Brighton & Hove High School Prospectus 2012-13

Brighton & Hove High School A girls’ day school trust school

Welcome to Brighton and Hove High School – the only independent school in the centre of Brighton that caters exclusively for 5-18 year old girls.

As a member of the Girls’ Day School

We aim to foster in girls excellent

Trust (GDST) we are serious about

attitudes to learning which will stay

providing the broadest education for

with them for life. We want them to

girls, embracing academic success

leave school, not only with excellent

for all, along with the development of

exam results, but with qualities of open-

self-confidence and essential life skills to

mindedness, curiosity and passion –

succeed in a changing world.

ready to make their mark as women in all areas of society.

The school has a rich tradition of cultural development, with high levels

I recommend that you visit our school

of participation by the girls in drama,

to see for yourself its attractive buildings

dance, music and art. The atmosphere

and resources but, more importantly,

is warm and purposeful and girls are

to talk to the girls, from both Junior and

happy and form strong friendships. We

Senior schools, in whom we take most

value highly our links with the wider

pride.

community in Brighton and Sussex.

Jennifer Smith, Head

A GIRLS’ DAY SCHOOL TRUST SCHOOL

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Excellence in the heart of the community Locally based, internationally recognised Brighton & Hove High School is enviably

All girls have equal access to the

located in the heart of the city – the

rich and extensive extra-curricular

only independent school in the vibrant

programme we have on offer.

heart of this wonderfully lively metropolis – combining the luxury of green space

All parents have the opportunity to

with ease of access to the facilities that

develop strong relationships with our

this modern dynamic city offers.

academic staff and with each other, fostering a unique and unsurpassable

When you visit us you’ll notice we feel

sense of community.

like a friendly, family orientated school.

You’ll learn that we have exceptional

As part of the Girls’ Day School Trust

educators, achieve outstanding results

we belong to the one the UK’s largest

and are proud of our grounded, friendly,

networks of schools. A GDST education

confident students.

has long been recognised by UK employers and universities as a mark of

Our girls primarily come from families

quality and, with increasing international

based in Brighton & Hove and Sussex,

links our global reputation is growing.

helping to create strong relationships and a sense of belonging to a wider community.

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BRIGHTON & HOVE HIGH SCHOOL

“The school is highly successful in meeting its aims to provide a high quality, broadly based education for girls in a happy, stimulating and safe environment, supported by a strong pastoral system.�

ISI Report, 2011

“The quality of pastoral care is excellent. Pupils thrive in a happy, safe and caring environment which instils in them a feeling of self-worth.�

ISI Report, 2011

Learning to live in a fast-moving world Bringing out the best in every girl Our pastoral care ensures that whatever

dreams as an individual – and enable

challenges arrive in girls’ lives, by giving

her to achieve them.

support and encouraging independent thought, confidence and consideration

Our outstanding team fosters all-round

for others, we enable our students both

social development within a nurturing

to enjoy their school days and to be

and positive learning environment. Our

prepared, ready and eager for the

aim is to provide a bridge between the

future.

security of childhood and the challenges of adult life – enabling our girls to live

We create an atmosphere of support,

and thrive in the modern world.

inspiration and aspiration and are dedicated to creating the happiest

The school’s pastoral care is praised by

environment in which your daughter can

parents, students and inspectors and has

develop.

helped us maintain our position as the leading educator in Sussex for over 130

Our relatively small class sizes and year

years.

groups allow all our staff to understand your daughter’s hopes, talents and

“I’ve grown so much in my time here, and it’s made me feel ready for the future to begin!”

Year 12 Student

A GIRLS’ DAY SCHOOL TRUST SCHOOL

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A Girls’ School Freedom & expression Girls in single sex schools study a wider

JoAnn Deak et al) the dedicated and

variety of subjects, participate more

specialist care we offer supports this and

enthusiastically in sport and are more

offers real benefits - with our teaching

empowered in social relationships.

focused solely upon the needs of our girls.

