
About Woodard Schools
Woodard Schools is a significant group of independent and state-maintained schools in the United Kingdom. Founded by Nathaniel Woodard in 1848, the group comprises a collection of schools that share a Christian ethos and a commitment to providing high-quality education. The network includes independent schools, affiliated schools, and academies (managed through the separate Woodard Academies Trust).
Associated Schools(8)

Dorset House School is a co-educational preparatory school situated near Pulborough, West Sussex, within the South Downs National Park. Established in 1784, it is noted as one of the country's oldest prep schools. Located on a 16-acre site, the school offers day and optional flexi/weekly boarding for pupils aged 4-13. The school claims to provide a "greenhouse not a hothouse" environment, aiming to inspire academic learning and foster resilience. A 2018 ISI Inspection found "excellent" academic and personal development. From September 2025, it joined the Lancing College family of schools.

Lancing College Prep Worthing is a co-educational independent nursery, pre-preparatory, and preparatory school for children aged 2-13. Situated on Broadwater Road in Worthing, West Sussex, the school is set within its own grounds. The school claims to focus on fostering a safe, welcoming, and tolerant environment, with an ethos centered on "Love Learning, Be Kind and Go Out into the World and Do Good" within a Christian community. It features small class sizes and a broad, balanced curriculum. An ISI inspection in June 2022 awarded it "excellent" for academic and personal development.

Lancing College Prep Hove is an independent co-educational day school for children aged 3 to 13 years, located in Hove, East Sussex. Situated on a leafy seven-acre campus, the school features early 20th-century buildings, playing fields, and an Astroturf pitch. As part of the Woodard school foundation, its ethos is underpinned by Christian values. The school claims to focus on inspiring excellence, developing independent minds, fostering creativity, and placing equal importance on academic achievement and personal development. It encourages pupils to 'be brave' in their learning.

Hurstpierpoint College is a co-educational day and boarding independent school located just north of the village of Hurstpierpoint, West Sussex. Situated in the Sussex countryside, the College occupies a 140-acre campus. Founded in 1849 by Canon Nathaniel Woodard, the school is part of the Woodard Corporation. The school claims to focus on academic excellence and spiritual nurture, underpinned by a Christian ethos that welcomes all faiths. It provides education for pupils aged 4 to 18.

Lancing College is a co-educational boarding and day school for pupils aged 13 to 18. Situated in West Sussex, east of Worthing, the school is set within 330 acres of the South Downs National Park. Founded in 1848 by Nathaniel Woodard, it operates as a Christian foundation in the Anglican tradition. The school claims to focus on inspiring a desire for excellence, fostering independent minds, and promoting Christian values and community contribution.

Great Walstead is an independent co-educational preparatory school for children aged 2.5 to 13 years, located in Lindfield, West Sussex. Situated in 250-265 acres of countryside and woodland, the school prioritizes outdoor learning. The school claims to focus on cultivating values such as empathy, vibrancy, adventure, and determination. It was awarded the International Association of Prep Schools' Excellence in Education and nominated for TES Pre-Prep School of the Year in 2021.

King's School Rochester is a co-educational independent day and boarding school situated in Rochester, Kent. The school is nestled within the Cathedral Precinct, near Rochester Cathedral and Rochester Castle, offering views over the River Medway. Founded in 604 AD, it claims to be the second oldest continuously operating school in the world and the oldest cathedral choir school. Serving pupils aged 3 to 18, it is a Church of England foundation. The school claims to focus on a holistic education, underpinned by values of happiness, endeavour, aspiration, roundedness, and teamwork.

Situated in the West Sussex countryside, near Haywards Heath, Ardingly College is a co-educational boarding and day school established in 1858. The college occupies a 240-acre campus with woodland and a lakeside environment. The school claims to focus on academic rigour, critical thinking, and preparing students to be "World Ready". Its ethos is guided by values such as engagement, compassion, resilience, and collaboration. Ardingly College offers A-levels, the IB Diploma, and BTECs.