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Schools in West Sussex

A council (local authority) in the South East

  • Council
  • 695 schools and nurseries
  • 117,532 pupils
  • 20 towns and villages

In short: Most primary schools here are rated Good or better, about the same as across England. Results at 11 are close to England, and results at 16 were close to England in 2026. Attendance is close to the England figure.

Three children with backpacks crossing a street
A red-brick school building under a blue sky
20 towns

West Sussex at a glance

Close to England on most measures

How West Sussex's schools compare with England, area by area.

DfE and Ofsted data, 2014 to 2026How we work this out
  • Schools and nurseries695225 primary · 37 secondary · 366 nurseries
  • Primaries Good or better92%England 96%
  • Met the standard at 1160%England 62%
  • Grade 5 in English and maths47%Attainment 8 46.7, England 46.2
  • Free school meals, primary16%A sign of family income
  • Missed a lot of school18%England 18%
Top-rated

The highest-rated schools in West Sussex

Primary and secondary schools are ranked by Eduscope score, which weighs up results, inspections, attendance and more. Nurseries, special and independent schools aren't ranked. A high score isn't everything: always visit.

All West Sussex primary schools

Top Primary Schools in West Sussex

225 mainstream schools in West Sussex, best first

Heron Way Primary School

Horsham, RH13 6DJ · State · Primary · Ages 4 to 11

  • Ofsted:Outstanding

Results well above the England average.

78 first choices, 59 offers made

Met the standard at 1195%

England 62%

Days missed
3.4%
Pupils
417
Pupils per teacher
20.9
View school Heron Way Primary School

Kingslea Primary School

Horsham, RH13 5PS · State · Primary · Ages 4 to 11

  • Ofsted:Strong standard in every area

Results well above the England average.

94 first choices, 60 offers made

Met the standard at 1179%

England 62%

Days missed
3.3%
Pupils
428
Pupils per teacher
22.0
View school Kingslea Primary School
See all 279 primary schools

Top Secondary Schools in West Sussex

37 mainstream schools in West Sussex, best first

St Paul's Catholic College

Burgess Hill, RH15 8GA · Academy · Secondary · Ages 11 to 18

  • Ofsted:Outstanding

Results well above the England average.

268 first choices, 173 offers made

Attainment 8 at 1657.8

England 46.2

Days missed
5.8%
Pupils
1,160
Pupils per teacher
16.0
View school St Paul's Catholic College

St Oscar Romero Catholic School

Worthing, BN12 5AF · State · Secondary · Ages 11 to 18

  • Ofsted:Outstanding in every area

Results well above the England average.

289 first choices, 172 offers made

Attainment 8 at 1657.2

England 46.2

Days missed
5.1%
Pupils
1,144
Pupils per teacher
17.0
View school St Oscar Romero Catholic School

Bishop Luffa School, Chichester

Chichester, PO19 3HP · Academy · Secondary · Ages 11 to 18

  • Ofsted:Outstanding

Results well above the England average.

287 first choices, 232 offers made

Attainment 8 at 1655.1

England 46.2

Days missed
6.9%
Pupils
1,600
Pupils per teacher
18.4
View school Bishop Luffa School, Chichester
See all 91 secondary schools

Nurseries in West Sussex

366 in West Sussex, highest Ofsted grade first

See all 366 nurseries

Sixth Forms in West Sussex

43 in West Sussex, by the school's Eduscope score

St Paul's Catholic College

Burgess Hill, RH15 8GA · Academy · Secondary · Ages 11 to 18

  • Ofsted:Outstanding

Results well above the England average.

268 first choices, 173 offers made

Attainment 8 at 1657.8

England 46.2

Days missed
5.8%
Pupils
1,160
Pupils per teacher
16.0
View school St Paul's Catholic College

St Oscar Romero Catholic School

Worthing, BN12 5AF · State · Secondary · Ages 11 to 18

  • Ofsted:Outstanding in every area

Results well above the England average.

289 first choices, 172 offers made

Attainment 8 at 1657.2

England 46.2

Days missed
5.1%
Pupils
1,144
Pupils per teacher
17.0
View school St Oscar Romero Catholic School

Bishop Luffa School, Chichester

Chichester, PO19 3HP · Academy · Secondary · Ages 11 to 18

  • Ofsted:Outstanding

Results well above the England average.

287 first choices, 232 offers made

Attainment 8 at 1655.1

England 46.2

Days missed
6.9%
Pupils
1,600
Pupils per teacher
18.4
View school Bishop Luffa School, Chichester
See all 43 sixth forms

Special Schools in West Sussex

34 in West Sussex. Eduscope doesn't rank these.

St Anthony's School

Chichester, PO19 5PA · Special · All-through · Ages 4 to 16

  • Ofsted:Outstanding

Specialist provision. Results aren't published in the same way.

Results

Not published for this kind of school.

Days missed
10.7%
Pupils
254
Pupils per teacher
7.8
View school St Anthony's School

Apple Orchard School

Horsham, RH13 0RQ · Independent · Secondary · Ages 11 to 18 · Boys

  • Ofsted:Good

Specialist provision. Results aren't published in the same way.

Results

Not published for this kind of school.

Days missed
–
Pupils
15
Pupils per teacher
–
View school Apple Orchard School
See all 34 special schools

Private Schools in West Sussex

46 in West Sussex. Eduscope doesn't rank these.

