Brighton College Prep Handcross
Handcross, Haywards Heath, West Sussex, West Sussex, South East · RH17 6HF
Set in the village of Handcross near Haywards Heath in West Sussex, Brighton College Prep Handcross educates around 438 boys and girls from age two through to thirteen, making it a small and close-knit community where children can be known well as they grow. The school spans nursery to the end of prep, with the option of boarding alongside day places. The Independent Schools Inspectorate awarded its highest grade of "excellent" both for the quality of education and for pupils' personal development, and all compliance requirements were met. Led by Headmaster Mr Jonnie Besley, it is well suited to families seeking a rounded, supportive prep experience with a clear path through the early years.
438
Pupils
excellent
ISI
£29,649
Day fees / yr
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Open in Google Maps ↗Overview & data
- Gender
- Mixed
- Type
- independent (fee-paying) school
- Age range
- 2-13
- Pupils
- 438
- Location
- Handcross, Haywards Heath, West Sussex, West Sussex, South East
- Website
- https://www.brightoncollegeprephandcross.co.uk/
- Telephone
- 01444 400526
Headteacher
Headmaster Mr Jonnie Besley
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Teaching & academics
With the ISI rating both academic outcomes and personal development as "excellent", the school combines strong teaching with genuine attention to how children develop as people. Around eleven per cent of pupils receive SEN support, suggesting individual needs are identified and catered for within the classroom. As a prep school running to age thirteen, the focus is on preparing pupils thoroughly for the next stage of their education.
Learning support & SEN
- SEN support
- 10.67%
- EHC plans
- 0%
Arts & extracurricular
Scholarships
Beyond the classroom
Scholarships are offered across academic work, art, drama, music and sport, an indication of the range of activities pupils can pursue beyond the core curriculum. The boarding provision adds a further dimension to school life outside lesson time.
Ethos & heritage
- Boarding
- Yes
Money matters
- Day fees (per year)
- £14,862 - £29,649
- Boarding fees (per year)
- £28,626 - £38,709
One means-tested full bursary available and one free place in nursery
Inspection reports
- ISI rating
- excellent
- ISI personal development
- excellent
- Last inspected
- 2 December 2025
The last word
A small, all-through prep with top ISI marks and a broad scholarship offer, supported by limited means-tested bursary provision for families who need it.
The Passmate verdict
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Brighton College Prep Handcross 11+: frequently asked questions
Where is Brighton College Prep Handcross located?
Brighton College Prep Handcross is located at Handcross Park, Haywards Heath, Handcross, Haywards Heath, West Sussex, RH17 6HF.
What type of school is Brighton College Prep Handcross?
Brighton College Prep Handcross is an independent (fee-paying) school in South East.
How many pupils attend Brighton College Prep Handcross?
Brighton College Prep Handcross has approximately 438 pupils on roll.
What is Brighton College Prep Handcross's inspection rating?
Brighton College Prep Handcross is inspected by the ISI and was judged "excellent" at its inspection on 2 December 2025.
Compiled from public data. Last checked June 2026.