Independent Prep Schools in West Sussex

The Prebendal School is a co-educational day and boarding preparatory school for pupils aged 3 to 13, situated in the heart of Chichester, West Sussex. Recognised as the oldest school in Sussex, its history dates back to the 11th century as a song school for Chichester Cathedral, with which it maintains a close official link today. The school is housed in a collection of historic buildings, including a 13th-century school house. It provides a broad education with a strong musical tradition, serving as the choir school for the cathedral’s choristers.

Brambletye School is a co-educational independent preparatory day and boarding school for pupils aged 2 to 13, situated near East Grinstead, West Sussex. Occupying a 140-acre estate overlooking Ashdown Forest, the school is centred on a Victorian country house built in 1896. Originally founded in 1919, Brambletye focuses on providing a broad education guided by its ethos of "Work hard, play hard and be kind." Facilities include a 270-seat theatre, an indoor swimming pool, and a golf course, with the extensive grounds supporting a wide range of outdoor learning and sporting activities.

Great Walstead School is a co-educational independent day school for pupils aged 2 to 13, situated within 260 acres of woodland and parkland near Haywards Heath. Founded in 1925, the school moved to its current site in 1927 and is now a member of the Woodard Corporation. Its educational approach, known as the "Mud π" philosophy, emphasises outdoor learning and discovery. On-site facilities include a swimming pool, floodlit Astroturf, a drama studio, and a distinctive octagonal chapel. The school operates with a Christian ethos, focusing on the development of independent and engaged learners.

Copthorne Prep is a co-educational day and boarding school for children aged 2 to 13, situated within 55 acres of countryside and woodland in West Sussex. Founded in 1902 as a feeder for Winchester College, the school is housed in a 19th-century country house and features a chapel converted from a former observatory. The curriculum follows an enquiry-led pathway alongside a range of extracurricular activities. Facilities include a 17-metre swimming pool, a climbing wall, and floodlit sports pitches. Since 2023, the school has been a member of the Caterham Family of Schools.

Farlington School is an independent day and boarding school located in Horsham, West Sussex. Established in 1896, it became fully co-educational in September 2021, catering to pupils aged 6 months to 18 years. Situated within 33 acres of parkland, the school offers a rural setting. Farlington School claims to focus on its core values of Individuality, Opportunity, and Community, with a mission to encourage pupils to "Live life to the full" (Vive ut vivas). It is affiliated with the Bellevue Education group. Pastoral care and wellbeing are stated as central to its educational approach.

Slindon College is an independent day and boarding school for boys aged 8 to 18, located near Arundel in West Sussex. Set within 14 acres of the South Downs National Park, the school is housed in the historic, Grade II listed Slindon House. It provides a specialist learning environment tailored to pupils with additional needs, such as dyslexia and ADHD. The college emphasises a holistic and supportive ethos, maintaining small class sizes to provide individual attention. The curriculum offers a broad range of academic and vocational pathways, including GCSEs and BTEC qualifications.

Shoreham College is an independent co-educational day school for pupils aged 3 to 16, located in Shoreham-by-Sea, West Sussex. Founded in 1852, the school is set within an 11-acre campus that includes a 500-year-old Tudor manor house and historic flint walls. The college follows a non-selective admissions policy and provides an education focused on individual well-being and academic breadth. Specialist facilities include a heated open-air swimming pool, modern STEM laboratories, and a forest school. The site also features extensive playing fields for sporting activities and outdoor learning.

Oakwood School is a co-educational independent preparatory day school for pupils aged 2 to 11, located near Chichester, West Sussex. Established in 1912, the school is set within over 100 acres of parkland and woodland between the South Downs and the coast. The central building is Oakwood House, a Grade II listed Georgian country house dating from 1811. The school's ethos focuses on developing happy, confident, and well-rounded individuals. Its broad curriculum emphasises outdoor learning and the performing arts, supported by extensive facilities including a woodland classroom and an on-site swimming pool.

Ardingly College is a co-educational boarding and day school for pupils aged 2 to 18, situated on a 230-acre campus in the West Sussex countryside near Haywards Heath. Founded in 1858 by Canon Nathaniel Woodard, the school features notable Gothic Revival architecture and a Grade II listed chapel. The college emphasises a "world-ready" ethos, providing a choice between A-levels and the International Baccalaureate in the Sixth Form. Facilities include a dedicated art school and access to a reservoir for water sports. It maintains a strong focus on competitive sports, including football, hockey, and cricket.