considered for the Prep School, the Assessment Morning may be followed by a Taster Day (or overnight stay for a boarder), so that they can experience a day in the life at Brighton College Prep Handcross.
STEP 3
Offers
Your child will be offered a place on the basis of a successful Assessment Morning and/or Taster Day.
Brighton College Prep Handcross Admissions
+44 (0)1444 400526 and choose Option 1
“Brighton College: one
of the hottest tickets in independent education.”
The Sunday Times
Brighton College
Brighton College Prep Handcross is a proud member of the Brighton College family of schools. We have a very close relationship with Brighton College, and many of our pupils leave us to join the College in Year 9.
Brighton College is the country’s leading co-educational independent school. The College regularly achieves some of the best A-level and GCSE results of any school in the UK, whilst ensuring children enjoy a wealth of opportunities outside the classroom. Renowned for its focus on kindness, the College also excels in art, dance, drama, music and sport.
The ethos of Brighton College is to turn out well-educated, kind and intellectually curious young adults who are ready to play a full, active and positive role in the world. Brighton College combines academic excellence with a deep sense of community and social responsibility. The College was recently awarded the coveted title of United Kingdom School of the Decade by The Sunday Times
