Ages 
Without doubt, this is a school that offers musical excellence along with its illustrious history. Considered by many to be a music school, but the head is keen to point out that it is much more than that, and we would agree. It is a school that uses its size to its advantage, ensuring each child is taught as an individual – nurturing and adaptive in its approach. Your child does not have to be musical to thrive, but most pupils are expected to give it a go.
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Overview & data
- Pupil numbers
- 124 ·
- Offers boarding
- Yes ·
- Religion
- CofE/Christian
- Fees
- Day £9,675 - £17,985; Boarding £26,070; Choristers £19,554 pa
- Local authority
- West Sussex County Council
- Area guides
- School ownership
- Alpha school
Headteacher
Head
Alison Napier
Since 2022, Alison Napier, previously head of pre-prep. Studied education at the University of Glasgow and taught in Scotland before moving to the States where she took on a variety of education roles. She calls herself a ‘primary school teacher
Entrance
Children can join the nursery (Pelicans) in the term that they turn 2, and with the growing popularity of the school this could be the best way to secure a place for reception. Occasional places crop up in other years and the school welcomes pupils
- Open days
- Visits by appointment throughout the year
Exit
Strong links with Lancing College, Portsmouth Grammar School and Churcher’s. Recent leavers also headed to Portsmouth High School, Ditcham Park, Seaford, Bedales and Eton. A small handful of pupils leave at the end of year 6 for local state schools.
Latest results
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Learning support & SEN
Boarders
Weekly, flexi or full boarding and any child is welcome to spend the odd night if parents suddenly need it – plenty of spare beds and duvets. There is a real family feel, with a games room and comfy sofas. Boys and girls occupy separate floors;
Pupils
Money matters
All choristers receive a scholarship which can then be topped up with a means-tested bursary if required. Parents describe the school as ‘good value for money’. Applications open in November each year for the school’s limited number of scholarships
- Fee information
- Day £9,675 - £17,985; Boarding £26,070; Choristers £19,554 pa
Our view
Although the school’s official founding date is given as 1497, Prebendal’s origins go back to the 11th century when it would have been the ‘song school’, housing and educating Chichester Cathedral’s choristers. This historic relationship between
The last word
Without doubt, this is a school that offers musical excellence along with its illustrious history. Considered by many to be a music school, but the head is keen to point out that it is much more than that, and we would agree. It is a school that uses
