Brighton City Education Alliance | Fairlight Primary and Nursery School

Brighton City Education Alliance

The Brighton City Education Alliance is a newly formed schools collaborative partnership uniting 4 primary schools from across Brighton and Hove. Rooted in a shared commitment to educational excellence and inclusion, the Alliance aims to strengthen cooperation among the 4 schools to better serve all students in each of the schools as well as across the city.

Through joint professional development, shared resources, and coordinated initiatives, the Alliance supports high-quality teaching, equitable outcomes, and community engagement. Member schools retain their individual identities while working collectively to address key priorities such as student well-being, curriculum innovation, and closing the attainment gap.

This Alliance embodies a spirit of mutual support, continuous improvement, and a belief that by working together, schools can make a greater impact on the lives of children and young people across Brighton.

While each school keeps its own identity, values, and leadership, the Alliance allows schools to share ideas, resources, and training so that every child can receive the best possible education. By working together, schools can support one another to improve teaching, student well-being, and opportunities for all learners.

The Alliance is built on a strong belief in collaboration, fairness, and putting children first. It means that the Alliance schools are not just focused on their own pupils, but are also committed to helping every child in the Alliance as well as across the city thrive — whatever their background or needs.

WHO ARE WE?

Fairlight Primary and Nursery School

Location: St Leonard’s Road, Brighton BN2 3AJ
Age Range: 3–11 years
Profile: Fairlight is a vibrant community school with a strong commitment to inclusion and creativity. It has a proud history dating back to 1876 when it opened as Lewes Road Schools. Over time, it evolved from separate departments into a unified primary school in 1992. Today, Fairlight serves a diverse population and is known for its innovative curriculum, emphasis on individuality, and community engagement. The school has received recognition for play initiatives (Opal Platinum Award) and health programs, and it actively promotes cultural experiences for pupils.
Ethos: Every child is valued as an individual, with a focus on aspiration and achievement.

St Margaret’s CE Primary School

Location: Whiteway Lane, Rottingdean BN2 7HB
Age Range: 4–11 years
Profile: St Margaret’s is a Church of England school with a strong Christian ethos, offering a nurturing environment grounded in faith, hope, and love. Historically, the school dates back to the early 1900s and originally catered for girls and infants before reorganizing into a junior mixed school. Today, it provides a broad and balanced curriculum enriched by creative and cultural experiences. Its vision, encapsulated in the B.E.C.O.M.E. framework, encourages children to be Brave, Energetic, Creative, Open, Motivated, and Empowered.
Ethos: A place to “BECOME” – fostering personal growth, resilience, and global citizenship.

Middle Street Primary School

Location: Middle Street, Brighton BN1 1AL
Age Range: 4–11 years
Profile: Middle Street is one of Brighton’s oldest schools, with origins as the Union Charity School for Boys in 1807 and later a girls’ school. It became a board school in 1873 and was rebuilt in 1974. The school is located in the heart of Brighton and reflects the city’s rich cultural diversity. Known for its inclusive ethos, Middle Street emphasizes kindness, respect, and ambition. It offers a creative, child-centered curriculum and celebrates individuality, with no school uniform and a strong sense of community.
Ethos: “Irresistible Learning” – fostering curiosity and creativity in a welcoming environment.

Hertford Primary School

Location: Lynchet Close, Brighton BN1 7FP
Age Range: 3–11 years
Profile: Hertford serves the Hollingdean and Fiveways areas and have been central to the community since 1931. Originally built to ease overcrowding in Brighton schools, Hertford was designed as a modern, light-filled building with spacious grounds. Today, Hertford work to provide a seamless educational journey. They are known for their inclusive approach, strong SEND support, and commitment to nurturing every child’s potential.
Ethos: A caring, supportive environment where children are encouraged to thrive academically and personally.

The Brighton City Education Alliance was formed through a shared vision of collaboration and excellence among four primary schools at the heart of Brighton: Fairlight Primary, St Margaret’s CE Primary, Middle Street Primary, and Hertford Primary School. Each school has a proud history of serving its local community, nurturing creativity, and striving for high standards in education.