Girls who attend a single sex school particularly participate more in maths,

Our girls achieve outstanding results, are

science and languages. They make

also more likely to excel on the sports

choices according to talent and interest,

field and, most satisfyingly, are more

not gender or prejudice, leading on to

confident in developing positive social

more satisfying and fulfilling careers; they

relationships with girls, boys and adults.

also achieve far higher academic results than if they were to go to a comparable

Research shows that girls educated in

co-ed school.

a single sex school enjoy active and fulfilling lives and relationships with both

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Girls at all ages are likely to develop

sexes. The only difference is that girls are

differently from their male peers. As

more empowered to make their own

80% of girls and boys learn differently

decisions about relationships, and to be

(according to American research by Dr

less influenced by peer pressure.

BRIGHTON & HOVE HIGH SCHOOL

“Girls only education allows teachers to praise girls to the skies for their achievements and challenge sexual stereotypes still present in our society, without the presence of boys, who unwittingly can erode girls’ confidence.”

Lorna Duggleby

Our Approach Academic excellence Our modern, innovative and dynamic

first-class education and therefore offer

curriculum - combined with our own

outstanding conditions ensuring the best

continual quality assurance, training

teachers come to us and want to stay.

and development – ensures that we are able to add value to your daughter’s

We offer a constantly evolving and

academic education throughout the

inspiring curriculum, as well as extensive

school.

extra-curricular activities which stimulate, fascinate and challenge our students.

We understand that high quality teachers are essential in providing a

A GIRLS’ DAY SCHOOL TRUST SCHOOL

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A Progressive Tradition Established 1876 Brighton & Hove High School GDST first

Ever since our early days, girls at Brighton

assembled on the 13 June 1876 under

& Hove High School have shown a love

the watchful eye of our first Head, a 21

of games, as well as traditional studies.

year old Miss Creak.

Our Football Club, founded in 1884,

th

started our extra-curricular programme The school rapidly grew in size and in

in the school. This remained one of the

1880 moved to ‘The Temple’. This had

most popular clubs for many years, with

originally been the home of Thomas

several parents complaining the girls

Kemp, and is supposed to have been

wore out their shoes on the gravel! Its

made to the exact same measurements

popularity only waned when the Head

as Solomon’s Temple. The pilasters on

ruled the ball was never to be kicked

either side of the window on the ground

unless it was on the ground!

floor were made to represent inverted cannons, to commemorate the end of

Charitable endeavours have also

the Napoleonic wars, and for this reason

been at the heart of the school since

it has become known as the Temple of

its foundation and the present Guild

Peace.

for Social Service has had an unbroken career run. Although the activities have

In an era where girls’ education was

widened - from making useful garments

still a novelty, the school immediately

for the servants of the girls’ homes and

achieved outstanding success with

sometimes having the servants round to

our girls all passing their matriculation

tea, to building schools in Afghanistan -

exams - at a time when there were only

the spirit of participating positively in the

700 female entrants nationally - and

wider community remains central to the

a steady stream of scholars began

school to this day.

attending the universities of Oxford, Cambridge and London.

“I’ll carry the memories of my time here with me forever. I can honestly say I’m going to send my children here.”

Year 12 Student

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BRIGHTON & HOVE HIGH SCHOOL

“I really enjoyed doing lots of contemporary Art styles and reading about different artists and photographers. I loved being taught by amazing teachers like Ms Croydon, Ms Guthrie and Miss Dury.

They are very inspiring!�

Year 13 Student

Arts Encouraging creativity & expression Throughout their life at Brighton &

expressive arts to the school. We hold

Hove High School students have the

regular events to showcase our pupils’

opportunity to participate in a full range

stunning work ranging from the Brighton

of subjects

Festival to the Royal Festival Hall and, of course, our commitment and success is

We are pleased to offer French,

demonstrated by our exceptional GCSE

German, Spanish and Latin in our pursuit

and A Level examination results. Many

of excellence in communication skills.

students choose to pursue this area of

We run regular trips abroad giving

study at Higher Education level.

our linguists the opportunity to apply, develop and enjoy their language skills.

All girls are also encouraged to participate in the musical life of the

A significant number of girls go on to

school and we offer tuition that covers a

read a humanities subject (History,

vast range of instruments, using the latest

Geography, Religious Education,

technology and specialist teaching

Philosophy and Ethics, Government and

in well equipped music rooms. The

Politics) at the UK’s top universities.

achievements are expressed through various performances, orchestras,

The vibrant work on display is one

choirs, and clubs and we regularly tour

reflection of the importance of the

throughout Europe.