Apple Orchard School

Horsham, RH13 0RQ · Independent · Secondary · Ages 11 to 18 · Boys

  • Ofsted:Good

Specialist provision. Results aren't published in the same way.

Results

Not published for this kind of school.

Days missed
–
Pupils
15
Pupils per teacher
–
View school Apple Orchard School

Atelier21 Future School

Crawley, RH11 9RZ · Independent · All-through · Ages 4 to 16

  • Ofsted:Good

Independent school. Results aren't published in the same way.

Results

Not published for this kind of school.

Days missed
–
Pupils
137
Pupils per teacher
–
View school Atelier21 Future School
See all 46 private schools
The map

Every school in West Sussex, on one map

Each dot is a school or nursery, coloured by its latest Ofsted grade. Point at a dot to see its name, or use the list.

See them as a list
Show
Bognor Regis Nursery School, OutstandingChichester Nursery School, GoodHorsham Nursery School, GoodBoundstone Nursery School, OutstandingAldingbourne Primary School, Expected standard in every areaBosham Primary School, GoodShelley Primary School, Requires improvement in 2 areasCamelsdale Primary School, GoodColgate Primary School, GoodWest Green Primary School, GoodFuntington Primary School, Good or betterEast Wittering Community Primary School, GoodHollycombe Primary School, GoodTrafalgar Community Infant School, GoodBarns Green Primary School, Good in every areaOakfields Primary School, Horsham, GoodNorth Lancing Primary School, GoodLoxwood Primary School, GoodNorthchapel Community Primary School, GoodNorth Mundham Primary School, GoodPlaistow and Kirdford Primary School, Requires improvement in 3 areasRudgwick Primary School, GoodSidlesham Primary School, Requires improvementStedham Primary School, Requires improvementThakeham Primary School, GoodUpper Beeding Primary School, Good or betterWestbourne Primary School, Requires improvement in 4 areasWest Chiltington Community Primary School, Good in every areaWisborough Green Primary School, GoodDurrington Infant School, Expected standard or betterElm Grove Primary School, Worthing, GoodVale School, Worthing, Expected standard or betterThorney Island Community Primary School, GoodBersted Green Primary School, Bognor Regis, Requires improvement in 2 areasStorrington Primary School, GoodSouthbourne Infant School, GoodJessie Younghusband Primary School, GoodSouthbourne Junior School, GoodArunside School, Horsham, GoodShoreham Beach Primary School, GoodHeron Way Primary School, OutstandingThree Bridges Primary School, Requires improvementPound Hill Junior School, Crawley, GoodSwiss Gardens Primary School, GoodLeechpool Primary School, Requires improvementEast Preston Infant School, Good in every areaParklands Community Primary School, GoodBartons Primary School, Bognor Regis, GoodLyminster Primary School, GoodRose Green Infant School, GoodAshurst Wood Primary School, Good in every areaLondon Meed Community Primary School, GoodHandcross Primary School, GoodHassocks Infant School, Strong standard in every areaThe Windmills Junior School, GoodThe Gattons Infant School, GoodSouthway Junior School, Good in every areaFairway Infant School, Copthorne, GoodEstcots Primary School, GoodBirchwood Grove Community Primary School, Burgess Hill, GoodNorth Heath Community Primary School, GoodDurrington Junior School, GoodThomas A Becket Infant School, GoodThomas A Becket Junior School, GoodSheddingdean Community Primary School, Needs attention in 5 areasGeorgian Gardens Community Primary School, GoodHomefield Primary School and SSC, GoodMaidenbower Infant School and Nursery, Good or betterThe Meads Primary School, GoodHolbrook Primary School, GoodSpringfield Infant School and Nursery, Outstanding in every areaBramber Primary School, GoodAmberley CofE Primary School, Good in every areaAshington CofE Primary School, Needs attention in 4 areasBirdham CE Primary School, GoodSouth Bersted CofE Primary School, GoodBoxgrove CofE Primary School, GoodChidham Parochial Primary School, GoodCompton and Up Marden CofE Primary School, GoodSt James' CofE Primary School, Coldwaltham, Good in every areaDuncton CofE Junior School, GoodEastergate CofE Primary School, Requires improvement in 3 areasFittleworth CofE Village School, Requires improvement in 2 areasFerring C of E Primary School, GoodJolesfield CofE Primary School, GoodHoly Trinity CofE Primary School, Lower Beeding, GoodMidhurst CofE Primary School, Requires improvement in 2 areasRake CofE Primary School, Good in every areaPetworth Cof E Primary School, Good in every areaRogate CofE Primary School, GoodShipley CofE Primary School, GoodSlindon CofE Primary School, Good in every areaSingleton CofE Primary School, GoodSlinfold CofE Primary School and Pre School, GoodSteyning CofE Primary School, GoodWalberton & Binsted CofE Primary School, GoodWarnham CofE Primary School, GoodSt Mary's CofE Primary School, GoodWest Wittering Parochial Church of England School, GoodYapton CE Primary School, GoodWilliam Penn School, Requires improvementEasebourne CofE Primary School, Needs attention in 5 areasSt Peter's CofE Primary School, GoodBolney CofE Primary School, Good in every areaSt Augustine's CofE Primary School, GoodCopthorne CofE Junior School, GoodSt. Mark's CofE Primary School, GoodWest Park CofE Primary (Controlled) School, GoodHarting CofE Primary School, Good in every areaSt Margaret's CofE Primary School, GoodArundel