Recognizing the power of working together, the schools united to create an alliance that strengthens opportunities for pupils, staff, and families. This partnership is built on three core principles:

Aspiration – Raising expectations and inspiring every child to achieve their full potential.
Collaboration – Sharing expertise, resources, and best practices to enrich teaching and learning.
Excellence – Committing to the highest standards in education and wellbeing across all schools.

Aspiration – “Dream Big. Aim High.”

Collaboration – “Together We Thrive.”

Excellence – “Striving for Excellence Every Day.”

By forming the Brighton City Education Alliance, these schools have created a dynamic network that celebrates individuality while embracing collective strength. Through joint projects, professional development, and community engagement, the alliance ensures that every child benefits from a broader range of experiences and opportunities.

Together, Fairlight, St Margaret’s, Middle Street, and Hertford are shaping a future where education in Brighton is inclusive, innovative, and inspiring.

Mission Statement

The Brighton City Education Alliance exists to empower every child to thrive through a shared commitment to aspiration, collaboration, and excellence. By uniting Fairlight, St Margaret’s, Middle Street, and Hertford, we create a strong community that celebrates diversity, shares expertise, and delivers outstanding opportunities for learning and growth. Together, we aim to raise achievement, nurture creativity, and ensure that every pupil is prepared for a bright and successful future.

Vision Statement

Our vision is to create a thriving educational community where aspiration drives achievement, collaboration strengthens learning, and excellence is the standard for every child. Through the Brighton City Education Alliance, Fairlight, St Margaret’s, Middle Street, and Hertford work together to inspire curiosity, nurture creativity, and prepare pupils for a future full of opportunity. We believe that by sharing expertise and resources, we can deliver an education that is inclusive, innovative, and impactful for all.

Brighton City Education Alliance – Collaboration Brief

Purpose

The BCEA brings together Fairlight Primary, St Margaret’s CE Primary, Middle Street Primary, and Hertford Primary to create a strong, united network that enhances educational outcomes through Aspiration, Collaboration, and Excellence (ACE).

Core Goals

Raise Aspirations
- Ensure every child is inspired to achieve their full potential.
- Promote high expectations for learning and personal development.
Strengthen Collaboration
- Share expertise, resources, and best practices among schools.
- Build professional networks for staff development and innovation.
Deliver Excellence
- Maintain the highest standards in teaching, learning, and wellbeing.
- Provide inclusive, creative, and impactful education for all pupils.

Strategic Approach

1. Leadership & Governance

Establish an Alliance Leadership Group comprising headteachers and senior leaders from all four schools.
Meet termly to review progress, set priorities, and align strategies.
Create working groups for curriculum, inclusion, and enrichment.

2. Shared Professional Development

Organise joint training days for teachers and support staff.
Develop peer observation programs to share best practice.
Launch an Alliance CPD calendar focusing on ACE principles.

3. Curriculum Enrichment

Coordinate cross-school projects (e.g., arts, STEM, sports).
Share specialist teaching resources (e.g., music, languages).
Develop common themes for termly enrichment activities.

4. Pupil Opportunities

Host Alliance-wide events such as sports tournaments, cultural festivals, and academic challenges.
Create student councils that collaborate across schools.
Offer shared trips and experiences to broaden horizons.

5. Community Engagement

Communicate regularly with families about Alliance initiatives.
Develop joint newsletters and social media updates.
Partner with local organisations to enhance community links.

6. Monitoring & Evaluation

Use shared data systems to track pupil progress and wellbeing.
Conduct annual Alliance review to measure impact.
Celebrate successes through Alliance awards and recognition.

Expected Outcomes

Improved pupil attainment and engagement.
Enhanced staff expertise and morale.
Stronger community relationships.
A culture of innovation and shared responsibility across all schools.

Brighton City Education Alliance