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Best primary schools in Chichester
Best primary schools in East Grinstead
Best primary schools in Crawley
Best primary schools in Haywards Heath
Best primary schools in Horsham
Best primary schools in Worthing
The work-from-home movement has seen people leave London in droves and thus spots at the most popular primary schools in the county are increasingly coveted. Faith schools dominate when it comes to popularity and academic results, so be sure to know the nuts and bolts of the admission criteria early, as long-term regular church attendance will likely bolster your chances. Our guide to primary school admissions will help you maximise your chances of securing your first choice.
Primary schools in Chichester
Topping the attainment charts for reading, writing and maths is Birdham CE Primary School, close to the stunning beaches of the Witterings. Faith schools in Chichester dominate when it comes to academics and are the most competitive to get into. St Richard’s Catholic Primary School is the most popular, and commitment to faith factors into the application process, although catchment area holds most weight. Other impressive feeders for Chichester's excellent state secondary sector are St Mary’ Catholic Primary School, Bognor and St Philip’s Catholic Primary School, Arundel.
For a through-school option, children can start at Chichester Free School from reception up to year 11 and results are above the national average.
Heading north, the charming Hollycombe Primary School in Liphook is a small village school (100 pupils) and a popular first choice for many.
Best state secondary schools in Chichester
Best private schools in Chichester
Primary schools in East Grinstead
Long-standing East Grinstead locals tell us that Halsford Park Primary, Baldwins Hill, and Blackwell School produce happy children and academics above the national average. East of town, Estcots Primary School is also a popular choice and 72 per cent of children here reach expected levels in English and maths.
Faith schools are in continued demand and situated in the stunning High Weald is West Hoathly CofE Primary School where a huge percentage of children attain expected levels in English and maths. We’re told the school welcomes children from all faiths but does have a daily Christian element to its assemblies.
Balcombe CofE School has a strong academic record again with most children reaching expected scores in English and maths, the school is not currently oversubscribed.
Best state secondary schools in East Grinstead
Best private schools in East Grinstead
Best nurseries in East Grinstead
Primary Schools in Crawley
Few schools are oversubscribed in this area, but Maidenbower Infant School and Forge Wood Primary School are the exceptions. Woodgate Primary is oversubscribed and is relatively new on the scene, opening in 2019, located on the edge of a large housing development outside Crawley. Nearby local village schools closed, and children were offered Woodgate as an alternative.
Turner’s Hill CofE Primary School has a cross-curricular approach and is a popular local choice. Most begin in the pre-school, Little Oaks, before moving into reception.
Best state secondary schools in Crawley
Best private schools in Crawley
Primary schools in Haywards Heath
Leading the charge in terms of academics, popularity and reputation are Lindfield Primary Academy and Blackthorns Primary Academy, both feeders to the notable Warden Park Secondary Academy. The surrounding villages have two excellent faith schools, St Mark’s CofE Primary School, Staplefield and Holy Trinity CofE (A) Primary School, Cuckfield, and priority is given to families who attend Holy Trinity Church Cuckfield at least once a month in the six-month period preceding application. Twineham CE Primary School is a ‘cracker of a school,’ according to parents, who also praise the school’s inclusion of Ukranian refugee children.
Competition for a place at Birchwood Grove Community Primary School, Burgess Hill is especially strong, as is St Wilfrid’s Catholic Primary, Burgess Hill.
Best state secondary schools in Haywards Heath
Best private schools in Haywards Heath
Best nurseries in Haywards Heath
Primary schools in Horsham
Horsham’s state primary schools all feed the town’s excellent secondary comprehensives and demand for school places is nudging up in this ever-popular commuter town. Arunside Primary School receives the highest number of first choice applicants in the vicinity, reflecting its strong academic record. An impressive 92 per cent of children at Heron Way Primary reach the required literacy and numeracy standards on leaving. Leechpool Primary is another popular option.
The surrounding villages of Colgate, Warnham and Rudgwick all have reputable primary schools with above-national average results.
High attainment levels can also be found 20 minutes south at Storrington Primary School and Upper Beeding Primary, both very popular with locals but surprisingly not routinely oversubscribed.
Best state secondary schools in Horsham
Best private schools in Horsham
Primary schools in Worthing
Demonstrating commitment to the Catholic Church holds huge weight in the application process to St Mary’s Catholic Primary School and St Oscar Romero Catholic Primary School, as does having a sibling at the school. The catchment area covers the whole of Worthing and South Lancing but stops short of Goring-By-Sea.
However, Goring-By-Sea CofE (aided) Primary School is an option if you fall just outside the Worthing catchment and is very popular. Oversubscribed Broadwater CofE Primary School increases its numbers in year 3 allowing new children to join. A commitment to the life of the Parish of Broadwater by regular worship at St Stephen’s Church, Queen Street Church, St Mary’s Church or Worthing Chinese Christian Fellowship needs to be demonstrated in the admissions process. Elm Grove Primary School (own swimming pool) receives a high percentage of applicants who list it as their first choice, as does Thomas A Becket Infant School.
Best state secondary schools in Worthing
Best private schools in Worthing
State primary schools with special educational needs in West Sussex
All mainstream state primary schools in the county cater for children with special educational needs, and some have special support centres (SSC) within a mainstream environment.
Maidenbower Junior School, Crawley offers a special support centre for children with autism but also supports children with moderate learning difficulties such as dyslexia. Manor Green Primary School, Crawley has specialist provision for autism with motivating resources and dedicated play areas in each class.
Herons Dale Primary School, Shoreham and Palatine Primary, Worthing are community special schools for primary aged children, including those with physical and learning needs and some autism.