A GIRLS’ DAY SCHOOL TRUST SCHOOL

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Sciences Outstanding achievement Girls from GDST schools traditionally

The performance of students from

excel at science. Research shows the

Brighton & Hove High School reflect

take up of Medicine and Dentistry at

these figures.

University by GDST girls is particularly strong at 9.9% and the percentage

We have numerous well equipped

of GDST girls taking Physical Sciences

science labs and students utilise these

remains significantly above the national

from the Junior School upwards.

figure.

Our senior girls also make full use of our recently refurbished Design and

A recent survey showed that 72.5%

Technology, ICT and Maths rooms.

of pupils taking Maths A level in GSA schools, the association of leading girls’

At every stage Brighton & Hove

schools, won A grades in Maths A Level;

High School girls do well in national

the figure was 64.9% for girls in their

examinations and we were particularly

mixed equivalents. The overall national

pleased that the Royal Society of

figure was nearly 30 percentage points

Chemistry recently recognized one of

lower.

our students for achieving the country’s highest mark at A Level.

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BRIGHTON & HOVE HIGH SCHOOL

“The ski trip was amazing!

I’ll never forget it.

Everyone who went was lovely and the hours spent skiing were brilliant, I’d do it over and over if I could.”

Year 11 Student

Sport Increased opportunity We offer a surprising and extensive

our girls are less self-conscious in playing

number of sporting opportunities for all

games and are more likely to develop a

abilities.

life-long love of sport. With over 700 girls in our school we are able to field girls’

We have recently invested in a state-

teams at every level, allowing us to offer

of-the-art dance and fitness facility that

more opportunities outside the first team

complements our large Astroturf areas,

for girls of all abilities to participate and

sports halls, tennis courts, netball courts

benefit from the sports available here.

and multi-purpose grassed lawn.

The Dance department has gone from When specific additional facilities are

strength to strength in recent years.

needed, we ensure that the girls have

Dance is studied at GCSE and A Level

access to the best the area has to offer.

and opportunities are offered to girls who wish to represent the school at

The all-female environment means that

shows and competitions.

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The Early Years A perfect balance One of the many jewels of Brighton

The girls also benefit from being

& Hove High School is the Early Years

within our Junior School, sharing their

Centre. It has its own self-contained

exceptional facilities, such as the award-

base within the Junior School. This gives

winning eco garden and large indoor

it its own identity - creating a family

dance and play areas. The shared

feel, whilst still reflecting the school’s

facilities – coupled with caring, highly

philosophy of providing the very best

trained staff - help create an enjoyable,

care and education for girls.

relaxed transition to Junior School.

The centre is a happy and secure

We also aim to be flexible to

environment and the perfect place

accommodate the parents’ and girls’

for your child to flourish and grow. It

needs, offering an extended day and

has outstanding purpose-built areas,

some holiday club provision.

including an outdoor play space with safety surface and specific places for creative and quiet activities.

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BRIGHTON & HOVE HIGH SCHOOL

“The overall effectiveness and leadership and management of the setting, the quality of provision and the outcomes for children are all outstanding.�

ISI Report, 2011

“In the Junior School the teaching is focused, lively and imaginative.

Well-planned lessons are challenging, vibrant and engaging for all pupils.�

ISI Report, 2011

Junior Nurturing excellence The Junior School is a happy and bright

the year. We also offer clubs in the

community where pupils are able to

holidays for siblings who may attend

prosper and grow. We have a spacious

schools with different term dates.

building with wonderful grounds and facilities in which our girls can both learn

Specialist teachers in key areas such as

and play.

Music, Art, PE, Languages and Science enhance a strong curriculum which

We find that they thrive in the safe and

puts an emphasis on participation

friendly environment which we provide.

and involvement. The use of specialist

We take a personal interest in each girl

facilities such as a purpose-built science

and everyone is valued and respected.

lab, spacious art room, large modern IT

We strongly believe that girls make the

facility and well-equipped music room

best progress when they feel confident

give girls an opportunity to enjoy a

and valued, so we place great emphasis

rounded experience.

on pastoral care.

