Sussex


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<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-where"><strong>WHAT? WHERE?</strong></h4>



<p>This warm, enthusiastic co-ed day school for children aged 3 to 13 sits in a gorgeously leafy campus in Hove, easily accessed just off Dyke Road. Originally called Mowden School, it joined the Lancing College family in 2002 and this year will send around 50 per cent of leavers on to the prestigious college.</p>



<p>It’s housed in a charming set of early 20<sup>th</sup> century buildings with acres of space out back, including recently rejuvenated playing fields and a brand spanking new Astroturf. Pupils are encouraged to get outside as much as possible and make the most of the site, which includes a Forest School for outdoor learning. The school has recently scrapped Common Entrance and pioneered a successful year 7 and 8 curriculum that allows pupils to shine not only academically but also in sport, creative arts and personal development.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-facilities"><strong>FACILITIES</strong></h4>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/12/LPH-new-astro-2023-IMG_8272-web.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-67069" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/12/LPH-new-astro-2023-IMG_8272-web.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/12/LPH-new-astro-2023-IMG_8272-web-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/12/LPH-new-astro-2023-IMG_8272-web-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/12/LPH-new-astro-2023-IMG_8272-web-787x525.jpg 787w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Pre-School sits in the heart of the school, having been moved from its previous more peripheral site as part of a five-year overhaul, and is a busy and playful space full of provocations &#8211; including a tortoise named Dave who is much-loved by pupils and staff alike.</p>



<p>The rest of the school extends outwards from here, through both reception classes with their own outdoor classroom and outdoor play space, to cosy but well-utilised classrooms for small and focused class sizes. The well-stocked library sits next to the main reception, in the centre of the school.</p>



<p>The music and drama facilities, tucked away on the edge of the school site so pupils can make as much noise as they like, are impressive. The art studio is another highlight, a breathtaking space full of equally breathtaking work, some of which is suspended from the upper gallery. A new hall, with inbuilt modern kitchen facilities and an upper viewing gallery, adds to the overall feeling of there being plenty of space for everyone.</p>



<p>There’s a robust, outdoorsy feel to the school and its community and the facilities reflect this. The fields are used in all weathers and all seasons. Sport is well-served especially with the new and very blue Astroturf which pupils make full use of.</p>



<p>Elsewhere classes have been refurbished and repurposed with fresh layouts and coats of paint. The upper years have their own space in robust hut-like buildings, former changing rooms, in which they keep slippers to change into on chilly days. A former computer room has been transformed into a light and inviting space for modern languages and a useful studio space has been vamped up to serve as an all-purpose hub for drama, sport, dance, gymnastics and much more besides. Looking ahead, there are plans to create a more cutting-edge computer room to reflect the depth of the tech curriculum, which has been expanded to encompass AI.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sport"><strong>SPORT</strong></h4>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/12/LPH-AA-Mowden-cup-IMG_7921.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-67070" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/12/LPH-AA-Mowden-cup-IMG_7921.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/12/LPH-AA-Mowden-cup-IMG_7921-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/12/LPH-AA-Mowden-cup-IMG_7921-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/12/LPH-AA-Mowden-cup-IMG_7921-787x525.jpg 787w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Sporty boys and girls will thrive here. As well as an all-round curriculum including weekly PE and games lessons, there are specialist coaches for football, hockey, cricket, rugby and netball. The move to the new co-ed sport seasons provides the opportunity for all children to play hockey, football and cricket, and they choose between netball and rugby. All children also do cross-country and swimming – which takes place at nearby Lancing College’s swimming pool – and there are climbing and dance clubs on offer. The post-pandemic return of the annual ski trip has been welcomed by all; it is fully subscribed and thriving.</p>



<p>Pupils compete at various levels across the board. Excellence is always celebrated – the school has had a world-class golfer, a top-ranking UK squash player and county-level swimmers and tennis players among others on its register.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-creative-arts">CREATIVE ARTS</h4>



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<p>Music, drama, art and dance are all well catered-for and perhaps more importantly, taken seriously. Most children study an instrument and the list of individual music and drama lessons up on the wall demonstrates how many pupils take advantage of the creative offerings. Creative and performing arts are embedded into the school’s own year 7 and 8 curriculum, and are as important as academics.</p>