CofE Primary School, GoodAshurst CofE Primary School, Good in every areaNyewood CofE Junior School, GoodBury CofE Primary School, GoodSt Mary's CofE Primary School, GoodSt Peter's CofE (Aided) Primary School, Strong standard in every areaSt John the Baptist CofE Primary School, GoodSt Mary's CofE (Aided) Primary School, GoodSt Andrew's CofE Primary School, GoodBroadwater CofE Primary School, GoodSt John's Catholic Primary School, GoodSt Francis of Assisi Catholic Primary School, Crawley, GoodGoring-By-Sea CofE (Aided) Primary School, GoodSt Andrew's CofE Primary School, GoodSt Mary's Church of England Primary School, GoodBishop Tufnell CofE Primary School, Felpham, GoodEnglish Martyrs Catholic Primary School, Worthing, GoodSt Giles CofE Primary School, GoodSt Peter's Catholic Primary School, GoodTanbridge House School, OutstandingWeald School, The, Good or betterMillais School, GoodBourne Community College, Needs attention in 4 areasThe Angmering School, GoodFelpham Community College, GoodOathall Community College, GoodDownlands Community School, Expected standard or betterImberhorne School, GoodSackville School, GoodDavison Church of England High School for Girls, Worthing, OutstandingSt Andrew's CofE High School, GoodSt Wilfrid's Catholic Comprehensive School, Crawley, GoodSt Oscar Romero Catholic School, Outstanding in every areaHoly Trinity CofE Secondary School, Crawley, GoodOakwood School, InspectedWestbourne House School, InspectedCottesmore School, InspectedChrist's Hospital, InspectedLancing College, InspectedDorset House School, InspectedSeaford College, InspectedPennthorpe School, InspectedShoreham College, InspectedWindlesham House School, InspectedLancing College Preparatory School at Worthing, InspectedOur Lady of Sion School, InspectedSlindon College, InspectedThe Prebendal School, InspectedFarlington School, InspectedGreat Ballard School, InspectedRikkyo School-in-England, InspectedArdingly College, InspectedBurgess Hill Girls, InspectedGreat Walstead School, InspectedHurstpierpoint College, InspectedWorth School, InspectedFarney Close School, GoodPhilpots Manor School, Expected standard or betterBrighton College Prep Handcross, InspectedCentral Education Ltd, Requires improvementBrambletye School, InspectedHighfield School, InspectedMuntham House School, GoodSt Anthony's School, OutstandingManor Green College, GoodPalatine Primary School, GoodQueen Elizabeth II Silver Jubilee School, Horsham, OutstandingOak Grove College, GoodFordwater School, Chichester, GoodManor Green Primary School, Strong standard in every areaHerons Dale School, GoodCornfield School, Littlehampton, Needs attention in 3 areasCastlewood Primary School, GoodManor House School, InspectedWest Sussex Alternative Provision College, GoodChalkhill Education Centre, Chalkhill Hospital, OutstandingThe Amicus School, Requires improvementMaidenbower Junior School, GoodBrook Infant School and Nursery, GoodApple Orchard School, GoodAll Saints CofE Primary School, Horsham, Good in every areaLangley Green Primary, GoodNorthgate Primary School, GoodOriel High School, Good in every areaKingslea Primary School, Strong standard in every areaBuckingham Park Primary School, GoodSompting Village Primary School, GoodMy Choice School Arundel, GoodSpringboard Education, GoodSeadown School, GoodThe Sir Robert Woodard Academy, Expected standard or betterThe Littlehampton Academy, Needs attention in 2 areasMidhurst Rother College, OutstandingIngfield Manor School, GoodLVS Hassocks, InspectedShoreham Academy, OutstandingWoodlands Meed, GoodSouthwater Junior Academy, GoodSouthwater Infant Academy, Expected standard in every areaThe Academy, Selsey, Good in every areaWarden Park Primary Academy, GoodHazelwick School, OutstandingMedmerry Primary School, GoodWarden Park Secondary Academy, Expected standard or betterThe Regis School, GoodEdward Bryant School, GoodTangmere Primary Academy, GoodThe Bewbush Academy, Good or betterSeal Primary Academy, GoodPortfield Primary Academy, Needs attention in 4 areasSouthway Primary School, GoodBroadfield Primary Academy, GoodGreenway Junior School, GoodThe Oaks Primary School & Nursery, Good in every areaThomas Bennett Community College, GoodSeymour Primary School, GoodHilltop Primary School, GoodWorthing High School, GoodRustington Community Primary School, Good in every areaChichester Free School, GoodEastbrook Primary Academy, Requires improvement in 1 areaSt Lawrence CofE Primary School, Expected standard or betterThe Mill Primary Academy, Needs attention in 2 areasDownview Primary School, GoodRiver Beach Primary School, Good in every areaChichester High School, Good or betterOrmiston Six Villages Academy, GoodBohunt School Worthing, GoodBishop Luffa School, Chichester, OutstandingForge Wood Primary School, OutstandingDurrington High School, GoodHarlands Primary School, GoodWhite Meadows Primary Academy, GoodThe Gatwick School, GoodKingsham Primary School, GoodHalsford Park Primary School, GoodFernhurst Primary School, Good or betterBaldwins Hill Primary School, East Grinstead, GoodThe Globe Primary Academy, GoodRose Green Junior School, OutstandingBlackthorns Community Primary School, Expected standard or betterHolmbush Primary Academy, GoodThe Burgess Hill Academy, GoodBarnham Primary School, GoodPound Hill Infant Academy, Good or betterLindfield Primary Academy, Expected standard or