We also offer opportunities for personal We encourage the girls to be aware

development and to enhance their

of others and their needs. We believe

understanding of the world around them

that happy children love to learn and

through our extensive environmental

our supportive pastoral care, along with

activity and Guild. Our student Guild

close home/school links, ensures that all

representatives carry out fundraising

are nurtured as we guide them through

activities for local and national charities.

the first years of their formal education.

The extra-curricular programme,

Parents are always welcome to talk to

along with visitors to the school and

us whenever they wish, and we have a

educational visits off-site, enriches our

variety of open sessions for them during

pupils’ development.

A GIRLS’ DAY SCHOOL TRUST SCHOOL

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Senior Outstanding in all areas Girls from our Junior School are joined

the choices they make at this critical

by girls of academic potential from

stage are right both for them now and in

a variety of maintained and private

the future.

schools, and our experience of integrating girls into the school ensures

As well as Double Award Science at

they are all made to feel equally

GCSE we offer all three sciences which

welcome by our staff and girls.

is more challenging but we believe better prepares girls for A levels. We offer

Girls entering in Year 7 have a wide

an extensive work–related curriculum

range of options to choose from

including lessons in Citizenship, Personal,

allowing them to fully pursue their

Social, Health an Education and

interests prior to making their GCSE

robust Careers advice, including work

choices. Although there is no public

experience and our bespoke Futurewise

exam in the early part of the school we

Profile.

believe that our teaching at this stage provides the foundation for outstanding

Our academic standards form only part

results later in the school.

of senior school life. Our team ensures that good manners, behaviour and

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Prior to choosing GCSE options girls fully

tolerance are developed and adhered

discuss their choices with us. We take

to amongst all our students. We also

time to fully understand not only our girls’

offer an extensive extra-curricular

aptitudes and interests, but also their

programme that we encourage girls to

future aspirations. This allows us to ensure

participate in.

BRIGHTON & HOVE HIGH SCHOOL

“Pupils are inspired by their teachers to achieve success.

Effective classroom management promotes excellent behaviour.�

ISI Report, 2011

“Out of my many years at the school, my two years at the Sixth Form are a definite highlight for me and I will fondly miss hanging out in the common room with everyone. Staying on at the Sixth Form was an easy decision for me and I’m so glad I did!”

Sixth Former

Sixth Form Foundations for the future We are confident about the quality of

based in a beautiful building in the

the education we offer here and are

school grounds in the heart of the city.

equally sure that whoever joins will be

This allows the girls to play a rich part

part of a warm and friendly community.

in community life and build solid

Sixth Form girls have an important role to

friendships. The academic and social

play as leaders in the wider school and

opportunities are supported by a varied

will enjoy an environment that is positive,

extra-curricular programme. Brighton

encourages and respects motivation

& Hove High School aims to nurture

and values independent thought.

talent, increase responsibility and build

Our teaching styles are tailored to the individual. Teaching is offered in small groups using a seminar style approach that provides an unparalleled preparation for university and achieves

confidence, teamwork and leadership skills through a programme of activities including drama, running clubs, music, Young Enterprise, Duke of Edinburgh, trips abroad, sport, mentoring and more.

outstanding academic results. This

If you are a student looking for a first

is supported by excellent higher

class Sixth Form experience which will

education and careers advice. Brighton

help you achieve your ambitions for

& Hove High School has extensive

higher education, set you up for your

experience in preparing students for

chosen career path, develop your

UCAS entry and, through its membership

individuality and independence, and

of the GDST Alumnae Network and

help you gain the qualities you need to

Careerstart Programme, offers Sixth Form

become the adults and leaders of the

students a unique programme of life skills

next generation, we would welcome the

in preparation for the workplace.

chance to discuss the opportunities at

The stand-alone Sixth Form facility is

Brighton & Hove High School.

A GIRLS’ DAY SCHOOL TRUST SCHOOL

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Our Facilities A perfect environment Early Years • Specially designed self contained area

• Creative area for painting and craft

• Secure outdoor play area with safety

• Age appropriate ICT equipment • The Early Years staff also have the

surface • Construction toys and musical

opportunity to use the Junior School facilities when they feel it can add to

instruments

the experience offered to the girls.