<p>There’s a playful feel to the school, both in its layout, with flashes of colour and cute huts dotted about the place, and in its classrooms and inhabitants. Children are vocal in their enjoyment and enthusiasm and the decor is modern and bright, there’s no hushed voices in long wood-panelled corridors here.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-academic"><strong>ACADEMIC</strong></h4>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/12/Reception-outdoor-space-IMG_7655-web.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-67072" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/12/Reception-outdoor-space-IMG_7655-web.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/12/Reception-outdoor-space-IMG_7655-web-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/12/Reception-outdoor-space-IMG_7655-web-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/12/Reception-outdoor-space-IMG_7655-web-787x525.jpg 787w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Common Entrance has been replaced by the Lancing Prep Hove Passport, a two-year curriculum that focuses on the areas of core academics (maths, English and science), humanities, modern languages, sport, creative and performing arts, leadership and citizenship. Pupils learn the skill of taking exams in a non-pressured environment, and learning is supplemented with independent projects which culminate in essays and presentations, creating huge opportunities for developing learning skills.</p>



<p>Just under half of this year’s leavers will go on to Lancing College, one third to Bede’s and other destinations include Hurstpierpoint College, Brighton College and Shoreham College.</p>



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<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pastoral"><strong>PASTORAL</strong></h4>



<p>Holistic learning and children’s all-round wellbeing is a top priority here, and the whole school has such a warm, friendly and fun feel to it it’s definitely not lip service. A cosy-looking room houses an ELSA-trained Wellbeing lead who is also first aid trained, and she offers individual and small-group help to children in need of extra support. The popular onsite therapy dog Bean has been an exceptionally successful addition, and she’s walked off her feet, cuddled and confided in daily by pupils.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/12/LPH-school-garden-IMG_7826-web.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-67074" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/12/LPH-school-garden-IMG_7826-web.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/12/LPH-school-garden-IMG_7826-web-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/12/LPH-school-garden-IMG_7826-web-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/12/LPH-school-garden-IMG_7826-web-787x525.jpg 787w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-quirks"><strong>QUIRKS</strong></h4>



<p>The school is bursting with personality &#8211; even the sewing machines have names.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/12/Reception-LPH-51-web.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-67075" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/12/Reception-LPH-51-web.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/12/Reception-LPH-51-web-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/12/Reception-LPH-51-web-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/12/Reception-LPH-51-web-787x525.jpg 787w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-head">THE HEAD</h4>



<p>The enthusiastic and deeply likeable Kirsty Keep has had the top job at Lancing Prep Hove for seven years, having moved to Sussex from Surrey to escape the academic hothousing.</p>



<p>In her time here she’s overseen major projects including the new hall, the overhaul of the library, the relocation of early years from the edge of the site to the heart of the school, the music facilities, the sports facilities and has tech next on the list. She’s also added the onsite Forest School, the science garden where children pond-dip and conduct experiments, and enjoy its sensory garden, along with the allotment-style school garden, where green-fingered children grow fruit and veg. Mrs Keep is delighted how the new Lancing Prep Hove Passport has been received both by pupils and families, and by senior schools and how the experience makes years 7 and 8 ‘the jewel in the crown’ of the school. Energetic and passionately committed, her vision has shaped a happy and thriving school where childhood is nurtured, and children are helped to achieve their full potential.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/12/LPH-Capture-the-flag-IMG_6400-web.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-67076" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/12/LPH-Capture-the-flag-IMG_6400-web.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/12/LPH-Capture-the-flag-IMG_6400-web-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/12/LPH-Capture-the-flag-IMG_6400-web-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/12/LPH-Capture-the-flag-IMG_6400-web-787x525.jpg 787w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fees"><strong>FEES</strong></h4>



<p>From £3,027 per term for pre-school to £6,595 per term for years 4-8.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-transport">TRANSPORT</h4>



<p>Two minibus services run daily, serving the local area.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mobile-phone-policy">MOBILE PHONE POLICY</h4>



<p>No mobile phones, or smart watches, are permitted in school; however older pupils who have permission to walk home from school unaccompanied by an adult, are able to hand phones into the school office on arrival for safe keeping.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-muddy-verdict"><strong>THE MUDDY VERDICT</strong></h4>



<p><strong>Good for</strong>: Local families who want their children’s happiness, health, activity and nurturing to be prioritised along with achievement.</p>



<p><strong>Not for</strong>: No boarding, so families need to be reasonably local.</p>



<p><strong>Dare to disagree?</strong> Their next <a href="https://www.lancingcollege.co.uk/prep-hove/visit-lancing-prep-hove-2024">Open Morning</a> is on 5 Oct. Book an <a aria-label="open day visit (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.lancingcollege.co.uk/prep-hove/visit-lancing-prep-hove-2022" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">open day visit</a> or contact the school directly to arrange a tour.</p>



<p><em><a href="https://www.lancingcollege.co.uk/prep-hove/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Lancing Prep Hove (opens in a new tab)">Lancing Prep Hove</a>, The Droveway, Hove, BN3 6LU, 01273 503452</em></p>



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Lancing Prep Hove

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