betterOrchards Junior School, GoodThe Laurels Primary School, Worthing, GoodSeaside Primary School, Outstanding in every areaNew Barn School, GoodSt. Joseph's CofE Junior School, GoodGossops Green Primary, GoodDesmond Anderson Primary Academy, GoodSt Philip Howard Catholic School, Expected standard or betterEast Preston Junior School, GoodSt Mary's Catholic Primary School, GoodNorthlands Wood Primary Academy, GoodSouthgate Primary, GoodBrantridge School, Strong standard or betterWaterfield Primary School, Needs attention in 1 areaDownsbrook Primary School, Strong standard in every areaLittlegreen Academy, GoodThe March CofE Primary School, GoodBohunt Horsham, GoodKilnwood Vale Primary School, GoodEducate U, Requires improvementAtelier21 Future School, GoodMilton Mount Primary School, Expected standard in every areaSt Joseph's Catholic Primary School, GoodBlackwell Primary School, GoodClapham and Patching CofE Primary School, Needs attention in 2 areasRumboldswhyke CofE Primary School, GoodSteyning Grammar School, Expected standard in every areaSt. Joseph's Infant School, GoodGraffham Church of England Infant School (Voluntary Controlled), Expected standard or betterWhytemead Primary School, GoodSt Paul's Catholic College, OutstandingAlbourne Church of England Primary School, Good in every areaSt Nicolas & St Mary CofE Primary School, GoodSt Wilfrid's CofE Primary School, GoodSerenity School Crawley, GoodRed Balloon Worthing Learner Centre, GoodSt Wilfrids Catholic Primary School, Expected standard or betterSt Peter's Catholic Primary School, Expected standard or betterOur Lady Queen of Heaven Catholic Primary School, Strong standard in every areaWoodgate Primary Academy, Needs attention in 2 areasHeene CofE Primary School, InadequateCourtlands Independent Special School, GoodHambrook School, GoodGlebe Primary School, GoodIfield Community College, GoodBolnore Village Primary School, GoodLavant Primary School, GoodHawthorns Primary School, Requires improvementOrchards Infant School, Requires improvementSt Robert Southwell Catholic Primary School, Horsham, GoodSummerlea Community Primary School, Requires improvementFishbourne CofE Primary School, GoodSt Peter's CofE Primary School, GoodRusper Primary School, InadequateBillingshurst Primary Academy, Requires improvementOak Tree Primary School, Requires improvementBalcombe Cofe Primary School, GoodHoly Trinity Church of England Primary School, Cuckfield, GoodHove Micro-School, GoodSt Wilfrid's Catholic Primary School, GoodSt Margaret's Church of England Primary School, GoodCrawley Down Village CofE School, GoodSt Catherine's Catholic Primary School, Littlehampton, GoodBrighton Forward LtdWest Dean CofE Primary School, Requires improvementNyewood CofE Infant School, GoodAurora Vincent House SchoolAmberley Court SchoolSt Philip's Catholic Primary School, GoodTurners Hill Church of England Primary School, GoodWest Hoathly CofE Primary School, Requires improvementSt Mary's Church of England Primary School, East Grinstead, GoodThe Forest School, GoodThe College of Richard Collyer In Horsham, OutstandingSt Mary's Catholic Primary School, GoodSt Richard's Catholic Primary School, GoodConifers House SchoolDaisychain Day Nursery, Expected standard or betterBright Horizons Rose Cottage, Haywards Heath Day Nursery and Preschool, GoodABC Hook Lane Nursery, GoodHedgehogs & Badgers Nursery School, GoodLittle Bears Pre-School, OutstandingJack and Jill Playgroup, GoodLadybird Preschool, GoodLittle Rascals Nursery, GoodTiny Tigers Day Nursery Ltd, GoodLadybirds Nursery, GoodAll Saints Pre School, GoodAbracadabra Day Nursery, GoodNorto5 KIDZ - Lindfield, Needs attention in 2 areasElm Grove Childcare Club, GoodFernhurst Pre-School, GoodScamps Pre-School Ltd, GoodKiddi Caru Nursery, GoodAshington Day Nursery & Pre-School, GoodThe Learning Tree Preschool, GoodNuffy Bear Day Nursery, GoodHoney Pots Childcare Limited, GoodJack And Jill Preschool, GoodBusy Bees Day Nursery at Horsham, GoodBright Horizons Old Shoreham Day Nursery and Preschool, GoodBright Horizons Grove Lodge, Burgess Hill Day Nursery and Preschool, GoodTreehoppers Forest Kindergarten, GoodLeechpool Caterpillar Nursery & After School Club, GoodKookaburra Playgroup, GoodJack In The Box Preschool, GoodStepping Stones Day Nursery, Expected standard or betterGreen Roots, GoodKiddie Capers, Ardingly, GoodJack & Jill Preschool, GoodPlatform 3 Pre-School Playgroup, GoodThe Barn Pre-School, GoodShoreham Day Nursery & Pre-School, GoodMarriotts Nursery School, GoodBognor Regis Nursery School and Children's Centre, OutstandingThe Pink Cottage, GoodBusy Bees Day Nursery at Crawley, GoodPembroke Park Nursery, Needs attention in 5 areasCoolham Montessori Nursery School, GoodSouthwick Pre-School Playgroup, GoodWillow Tree Pre-School Charitable Incorporated Organisation, GoodCranbrook Independent Nursery and Preschool, GoodBolnore Village Pre-School Ltd, GoodRabbit Patch Day Nursery, GoodFirst Steps Childcare @ Brinsbury, GoodThe Village Station Preschool, GoodBluecoat Nursery, GoodLittle Harriers Day Nurseries Lavant, GoodLittle Diggers Montessori, GoodKiddie Capers, Cuckfield, GoodWater Lilies Preschool, GoodLittle Barn Owls Forest School Nursery, OutstandingBluebells Day Nursery, GoodHappy Hours Preschool, GoodIsabello's Preschool, GoodBright Horizons Shoreham-by-sea Day Nursery and Preschool, GoodLittle Stars Pre School