I visited Burgess Hill Girls in Burgess Hill, West Sussex, which was only 5 minutes’ walk from Burgess Hill train station. I took the train from Blackfriars Station, Central London at 9:30 am and arrived at Burgess Hill Station at 10:30 am, which was only an hour journey.
After registration at the School reception, I was greeted by Mrs. Liz Laybourn, the Headmistress and Ms. Emma Gadd, the Registrar.
Burgess Hill Girls was founded in 1906. It is a small size school and currently has 350 students. It is an independent, girls-only day and boarding school for girls aged between 2½ and 18 years (full boarding is offered from Y7). They currently have 56 boarders where 50% came from China and Hong Kong, the rest from Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, Africa etc. Mrs. Laybourn mentioned 56 boarders is the maximum their school can accommodate at the moment.
When I toured around, I felt the school is unique, friendly, and connected. Mrs. Laybourn knew all the student’s names. She also mentioned that the English level they required for GCSE enrolment is high, and there will be an allowance for students at the lower form where they have time for improvement. Pupils at Burgess Hill Girls Sixth Form enjoy small class sizes and a personalized approach to learn with their specialist A-level tutors and teachers.
Boarding at Burgess Hill Girls is a home-from-home experience, said Mrs. Laybourn. New pupils are allocated an experienced boarder buddy and a comprehensive induction program encouraging friendships that are formed for life. At weekends, the borders find a balance between academic work and having fun both on and off-site.
I visited several different facilities which include: Performing Arts Centre, Vibrant Arts Studio, Sports Field, Fitness Centre, Tennis Courts etc., which were very impressive. I will not forget visiting their Art Gallery and classrooms, which I could feel the passion and talent of the students. Mrs. Laybourn also mentioned that Asian girls are perfect in details such as in Arts and Textiles. She was very proud of the excellent results of their GCSE and A levels students who got 100% A* in the past three years. Students who achieved A or A* in Arts most likely continue their studies in Central St. Martins and the London College of fashion.
Besides Arts subject is outstanding in Burgess Hill Girls, they are also one of the leading schools in Sussex for GCSE and A-Level results. Burgess Hill Girls is often in the top 10% nationally.
I am delighted to visit Burgess Hill Girls, and I do not doubt to recommend this school to those who appreciate a cosy, warm and friendly Education environment.
