Browse Sussex schools by age

 Annan School is an inspiring and engaging environment in which everyone develops as confident, thoughtful learners who are happy, love school and make outstanding progress. Its Froebelian ethos encourages self-activity and independent thinking. Its creative and exciting curriculum encourages children to immerse themselves in learning that is meaningful, challenging and has a purpose. Annan School  values: Creativity, Risk and Challenge, Respect and Relationships, Community and Wellbeing.

Annan is a family-run school where the Proprietors, Mark and Debby Hunter, are involved in every part of school life. Every child is valued and Outdoor Learning and Forest School are a central part of school life for every child.

 Brambletye School is a co-educational day and boarding preparatory school for pupils aged 2-13 in the Sussex countryside. It was founded as a small boys' boarding school in Kent between the world wars, and has since moved to West Sussex and become coeducational. From Year 3 to Year 8, boarders can stay at school all week with the option to go home after matches on a Saturday, returning to school on Sunday night or Monday morning. If the weekend activities appeal to them, they can opt to stay in for the weekend. Weekends at Brambletye are the times when children really have the opportunity to bond with each other, either during their downtime or during the extraordinary activities organised for them. 

 Conifers School is a co-educational school for children aged 2 – 13 years. Located in the heart of the South Downs National Park, Conifers is able to provide a supportive space for its pupils to explore their passions and follow their dreams. With its aim to give its pupils’ a ‘zest for life’, its pupils are often awarded scholarships at a range of national and local independent schools. Children can join in the Nursery or Pre-School, before Reception.  

 Copthorne is a co-educational prep school for children aged 2-13. The school describes their values as: “A single school which places the development of character at the heart of its education and ensures that all children are given an education for life.” The school aims to balance academic rigour and fun, to support their pupils to develop both academically and personally. This is supported by regular visits and field trips as well as a wide range of after school clubs. Pupils go on to schools such as Lancing College, Tonbridge School, Bede's and Brighton College. 

 Dorset House School in Bury, West Sussex, is a co-educational Pre-Prep and Prep School for children from 4 – 13.  `Be the Best You Can Be’ is its school motto, and it is woven through all aspects of school life for both staff and pupils. Dorset House strives to improve continually,  everything that it does, and the impact and benefit of this on the pupils’ school experience, is always at the forefront of its mind and its prime motivation. `DH’ children are characteristically kind, happy, confident, resilient and articulate. They move on to their senior schools, many with scholarships and awards. 

  Great Walstead is an independent school in Lindfield, West Sussex for girls and boys from age 2½ - 13 years.

“Children are born creative, curious and imaginative. At Great Walstead we bring to life a love of learning, a thirst for discovery and a desire to be creative, believing this is enhanced by opportunities to explore in our 250 acre outdoor classroom. This way academic rigour and fun go hand in hand” says Chris Calvey, Headmaster.

 Handcross Park School is a co-educational day and boarding school for pupils aged 2-13. Boarding is run by houseparents Mr. and Mrs. Carter, creating a supportive family environment that promotes independence as well as a strong sense of belonging and a home-away-from-home feeling. Boarders at Handcross Park benefit from the academic support of the Boarding Tutors during supervised Prep sessions, as well as the opportunity to take part in a wide range of exciting evening and weekend activities to make the boarding experience educational, social, busy and, most importantly, fun!  

 Lancing College Prep School Hove is a co-educational day school for pupils aged 3-13. They say: “Central to our ethos is the idea that all pupils have at least one area in which they can excel.” and all pupils are encouraged to take part in a wide range of activities and experiences alongside the core curriculum. Lancing Prep Hove are proud of their family-like atmosphere and nurturing environment where pupils are supported to thrive. Many pupils go on to Lancing College, as well as other leading senior schools in the local are and across the UK. 

 Lancing College Prep School Worthing is a small, co-educational school for children from nursery to age 13. The school maintains a family atmosphere throughout, with small classes, dedicated teachers, and outstanding pastoral care. The whole school eats a home-cooked lunch together every day and the school community remains tight-knit. Children here flourish, most going on to Lancing College and many achieving scholarships and awards. 