Ifield Ltd, OutstandingDauxwood Pre School Group, GoodLittle Acorns Bersted Green, GoodChichester Nursery School, Children and Family Centre, GoodSolid Rock Pre-School, OutstandingBright Horizons Crawley Day Nursery And Preschool, GoodTreetops Day Nursery, GoodSeasons, GoodFishbourne Pre-School, GoodLaugh And Learn Tarring, GoodAshurst Wood Community Pre-School, OutstandingBroadfield Nursery CIC, GoodFairytale Forest Day Nursery, GoodLittle Stars, Expected standard or betterAlbourne Under Fives, GoodChantry House Nursery, GoodKids Capers Day Nursery, GoodMini Explorers Nursery@Pulborough, GoodFirst Steps - Worthing, GoodLittle Pioneers Nursery & Pre-School, GoodEasebourne Childcare, GoodBusy Lizzie's Ltd, GoodLittle Acorns Pre-School, GoodEarly Explorers Nursery - Worthing, GoodChichester Montessori Limited, OutstandingGreenway Nursery And Rainbow Club, GoodDavison Day Nursery, OutstandingThe Little Blue Door, OutstandingCranbrook Independent Nursery and Preschool, GoodBright Horizons Horsham Day Nursery and Preschool, GoodHorsham Nursery School Under 3's, GoodGarden Cottage Nursery, GoodHorsham Montessori, GoodTreehoppers Forest Kindergarten, East Grinstead, GoodLittle Holly Hedgehog Pre-school, OutstandingMayflower Playgroup, GoodPlaymates Pre-School, GoodBusy Bees Day Nursery at Worthing, GoodPotter's House Preschool, GoodPlay Centre Nursery, GoodGarden of Eden Preschool, GoodCaterpillars Pre-School (Sussex) Limited, GoodWillow Tree Preschool, GoodCranbrook Independent Nursery and Preschool, GoodHome from Home Worthing, GoodOscar Bears Day Care, GoodWendy House Nursery, GoodCopthorne Kinders Day Nursery, GoodChurch Lane Nursery, OutstandingRainbow Preschool, GoodYoung Explorers - Goring, GoodLadybirds Nursery School, GoodKeeley's Daycare Nurseries & Pre-Schools, GoodKids Planet Horsham, Expected standard in every areaPrimrose House MontessoriRainbow Nursery, GoodDiscovery Day Nursery, GoodBright Kiddies, GoodLittle Birds Forest Nursery, OutstandingBusy Bees Preschool Tarring, GoodDove Nursery Ltd, GoodWakoos Centre4Children Ltd Petworth, GoodThe Donkey Field Pre School, GoodBright Little Kiddies, GoodCommunity Playcentre @ Walberton, GoodWelcome House Day Nursery, OutstandingBewbush Community Nursery CIC, GoodWorthing Day Nursery and Preschool, GoodTwo Little Birds Nursery, GoodThe Acorns Nursery & Forest School, GoodCottis Preschool, GoodBirdham Pre-school, GoodThe Co-operative Childcare Body Shop, GoodEarly Explorers Childcare Limited - Northbrook, GoodThe Treehouse Nursery West Chiltington, Expected standard in every areaJubilee Pre School, GoodShoreham Preschool LTDLoveders Nursery School, OutstandingThe Southwater Day Nursery & Pre-School, GoodBurgess Hill Day Nursery and Preschool, GoodNorto5 KIDZ - Burgess Hill, GoodWakoos Centre4Children Ltd, GoodLittlehampton Day Nursery CIC, GoodBusy Bees At Chichester, GoodLancing Day Nursery & Pre-School, GoodNorto5 KIDZ Academy - Cuckfield, GoodDiggers Forest School Nursery, GoodKiddie Capers, Merlin House, GoodHappytime Preschool, GoodRobins Nest Day Nursery, GoodNorto5 Kidz Academy - Lindfield, GoodChuckleberries At Coldwaltham, OutstandingLittle Lancing Day Nursery and Forest School, GoodThe Old School Nursery, GoodDicker House Preschool, GoodBusy Bees At East Grinstead, Expected standard or betterApplepips Day Nursery, GoodKiddie Capers Nursery And Preschool, GoodFish and Bricks PreSchool, GoodSunnyside Community Pre-School CIO, GoodTeddy Wilf's @ The Westgate, OutstandingKiddie Capers, Hassocks, GoodLittle Learners Day Nursery & Youngstars Creche, GoodYoung Sussex Nursery (Shoreham), OutstandingRainbow Pre-School, GoodLower Beeding Day Nursery & Pre-School, OutstandingLittle Stones Bersted, GoodLittle Barn Owls Nursery and Farm School, GoodReflections Nursery & Forest School, GoodTeddy Wilf's @ Tangmere, GoodThe Beachside Montessori Nursery, GoodWindmills Opportunity PlaygroupKids Planet Haywards Heath, OutstandingRoundabout Playgroup, GoodWindmill Day Nursery, Expected standard or betterSticky Fingers Worthing Limited, Needs attention in 6 areasFarlington School Nursery, Expected standard or betterThe Little Blue Door, GoodSkylarks Community Pre-School, GoodThe Friendly Fish Nursery, GoodChanctonbury Preschool, OutstandingCamelsdale Preschool CIO, GoodPickles Preschool (Southwick), GoodTreasure Box Nursery, GoodMuddy Puddles Pre-School, GoodPuddleducks Nursery, GoodAll Kids Ltd, GoodJack, GoodSt. Mary's Pre-School, GoodBeech Tree Childcare, GoodElan NurseryKiddie Capers, Hurstpierpoint, GoodBrowns Lane Preschool, GoodAngmering Day Nursery, OutstandingVillage Montessori Nursery School, GoodThe Nursery School Company Worthing, GoodLittle Diggers Montessori Ltd, GoodSt Paul's Pre-School, GoodBright Horizons Tudor House, Burgess Hill, Day Nursery and Preschool, GoodMonkey Puzzle Day Nursery, Needs attention in 3 areasToybox Day Nursery, OutstandingBusy Bees Day Nursery at Haywards Heath, OutstandingLittle Explorers Pre-School@Pulborough, GoodKamelia Kids Day Nursery and Beach School, GoodBlossom and Bloom Day Nursery, GoodHoly Trinity Playgroup, GoodSt John's Sunshine Pre School, Expected standard in every areaThe Nursery School Charlwood, GoodActiv8 Nursery Henfield, GoodSouthwater Pre-School, GoodLittle Explorers - Royal George Road, GoodBury Manor Pre-School, OutstandingSt Andrew's Pre-School, OutstandingLittle Laura's Nursery, OutstandingLittle