George moved on to Brighton College in Year 9 with an Academic Award
George, in his Brighton College uniform
I considered a few different senior schools, including Lancing College and Seaford College, before aiming for Brighton College entry.
Its prestigious academic reputation was definitely a big factor in my decision. I wanted to set myself up for university, with strong GCSEs and A levels. I was also impressed with the school’s facilities and social feel. And I liked that Brighton felt friendly and safe, and had good transport connections.
The entrance tests at Brighton are quite extensive. They begin in Year 6, with an online test in English, Maths, non-verbal reasoning and verbal reasoning. In Year 7, I had to do pre-tests on site, as well as two interviews. Most offers received are conditional on certain grades in Common Entrance or Scholarship. But luckily, I got an unconditional offer (and that took the pressure off).
I got to go to taster days to get an idea of how the school works. In the end, I secured the Millennium (all-rounder) Scholarship. I was also offered an Academic Scholarship, after completing my scholarship exams on site.
George (far right), at Sompting Abbotts, with other pupils in his year group
Brighton College is very different from Sompting Abbotts. All told, the college has over 2,000 students on the campus (which is much smaller than Sompting Abbotts’ 30 acres!). Green space at Brighton is limited. Though there are lots of off-site areas to play sport within a short coach journey. But I definitely still miss Sompting Abbotts’ extensive grounds.
There are about 220 pupils in my year. Most Year 9 pupils at Brighton College seem to come from the independent sector. Children from the state sector tend to join at the 11+ stage (Year 7). There are quite a few full boarders at the college too. They come from all parts of the world, which is great. It means you get to learn about different cultures.
Settling in at a new school of this size was always going to be difficult. But there were lots of activities put on to help you get to know other pupils.
At first, everyone stuck with their friends from their old prep schools (a lot come from feeder schools in the area). But after the first half term, these groups got forgotten. Then it was easier to make friends across lessons and extra-curricular activities.
I’d definitely recommend Brighton College. It is academically focused, and feels pressured at first, so you have to be ready for this. The acceptance tests need plenty of preparation. Luckily, there are dedicated textbooks and practice tests online.
George (far right), with other pupils from Sompting Abbotts, during their Year 8 trip to Cornwall
The workload was definitely more than at Sompting Abbotts when I first joined. But that’s normal. As you get older, you have to expect more homework. There are weekly tests in most subjects,. The results are to guide teachers about how to structure their teaching, so you shouldn’t worry.
I’ve now passed ten GCSEs. [French (9), Latin (9), Biology (9), Chemistry (9), Physics (9), Geography (9), Photography (9), English Language (9), English Literature (8), and Maths (8)]. So I’ve just begun my A Level studies [Politics, French, and Geography] in the Lower Sixth.
I’m aiming to study Journalism at uni. My ideal career would be in journalism – maybe specialising in sports coverage.