• Role playing equipment • Quiet reading area Junior • ICT suite with 24 computers and an

• Large, well-resourced and welcoming library

interactive whiteboard • Classrooms equipped with interactive

• Dedicated after school area • On-site kitchen and bright eating area

whiteboards • Large music rehearsal room and numerous practice rooms • Bright and spacious art and design

• Adventure trail • Wonderful sports facilities, including a large Astroturf area, netball courts, tennis courts and a multipurpose hall

technology room • Specialist science laboratory

• Award winning garden and environmental area

• Drama/dance room

Senior & Sixth • Main school based in and around a beautiful refurbished Regency town

whiteboards with suites of laptops

house

available for use • Recently enlarged science building

• Tennis & netball courts • Large Astroturf playing fields at our

and refurbished laboratories

Radinden Manor Road site (5 minutes

• Superb sports hall

away)

• New reception and administration

• Fitness centre equipped with top of • Professional-standard dance studio with sprung floor and interactive AV

facility • Specialist art, design technology and home economics suites

equipment • Wi-Fi network fed by a high speed fibre optic line (100MBs)

area • Separate music house with recording

the range work stations

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• Classrooms equipped with interactive

• Stand-alone Sixth Form in a beautiful Georgian building

BRIGHTON & HOVE HIGH SCHOOL

“The range of extra-curricular opportunities is outstanding.�

ISI Report, 2011

Extra-Curricular We offer a fantastic range of extra-

example of the courses run but changes

curricular activities, run by teachers

every year to reflect the interests of the

and sixth formers who are passionate

students. We also offer extensive trips

about their subjects. The list here is an

and activities appropriate to all ages.

Junior School

Senior School

Athletics

Amnesty International

Ballet

Art & Design

Ceramics

Badminton

Chess

Biology Help Clinic

Choir

B.L.O.B.S. Peer Support Group

Art/Craft

Book Week

Cricket

Cantabile

Drama

Choir

Engineering

Culture Vultures

French

Dance

Hockey

Debating Club

ICT/Film

Design Technology

Gardening and Eco Club

Fashion Show

Library

First Aid

Netball

House Plays

Orchestra

Maths Support

Recorder Club

Netball

Rounders

Open House Art Exhibition

Running

Rock Challenge

Samba

Science

Spanish

Southern Schools Book Award

Starspell

Spanish

Study Skills Support

Training Orchestra Year 7 Musical

A GIRLS’ DAY SCHOOL TRUST SCHOOL

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The Girls’ Day School Trust At the forefront of education Part of our success is attributable to

The school, on behalf of the Trust,

being part of the Girls’ Day School Trust.

awards scholarships to a significant

Since its foundation in 1872, the Trust has

number of girls in Years 7 and 12 and

provided a high quality education for

a number of bursaries on the basis of

girls and is one of the United Kingdom’s

need.

largest private educators.

The security of being part of an historic Early pupils were among the first

national charity means that parents

women to go to university and enter the

have the peace of mind of knowing

professions.

that the GDST does not focus on short term profit, but plans to be around for

The GDST continues this tradition of

many years to come. This also provides

excellence in the context of the much

continuing stability for your daughter

wider opportunities that exist today. The

during her academic career.

aim of the Trust is to provide an all-round education for girls of promise.

The GDST has the largest and most respected network of private schools in

The GDST is a unique educational

the UK and can often help with transfers

entity. Its scale and structure, as an

between schools to help ensure your

independently run, centrally supported

daughter seamlessly receives the same

group of schools, enables it to offer a

high quality of education.

clear educational philosophy allied to the highest standards.

The Trust continues to offer help and contacts after students leave the school

Membership brings with it economies

through its well established and highly

of scale, and these enable all schools

praised Alumnae Network - offering

within the Trust to provide a first rate

support to women pursuing careers from

education for competitive fees. In fact

medicine and science to business and

GDST schools feature strongly in national

politics.

value-for-money tables; Brighton & Hove High School has been placed in the top 10 girls’ schools.