 Oakwood School offers the very best educational journey, combining academic excellence with support and encouragement. The celebration of each child as a happy, confident and independent individual is central to its ethos, and its strong community and family values underpin this. Oakwood School aims to inspire a lifelong love of learning through a broad creative curriculum that challenges and engages, and by making the most of the outstanding outdoor environment, so that it extends the boundaries of learning.

With approximately 300 pupils, ages 2 ½ - 11 years, children can join at pre-school, Reception and in Year 3. 

 Pennthorpe School offers a nurturing, inspiring environment where children flourish academically, socially, and creatively. Set in beautiful countryside surroundings, our small class sizes ensure individual attention, fostering confidence and curiosity. From early years through Prep, pupils enjoy a rich curriculum combining academic excellence with arts, sports, and outdoor learning. Our dedicated staff cultivate resilience, creativity, and a love of learning, while our emphasis on values and well-being ensures happy, well-rounded children. With a strong sense of community, excellent facilities, and a focus on preparing pupils for future success, Pennthorpe is the ideal place for children to thrive. 

 Sacred Heart School is a co-educational school for children aged 2-11. Established in 1938 by the Sisters of the Order of Notre Dame, the school maintains a Catholic ethos and they say: “The purpose of the school remains steadfast: to provide an excellent education within the mission of the Catholic Church”, with their faith integrated throughout school life. The school remains small, with around 150 pupils, allowing for each child to be known and supported.  

 Skippers Hill Manor Prep School is a co-educational school for children aged 2-13. Skippers Hill Manor is a family school where staff are approachable and children look forward to going to school. Alongside the core curriculum, a Global, Social and Ethics programme for older students encourages wider and more critical thinking, preparing them for senior school and encouraging independent, confident deliberation. Pupils go on to such schools as Brighton College, Bede’s, Tonbridge School and Eastbourne College. 

Sompting Abbotts is a school for children aged 2 – 13 years. With its Neo-Gothic style, the school bears a resemblance to the fictional Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, thus providing a magical environment for its pupils. Ensuring it maintains a small class size with a maximum pupil to teacher ratio of 18:1, Sompting Abbotts aims to recognise and inspire each individual pupil so that they can reach their full potential. The school accepts children to its Nursery at age 2.

 Shortlisted in the 2021 Prep School of the Year Awards, St Andrew’s Prep pupils are kind, confident and culturally aware and the school’s location, just moments from the sea, is perfect for developing healthy, active and purposeful young people. 

With an emphasis on pupil collaboration and problem-solving, the school’s curriculum is forward-thinking with exceptional teaching in academic subjects, alongside wonderful opportunities in performing and creative arts and outstanding sports coaching.  

Pastoral care throughout the school is excellent, and the school’s ahead-of-trend well-being hub called The Snug has been warmly welcomed by parents.  

Above all, the children are happy; and happy children learn and thrive. 

 St Christopher's School is a co-educational prep school for children aged 4-13. Part of the Brighton College schools group, pupils benefit from direct links to the College, which is one of the top senior schools in the UK and many pupils go on to Brighton College for senior school. St Christopher’s aims to give pupils a strong foundation for both academic ability and personal character and skills to allow them to succeed at senior school and beyond.  

 The Prebendal School is a co-educational school taking children from nursery to year 8. They aim to offer a contemporary education which prepares pupils for modern life, whilst maintaining their traditions. The school was founded as the choir school for Chichester Cathedral, and maintains a chorister programme and Cathedral scholarship to this day. Prebendal is also a ‘beach school’, allowing pupils to make the most of their location by learning in a range of stimulating environments. 

 Vinehall is a leading co-educational day, boarding and nursery school for children aged 2 – 13 years. Whilst fostering a love for learning, Vinehall works hard to challenge its pupils with its innovative curriculum, including Life Skills, Ethics and Engineering, that will enable them to flourish in the ‘real world’. Its countryside location allows its 214 pupils to enjoy the refreshing qualities of nature alongside their studies. Children can join at Nursery, Reception and Prep. 