Learners Preschool Ltd, GoodYapton Community Pre-School, GoodLittle Chums Pre School East Grinstead, GoodCatkins Nursery, OutstandingBolney Under Fives Pre-School Group, GoodSunshine Day Nursery, GoodApplepips Day Nursery (Heritage House), Expected standard in every areaWild Arts, GoodHopscotch FontwellSnowdrop House Montessori NurseryStepping Stones Playschool, GoodGiggles Nursery, GoodSelsey Community Nursery Cio, GoodLittle Gemz ltd, GoodLittle Explorers Nursery - Crawley, GoodSt John's Pre-School, OutstandingNew View Nursery, OutstandingTeddy Wilf's Nursery School, GoodLittle Barn Owls, The Orchard, OutstandingLittle Explorers Nursery, GoodTiger Cubs Pre-School, GoodRainbow Tree NurseryPumpkin Patch Nursery St Botolphs Worthing, Strong standard in every areaBeech Tree Childcare, Strong standard in every areaElan Pre SchoolActive8 Minds - West WitteringBluebell Barn Nursery, Expected standard or betterLittle Stones Pre-School AldwickKids Planet Burgess HillThree Little Birds Forest Nursery, Strong standard or betterMini Explorers Nursery @ Fittleworth, Expected standard in every areaLittle Stones Pre-School LTD T/A Primrose CottageLittle Monkeys Day Nursery and Preschool, Expected standard or betterNoahs Ark Childrens Day NurseryPumpkin Patch Nursery Steyning, Strong standard in every areaHassocks Day Nursery and Preschool, Expected standard or betterFriary Preschool, Strong standard in every areaThe Lindfield NurseryTeddy Wilf's @ ShopwykeThe Nursery School Company StorringtonThe Tiddly Toes Partnership, Strong standard in every areaJC Little Explorers, Expected standard or betterJunior Adventures Group @ HarlandsKiddie Capers, FishersgatePumpkin Patch Nursery Crescent Road Worthing, Expected standard or betterJack and Ella's Nursery School, Strong standard in every areaKiddie Capers, The Garden RoomsLittle Diggers Montessori BoshamMilland Valley Nursery School Ltd, Expected standard in every areaKiddie Capers, Hassocks, Keymer RoadActive8 Minds - JYSHappy Bears Early Years LtdLittle Chums Pre School, Needs attention in 1 areaBright Little Minds, Expected standard or betterTeddy Wilf's @ Witterings, Expected standard or betterPremier Education - Hilltop Primary SchoolEnriching Lives Pre-schoolCreative Minds Preschool - Shoreham, Expected standard in every areaHopscotch Worthing, Strong standard in every areaLittle Barn Owls at BohuntWonderland Day Nursery, Strong standard in every areaNutkins Preschool, Strong standard in every areaKiddie Capers Preschool, HassocksMini Explorers Nursery @ Graffham, Expected standard or betterCSS ActivitiesToad Hall Nursery Crawley, Expected standard or betterOver the Rainbow PlayschoolCurious Little Minds Preschool, Needs attention in 6 areasSquirrel's Den Daycare, Needs attention in 3 areasBright Starts Day Nursery, Safeguarding not metLittle Barn Owls at MidhurstMaidenbower Pre-School Playgroup, GoodWoodstock Day Nursery, GoodWarren Playgroup, Good4+ Nursery Class, GoodSouthdown Nursery, OutstandingMidhurst Nursery Class, Expected standard or betterBrookfield Day Nursery, OutstandingSt Richard's School Nursery Unit, GoodLoxwood Pre-School, GoodRusper Playgroup, GoodBluebells Day Nursery, GoodPlaistow Pre-School, GoodWillowdene Nursery School, GoodFirst Steps Childcare @ Chichester College, GoodRascals Pre-School Playgroup, GoodPenhill Playgroup, GoodBarns Green Playgroup, OutstandingHolbrook Community Pre-school, GoodSouthwater Village Hall Pre-School, GoodSunbeams Pre-School, GoodCountry Mice Nursery, GoodWest Dean Pre-School Nursery, GoodWindmills Opportunity Playgroup, GoodClimbing Bears, Expected standard or betterTots Pre School, GoodPartridge Green Pre-School, GoodHappy Hours Pre-School Crawley, GoodSt Gabriel's Playgroup, GoodWilliam Older Playgroup, GoodFindon Village Preschool, GoodHeather Playgroup, GoodKid Co Ltd, OutstandingThe Learning Station Playschool, GoodWest Hoathly Community Pre-School, GoodHorsted Keynes Pre-School, OutstandingSingleton Playschool, GoodHarting Village Preschool Group, GoodAuntie Ro's Playgroup, GoodRudgwick Pre School, GoodHopscotch Pre-School, GoodLindens Pre-School Group, GoodHappy Days Pre-School Playgroup, GoodAbc Day Nursery, GoodMilton Mount Playgroup, GoodEast Preston Village Pre School, GoodSt Andrew's Pre-School, OutstandingThorney Island Nursery, Expected standard or betterKaleidoscope Pre-school, GoodPound Hill Pre-School, GoodBeeding & Bramber Pre-School Playgroup, GoodWorth Park Playgroup, GoodYarburgh Community Preschool, GoodPaddington Preschool Stage Two, OutstandingBusy Bees Playgroup, GoodAmber Pre-School, GoodLadybird Montessori Nursery Ltd, GoodPlay Centre Pre-School, GoodBoundstone Nursery School, GoodFindon Valley Free Church Pre School, GoodHurstpierpoint Preschool, GoodSt Peters Pre-School, GoodWonderland Day Nursery, Expected standard or betterColgate Pre-School, GoodCootham Pre-School, Expected standard or betterDolphins Day Nursery, GoodThe Co-Operative Childcare Body ShopPeter Pan Playgroup, GoodBlackbirds Fun For Kids at DownviewLittle Nestlings NurseryHappy Steps NurseryLittle Fledglings NurseryNGA - The MeadsThe Nurture SchoolCaterpillar Corner PreschoolActiv8 Nursery RustingtonActiv8 Nursery East PrestonBlackbirds Fun For KidsThe Forest School Company Bury Manor
  • Outstanding53
  • Good433
  • Requires improvement15
  • Inadequate2
  • Not graded yet192
Your council

