Founded in 1887 as Newells Preparatory School in Lower Beeding. It is now based in 50 acres of parkland in beautiful Sussex countryside, close to the A23. The school is well-equipped, with a new science and technology centre. The setting provides ample space for a range of activities: there are various sports pitches, an athletics area and adventure playgrounds. The nursery and pre-prep are set in a Victorian walled garden (called the Secret Garden). Originally a boys' boarding school, it has accepted girls since 1971. Its ethos and values are Christian, with a Church of England tradition, although children of various faiths are accepted. The aim is that all children leave with confidence and the ability to succeed at their chosen senior school.
Pupils: Age range 2-13, 232 pupils; 225 day (120 boys, 105 girls), 7 weekly boarding (5 boys, 2 girls). Entrance: Main entry ages 7-11. Prospective pupils have informal tests and a taster day. Two classes (of about 14) in each year group. No special skills or religious persuasion (though school is Christian).
Some scholarships and bursaries may be awarded at the Headmaster's discretion. Average extras approximately £700 a year.
15+% of parents in business/commerce, 15+% in finance. Over 60% live within 30 miles, a few overseas.
Headmaster: Graeme Owton, in post from 2011. Educated at Clayesmore and at Brunel University (English). Previously Headmaster at Bodiam Manor, Housemaster and Director of Rugby at Wellington (Berkshire), Housemaster and Head of English at Feltonfleet and Assistant Housemaster at Wells Cathedral School. Also a rugby and cricket coach. Teaching staff: 29 full-time, 26 part-time. Annual turnover 5% . Average age 46.
Pupils take Common Entrance (average gaining a grade B) and scholarship exams. Some 60% gain entrance scholarships and awards to their senior schools.
Pupils go on to a range of secondary schools eg Ardingly, Brighton College, Charterhouse, Cranleigh, Hurstpierpoint, Lancing, Reigate Grammar, Roedean, Sevenoaks, Tonbridge, Wellington College, Worth.
All National Curriculum subjects taught. Specialist teachers introduced at age 7. Special provision: Learning support department with 3 staff (2 literacy, 1 numeracy), including provision for EFL. Languages: Spanish taught from age 4, French and Latin from age 10. ICT: Taught as a discrete subject from age 5 and across the curriculum. Smartboards in every classroom.
Music, dance and drama all offered both on the curriculum and as extra-curricular activities. 50+% of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams may be taken. Musical groups include orchestras, choirs, rock band, jazz group, and groups for strings, recorders, woodwind and guitar. All pupils involved in school productions. Lower, middle and upper school each have a major annual production eg The Seussical (The Cat in the Hat).
Compulsory sports: rugby, football, cricket, netball, hockey, rounders, athletics, cross-country, swimming. Optional: tennis, golf, trampolining. Indoor swimming pool, sports hall, numerous sports pitches, 6-hole golf course. Weekly fixtures against other schools. Activities: Some ten extra-curricular activities eg organic garden, chess, horse riding, rock climbing, street dancing, sweet making and cake decorating, enamelling.
Uniform: School uniform worn. Houses & prefects: Competitive houses. Positions of responsibility eg head boy and girl, heads of house, prefects, head chorister, chair of pupil council and of eco-council. Religion. Church of England school. Attendance at religious worship required. Social: Trips abroad eg skiing, trip to Spain. Pupils not allowed bikes or scooters in school. Meals compulsory. Shop for uniform and stationery. Most day pupils travel to school by car; school bus service but does not cater for after-school activities. Supervision available before and after school (7.30am to 6pm).
School believes in positive encouragement and reward. Pupils failing to produce homework once might expect a conversation about organisational skills; punishment for any pupil caught stealing would depend on the circumstances.
Boarders in dormitories of 3-6, on single-sex floors areas of a single house. No resident medical staff. Weekly boarding and flexi-boarding only
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