Vinehall is merging with Marlborough House School to become Marlborough House Vinehall from September 2025 and will remain on the current Vinehall site. 

 As a founding school of the Girls’ Day School Trust, Brighton Girls has a significance in the history of girls’ education. For ages 4 - 18 years, the school aims to create a supportive and nurturing environment, empowering its pupils so that they can succeed in life and make a difference in the world. Achieving high grades, with 86% of A Level grades awarded in 2021 between A/A*.Its pupils continue their studies at some of the top universities in the UK. Entry points are at Pre-Prep, Prep, Senior School and Sixth Form.  

 Buckswood is an independent, inclusive, co-educational day and boarding school for 10-18 year olds, where every child is empowered not to be ‘the best’ but to be ‘their best’. Small class sizes allow inspiring teachers to support and guide every student through the various educational pathways: GCSE, A Level, IB, and a UFC in Business Management. Whilst academic success is important, Buckswood believes a good education extends beyond the classroom and therefore offers an extensive co-curricular programme, as well as specialist academies for football, rugby, equestrian, golf and netball. Buckswood is committed to making a difference to people’s lives, rewards talent and outstanding ability with academic or sport scholarships, and bursaries. 

 Our mission at Burgess Hill Girls is to develop your daughter into one of Tomorrow’s Women. 

Our facilities, curriculum and philosophy are completely designed to provide girls with the skills and opportunities they need to fulfil their potential. Girls have the complete freedom to be bold, to take risks, to challenge themselves, to try new experiences and to make and learn from their mistakes.

Burgess Hill Girls accepts girls from ages 2 to 18, with boarding from age 11. It is set in 14 acres of beautiful grounds within a conservation area in the centre of Burgess Hill, West Sussex. 

 Christ’s Hospital is a remarkable school; it is the UK’s leading charitable school and largest bursary charity. The School was established in 1552 and provides free or substantially reduced cost places to over 630 of its 900 pupils each year – this is more than any other organisation in the UK. Through first-class education and exceptional pastoral support, Christ’s Hospital provides each pupil with stability and the opportunity to thrive and fulfil their potential. 98% of pupils go on to university and leavers take with them the confidence and resilience they will need to achieve success at university and beyond, as well as to make a meaningful contribution to society.

 A traditional heart, a modern mind.

Founded in 1867, Eastbourne College has always done things differently. It’s proud of its heritage, but is always looking forwards. Progressive and innovative. Empowering its pupils to question the answers and find their own path in life. Set in idyllic coastal surroundings, this is a place that truly makes a lasting impression. In 2021, 82 per cent of the grades awarded at A-level were A*-B. Fifty per cent of the School’s top achievers were girls with six going on to study at Oxford or Cambridge University. Boarding, day, and family-friendly flexibility included. The main points of entry are Year 9 and Year 12.

 Farlington School is a co-educational nursery, day and boarding school for children aged 2-18. The school’s motto is ‘Vive ut vivas’ - ‘Live life to the full’ and they encourage all their pupils to:  “Live life to the full – become the best version of yourself”. Their core values are individuality, opportunity and community, and these are embedded throughout everything they do. Their core goal is for their pupils to be happy, with a focus on wellbeing which enables their pupils to reach their full potential, placing 35th out of 4,470 schools and colleges in England when comparing 'Value Added' scores (2019). 

Great Ballard is a co-educational school for children aged 2 ½-16. The School's ethos is called the ‘Four H Approach’, prioritising “The Head, the Hand, the Heart and the Health of every student”. This is integrated throughout school life, from strong and supportive school staff, to the many activities which make use of their location in the South Downs National Park. The school aims to maintain a family feel, with close connections to and communication with parents, including family and parents’ events at the school. 

 Hurstpierpoint College is a co-educational day and boarding school for pupils aged 4 - 18 years. With an ambition for its pupils to succeed in their futures, academic excellence is the foundation of a Hurst education. However, they also offer a wide range of co-curricular activities designed to encourage students to try new skills, move beyond their comfort zone, and gain experience in a safe and supportive environment. Along with their emphasis on community involvement and the valuable skills and perspectives developed from it, Hurst ensures its pupils grow into mature and rounded individuals.