How school places work in West Sussex

Apply through the council where you live, even for a school in another council's area. Independent schools take applications directly.

About West Sussex

West Sussex is a county council area in the South East with 225 mainstream primary schools and 37 mainstream secondary schools. Towns with the most schools include Worthing, Crawley and Horsham. 87.5% got their first-choice secondary school, against 83.6% across England.

Good to know in West Sussex

  • Free school transport may be provided for a child under 8 who lives 2 or more miles from their catchment or nearest suitable school. Source
  • Free school transport may be provided for a child aged 8 or over who lives 3 or more miles from their catchment or nearest suitable school. Source
  • If your child is eligible for Targeted Free School Meals, you may be entitled to help with school transport. Source
  • If your child starts secondary school in September and is eligible for free school transport, the School Transport team contacts you by the end of the summer term. Source
  • West Sussex offers a concessionary spare seat on school transport when one is sometimes available. Source
  • If your child has special educational needs or disabilities (SEND) you may be able to get money to help them get to school. Source

From West Sussex council's website, checked 7 November 2026. Check the council's pages before you apply.

School admissions team: admissions.north@westsussex.gov.uk

Key dates each year

31 October
Secondary school applications close
15 January
Primary school applications close
1 March
Secondary school offers
16 April
Primary school offers

If a date falls on a weekend or bank holiday, offers go out the next working day.

92.4%got their first-choice primary school in West Sussex in 2026. England: 92.4%. Ranked 83 of 151 councils. 99.2% got one of their top three.1.4% were offered a primary school in another council. England: 3.6%.

87.5%got their first-choice secondary school in West Sussex in 2026. England: 83.6%. Ranked 58 of 151 councils. 97.6% got one of their top three.2.2% were offered a secondary school in another council. England: 8.0%.

