Founded in 1945, originally as a boys school. It is set in 32 acres of countryside, with large open playing fields, athletics track, swimming pool and tennis courts. A number of buildings provide facilities including an art and technology centre, CDT centre, drama studio, IT suite, music centre and science laboratories; a major refurbishment programme is planned. The school's aim is to provide a happy, stimulating and structured environment, where children feel valued and secure, and where strong, lifelong friendships are formed. A sound general education is provided and there is a good range of extra-curricular activities. Pupils go on to a number of local secondary schools.
Pupils: Age range 4–11, 134 day pupils (67 boys, 67 girls). Entrance: Main entry age 4. Entrance by interview and, in some cases, assessments. Entrance is non-selective. 1 classes (of some 15) throughout. No special skills or religious requirements
Some scholarships at age 7 and means-tested bursaries (academic, art, drama, music, sport).
Headmaster: Tim Lewis, in post since 1990. Teaching staff: 12 full-time, 6 part-time.
Pupils take Key Stage 1 and 2 assessments at age 7 and 11, Common Entrance at age 13. In 2010, 61% of pupils achieved Level 5 in Key Stage 2 English, 78% in maths; all pupils pass CE that take it. 50+% of pupils gain entrance scholarships to their secondary schools.
Pupils go on to a number of specific secondary schools eg Brighton College, Cranbrook, Hurstpierpoint, St Bede's.
All National Curriculum subjects taught. Specialist subject teachers introduced at age 7. Languages: French taught from age 7, Latin from 9. ICT: Taught both as a discrete subject and across the curriculum. Pupil access to computers from from age 5.
All pupils involved in school drama productions. Recent productions include concerts, drama workshop, school choir's performance at recent concert of Rutter music, individual and group entrants to Tunbridge Wells and Eastbourne Festivals of Performing Arts. Music, drama, dance and art all offered as extra-curricular activities.
Compulsory sports: swimming, hockey, football, netball, rugby, rounders, cricket, athletics. Optional: cross country, dance (Years 5 & 6); fitness training, biathlon, volleyball, stooball (Years 7 & 8). All sports facilities are on-site. Teams have regular fixtures. 2 pupils represented school and county in National Prep School Athletics Competition. Activities: School is very involved with the local community (eg contributes to the harvest festival which supports local causes, senior choir visits care homes and participates in charity events). Charities' committee organises fund-raising. Up to 30 clubs eg music & movement, art, judo, gardening, craft, gymnastics, board games, parachute, swimming, pottery.
Uniform: School uniform worn. Houses: Competitive houses. Head boy and girl. Religion: Non-denominational. Attendance at religious worship not compulsory. Social: Trips abroad eg to Jersey. Meals cafeteria-style and compulsory; pupils not expected to bring their own food to school. School bus service, including for breakfast club and some after-school activities. Some supervision available before and after school (breakfast club from 7.45 am, after-school club to 5.45pm).
Jodie Halse (actor); Laura Marsh (England Cricketer)
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