Children in Brighton and Hove typically move on to a variety of primary schools after leaving nursery, depending on their location, catchment area, preferences, and availability. Brighton & Hove is home to a wide range of state-funded primary schools, faith schools, and independent (private) schools.
Local State Primary Schools
Children usually move on to one of the local state-funded primary schools, which start at Reception (age 4–5). Admission is usually based on catchment area and proximity.
Some popular and well-regarded primary schools in Brighton and Hove include:
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West Hove Infant School (New Church Road and Portland Road sites)
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Hove Junior School
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Brunswick Primary School
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Goldstone Primary School
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St. Andrew’s C of E Primary School (Hove)
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Aldrington C of E Primary School
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Cottesmore St Mary’s Catholic Primary School
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Bilingual Primary School (Spanish/English)
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Stanford Infant & Junior Schools (Brighton)
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Queen’s Park Primary School
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St Luke’s Primary School
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Elm Grove Primary School
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Patcham Infant and Junior Schools
Faith Schools
There are several Church of England and Catholic primary schools in the city, such as:
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St Andrew’s C of E (Hove)
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Aldrington C of E Primary (Hove)
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Cottesmore St Mary’s Catholic Primary (Hove)
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St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School (Hove)
Independent & Private Schools
Some families choose to move on to private education, with options including:
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Windlesham School (Brighton)
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Brighton College Pre-Prep & Prep School
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Lancing Prep at Hove
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Deepdene School (Hove)
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St Christopher’s Prep (Hove, part of Brighton College group)
Alternative & Specialist Schools
There are also schools that offer alternative education approaches, including Montessori and Steiner-inspired settings, and a small number of specialist schools for additional needs.
How Families Choose Schools
Parents typically consider factors such as:
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Catchment area and proximity
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Ofsted reports and performance
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School ethos (creative, academic, outdoor-focused, faith-based)
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Facilities and extracurricular offerings
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Peer recommendations and community feel
Brighton and Hove City Council manages school admissions for state schools. Parents usually apply for Reception places the year their child turns 4, with offers made in April for the September start.
How Hove Village Supports the Transition
At Hove Village Day Nurseries, we support families throughout the school application process by:
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Helping with understanding catchment areas
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Providing advice on local schools
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Preparing children for the move to Reception through school readiness activities, social skills, and independence-building