Brighton College review by University of Cambridge student.
Brighton College pride itself on its academic results, both for GCSE and A-level, something which achieved through a rigorous academic program. The school is generally an all-rounder, although it appears to excel at English, languages and the humanities. Particularly in languages and humanities there has been significant investment in recent years which has lead to the building up of strong departments with dedicated staff and enthusiastic pupils. Other departments, such as the science department, has been somewhat limited due to its old-fashioned facilities which have been in dire need of renovation and plans have been drawn up which include extensive building work (some of which has already begun). Particularly impressive is the dance studio, which offers both dance as an academic subject as well as an extra-curricular activity, offering masterclasses and regular lessons. The approach of the school appears to be one targeted at success in examinations as well as, in latter years, the attainment of places in top universities, including Cambridge and Oxford. This sometimes impairs the teaching, which occasionally can become exam-centric instead of adopting a more general approach towards learning and self-improvement. Frequently published grades allow students to understand their progress and yet these can, particularly towards the final years, seem all but arbitrary as smaller class sizes ensure students are aware of their progress without the need for reports. Class sizes are generally good and teaching is ofter targeted towards the general needs of the pupil. However, occasionally academically gifted pupils can feel frustrated by the lack of extra-academic opportunities, although this is improving through a series of scholars' lectures and so on. Final year (year 13) was a difficult year for me as I felt under-challenged and under-stimulated, the exam-based approach leaving me somewhat apathetic towards lessons and teaching. Work load is often seems quite difficult to manage, although on reflection and in comparison to university, the tasks were not insurmountable. A late-opening library allows pupils to complete work before heading home, allowing pupils to make time for other activities such as sport and music.
School prepared me well for the admissions process for university and in particular for the.... Get the real inside story on college counseling at Brighton College as experienced by former pupil and University of Cambridge student — Login or Sign Up to access full review
Sample insights on college counseling
They have contacts at most of the major universities and feel perfectly comfortable picking up the phone and advocating for a student to get accepted somewhere they feel is a good fit for that student. However, these counselors are certainly not magic bullets. They cannot guarantee that a student will get into an Ivy League university...
For those wishing to move on to Oxford or Cambridge, the provision is second-to-none. In the months running up to application and interview, every subject faculty offers classes (often run by former Oxbridge tutors) exploring further areas of their subject as well as offering advice on personal statements, interview technique and more...
Interviews were done at 13, usually by the headmaster. Also available are scholarships and various.... Get in-depth insights and personal advice on admissions to Brighton College by former pupil and University of Cambridge student — Login or Sign Up to access full review
Sample insights on admissions
For the interview, dress conservatively. Try to be very clean and put together. Also, I was a tour guide for two years and at the end of every tour, we were asked to evaluate the candidate so if you think the tour is not apart of the process, you are very wrong. Ask questions and be interested. Also, tip for the parents: the kids speak on the tour. Do not ask their questions for them...
Most younger siblings have an easy time in the admissions process. I can only think of one case of a younger sibling not being admitted. About half of the students who entered with me had come from public schools. The remainder came from private K-6 schools, or had transferred from other New York private schools The Elizabeth Morrow School and St. Bernard were two of the larger feeder schools...
The general feel of the school is one of a typical independent school. Buildings and facilities are generally improving, although many are outdated and are in desperate need of renovation. There is currently a project underway to rebuild much of the school to provide the latest facilities. The school is in a nice part of the town, a short walk from both the seafront and the town centre. Study areas are often well-maintained, although occasionally can suffer from neglect from the pupils and can often become messy, creating an unpleasant atmosphere. However, the library is a particularly pleasant environment to.... Get the real inside story on quality of school life and extracurricular offerings at Brighton College as experienced by former pupil and University of Cambridge student — Login or Sign Up to access full review