 With around 650 pupils, Lewes Old Grammar School is a co-educational day school for pupils aged 3 -18 years. The school prides itself on being a community which is moulded by the individual pupil’s aspirations and needs. Through its curriculum pupils are encouraged to learn how to think, more than simply what to think; to value questions above answers; creativity above fact regurgitation; and the pursuit of excellence about standardised performance. Usual points of entry are Pre-Reception, Reception, Year 3, Year 7, Year 9 and Year 12.

 LVS Hassocks is a multi-award-winning specialist school for boys and girls aged 11 to 19 with a diagnosis of autism. It aims to enable students to realise their full potential and become independent individuals who are confident and successful, leaving the school to enjoy futures in jobs or further mainstream education. LVS Hassocks has an experienced team of teachers and teaching assistants who are passionate about providing a positive, nurturing learning environment to deliver a specialist curriculum underpinned by three main areas of development – Learning, Growing and Achieving. LVS Hassocks accepts students throughout the year with a current intake of 61. 

 Described by Country Life as ‘one of the finest schools in the land’, Mayfield School is a leading Catholic independent boarding and day school for 400 girls aged 11 – 18 years. Mayfield believes that the key to success is to encourage and nurture creativity in everything that it does, inside and outside the classroom. This is demonstrated through the wide range of opportunities that it offers, to encourage equally the spiritual, intellectual, creative, physical and emotional development of each student. Main points of entry are 11+, 13+ or 16+.  

 Our Lady of Sion is a co-educational, interdenominational school for children aged 3 – 18 years. The school prides itself on offering an inspiring, affordable education in a caring, family community where, with around 400 pupils, every child is known (and knows that they are known).

Nurturing the potential of every child, a Sion education offers an ambitious start where pupils are given every opportunity to learn, succeed and achieve wonderful outcomes. Located in the heart of Worthing, in West Sussex, with the beach on the doorstep, the school is also able to take full advantage of its proximity to local sports and cultural facilities, making childhood memories along the way.

 Seaford College is a co-educational day and boarding prep school, senior school and sixth form for children aged 5-18. They say: “We firmly believe in personal bests, both inside and outside the classroom”, encouraging an individualistic approach which supports pupils to progress and celebrates personal achievements. The school has a ‘challenge grades’ system, which inspires students to have realistic yet ambitious targets and gives them confidence to succeed. There is no Saturday school, and boarders are encouraged to partake in the wide range of clubs and activities available throughout the week and weekends. Pupils also benefit from a peer mentoring scheme, supporting younger pupils and developing leadership skills in older mentors. 

 Shoreham College is a leading co-educational school for 371 children, aged 3 – 16 years. Shoreham aims to create a family environment so that children can be individually nurtured during the educational process. Shoreham College provides an academic education where ambition, resilience, creativity and confidence are developed. On its 11-acre site that includes a heated swimming pool and well-maintained sports fields, the school is also able to provide its pupils with exciting opportunities beyond the classroom.

 Slindon College is a day and boarding school for boys aged 8-18 years. The small school population of circa 80 boys means a high staff/ pupil ratio giving the boys a chance to thrive as individuals in an environment perfectly suited to their needs. Teaching staff understand that pupils' learning paths can be varied and their aim is to encourage pupils to reach their potential by providing a supportive, nurturing and calm environment for boys who have previously struggled in mainstream education. The College accepts applications throughout the year. 

 Worth is known for offering education with heart and soul. It is a friendly school with academic ambition, set in 500 acres of beautiful countryside between London and Brighton, and just 15 minutes from Gatwick Airport. It is increasingly over-subscribed to join  its community of 640 boys and girls aged from 11 to 18. Worth offers GCSE/iGCSE, pre-IB in Year 11, A Levels or IB in Sixth Form, all taught by inspirational teachers. Pastoral care is outstanding and the co-curricular programme is packed with over 132 activities on offer. A new school library and Sixth Form Centre are opening in early 2022.