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BRIGHTON & HOVE HIGH SCHOOL

Claire Bennett

Karen Pickering

Angelica Bell Television Presenter (Notting Hill & Ealing) Claire Bennett Fencer (Sydenham) Alumnae of the Year, 2012 Mary Berry CBE Celebrity Chef, Writer & Journalist (Royal High Bath)

Claire Hicks MBE Director of Impact Foundation, awarded MBE for Services to International Development (Brighton & Hove) Bettany Hughes Historian, Broadcaster & Writer (Notting Hill & Ealing)

Enid Blyton Children’s Author (Ipswich) Baroness Virginia Bottomley Politician (Putney) A S Byatt Novelist & Poet (Sheffield) Charlotte Church Singer (Howell’s, Llandaff) Jacqueline du Pré World-renowned Classical Cellist (Croydon)

Konnie Huq Television Presenter (Notting Hill & Ealing) Martha Kearney Broadcaster/Journalist (Brighton & Hove) Martha Lane Fox Web Pioneer (Oxford)

Dame Maggie Smith

Suzy Menkes OBE Head Fashion Reporter & Editor for the IHT (Brighton & Hove) Baroness Northover Politician (Brighton & Hove) Karen Pickering Sport (Brighton & Hove) Dame Stella Rimington Novelist & Ex Director General MI5 (Nottingham) Patricia Routledge Actress (Birkenhead) Dame Maggie Smith Actress (Oxford)

Miriam Margolyes Actress (Oxford)

100 Rochester Row, London SW1P 1JP Tel: 020 7393 6666 Fax: 020 7393 6789 www.gdst.net A limited company registered in England no. 6400C A registered charity no. 306983

A GIRLS’ DAY SCHOOL TRUST SCHOOL

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Location

Junior Department Most of the girls at our Radinden Manor Road site either walk to school or come to school with their family and friends. At the Montpelier Road site a considerable number of girls take advantage of the excellent transport links our city centre location gives us. We also run a minibus service currently from the Worthing area with pick ups in Shoreham and Brighton.

Senior Department Transport routes most frequently used currently 1. By train to Brighton Station (approx. 7 minutes walk from Brighton & Hove High School) • From Crawley, Haywards Heath, Burgess Hill, Preston Park and stations in between (the London line) • From Littlehampton, Goring, Worthing, Shoreham, Southwick, Portslade, Hove, and stations in between (the South Coast line) • From Eastbourne, Lewes, Falmer and stations in between (the South Coast line) For information about trains: 08457 484950 / www.nationalrail.co.uk 2. By Bus to Seven Dials (approx. 3 minutes walk from Brighton & Hove High School) • Number 7: George St. Hove - 7 Dials - Brighton Marina via Bristol Estate • Number 27A: Hangleton - 7 Dials - Saltdean via Rottingdean • Number 27: Westdene & Withdean - 7 Dials - Saltdean via Rottingdean

By Bus to Norfolk Square (approx. 7 minutes walk from Brighton & Hove High School) • Number 1: Mile Oak - Portslade - Norfolk Square - Whitehawk • Numbers 2 / 2A: Worthing/Steyning - Shoreham - Portslade - Norfolk Square Woodingdean - Rottingdean • Numbers 5 / 5A / 5B: Hangleton - Norfolk Square - Patcham / Hollingbury • Numbers 6 / 6A: Mile Oak - Norfolk Square - Brighton Station • Number 14: Newhaven - Peacehaven - Saltdean - Rottingdean - Churchill Square - Norfolk Square • Number 25: Hove - Norfolk Square - Lewes Road - Universities • Number 49: Portslade Station - Norfolk Square - Churchill Square - East Moulsecoomb This prospectus is for information only and does not form any part of any contract between parents and the GDST. This publication has necessarily been prepared well in advance of the entry of a pupil to the school and inevitably there may be subsequent alterations.

Photo credits: Armelle Cronier & Sally Hindell

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BRIGHTON & HOVE HIGH SCHOOL

Brighton & Hove High School Early Years & Junior School Radinden Manor Road Hove East Sussex BN3 6NH T: 01273 280200

Senior School & Sixth Form Centre Montpelier Road Brighton East Sussex BN1 3AT T: 01273 280280 F: 01273 280281 enquiries@bhhs.gdst.net www.bhhs.gdst.net