Source: DfE applications and offers, 2026. A low rate shows high demand, not poor schools.

9 of 139 primary appeals heard in West Sussex succeeded in 2025. 64 of 362 secondary appeals heard in West Sussex succeeded in 2025.

Term dates 2026 to 2027

TermStartsHalf termEnds
Autumn1 Sept26 Oct to 30 Oct18 Dec
Spring4 Jan15 Feb to 19 Feb25 Mar
Summer12 Apr31 May to 4 Jun21 Jul

For schools that follow the council's dates. Academies, faith and foundation schools can set their own, and schools add training days. Source, checked 6 November 2026.

Nearby councils

By age

What's on offer for each age

Pick a stage to see every West Sussex school for that age, with filters for type, faith and Ofsted grade.

More ways to narrow it down

Here's how West Sussex's schools break down by type, faith and more.

Towns

Schools in each part of West Sussex

The blue bar is the average Eduscope score of the primary schools in each town. The black line is the West Sussex average, 44.

Browse West Sussex by postcode

Some areas, like parts of a bigger town, are easiest to find by postcode.

West Sussex vs England

How good are West Sussex's schools?

Inspections, exam results and attendance, next to the figure for England where we have it.

Numbers that sum up West Sussex

West SussexEngland

  • Primaries rated Good or Outstanding

    Latest Ofsted grade, 170 primaries with one.

    92%

    England 96%

    Close to England

  • Secondaries rated Good or Outstanding

    28 of the 28 with a grade.

    100%

    England 93%

    Above England

  • Met the expected standard at 11

    Reading, writing and maths.

    60%

    England 62%

    Close to England

  • Grade 5 or above in English and maths

    At GCSE.

    47%

  • Pupils who miss a lot of school

    Missed 1 in 10 days or more. Lower is better.

    18%

    England 18%

    Close to England

  • Primary pupils on free school meals

    A sign of family income, not of school quality.

    16%

Ofsted grades

Latest graded inspection for the 228 schools that have one.

93%

Good or Outstanding

Each square is 1% of schools.

  • Outstanding16
  • Good195
  • Requires improvement15
  • Inadequate2

How it has changed

West Sussex in blue. There were no tests in 2020 and 2021 because of Covid.

Met the expected standard at 11
Covid gap50%60%70%20182019202320242025
60% in 2025. England now 62% (dashed line).
Grade 5 or above in English and maths
30%45%60%201820192020202120222023202420252026
47% in 2026.
Pupils who miss a lot of school
Covid gap0%15%30%20142015201620172018201920212022202320242025
18% in 2025. England now 18% (dashed line).

The figures in full

The latest published year for each measure. Sources and years are on our data sources page.

MeasureWest SussexEngland
Good or Outstanding (Ofsted)93%95%
Met the expected standard at 11 (KS2)60%62%
Attainment 846.746.2
Persistent absence18%18%
Pupils per teacher18.4:117.9:1
Spending per pupil£7,531£8,120
In education or work after 1693%91%
Went on to higher education45%56%
Pupils with special educational needs22%21%
Pupils with English as an additional language14%22%
Pupils on free school meals16%27%

DfE local authority code 938, ONS code E10000032.

Living here

What it's like for families

West Sussex has 695 schools and nurseries across 20 towns and villages, the biggest being Worthing, Crawley, Horsham and Bognor Regis.

There are 5% more pupils than in 2018.

16% of primary pupils here get free school meals. Schools get extra money for each of them.

Pupil numbers

Pupils in West Sussex's state schools each January.

Up 5% since 2018. More children can mean popular schools fill up faster.

Free school meals

Out of every 10 primary pupils, how many get free school meals. It's a sign of family income, not of school quality.

West Sussex16%

Keep up with schools in West Sussex

Follow any school and we'll email you when it gets a new Ofsted report or new results are out. Nothing else.

Find a school to follow
Questions

Questions parents ask about West Sussex

How many schools are in West Sussex?

West Sussex has 695 schools, including 279 primary schools, 91 secondary schools, 366 nurseries, 46 independent schools, 34 special schools. Some count in more than one group. You can browse each category using the filters on Eduscope.

What are the best schools in West Sussex?

The highest-ranked schools in West Sussex on Eduscope are Heron Way Primary School, Kingslea Primary School, St Paul's Catholic College. We rank each state school against schools of the same phase across England on its Ofsted inspection, results and attendance. Independent, special and nursery schools aren't ranked.

What percentage of schools in West Sussex are rated Good or Outstanding?

93% of inspected schools in West Sussex hold a Good or Outstanding Ofsted rating, which is below the England average of 94.8%. This includes 16 schools rated Outstanding and 195 rated Good.

How do primary schools in West Sussex perform at Key Stage 2?

Across primary schools in West Sussex, 60% of pupils meet the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths at Key Stage 2. This is based on the latest published results from the Department for Education.

What is the average pupil-teacher ratio in West Sussex?

The average pupil-teacher ratio across schools in West Sussex is 18.4:1. While not a direct measure of class size, this indicates the level of teaching resource available per pupil. Across England it is 17.9:1.

What is the persistent absence rate in West Sussex schools?

The persistent absence rate across schools in West Sussex is 17.6%. A pupil is classed as persistently absent if they miss 10% or more of school sessions. Across England it is 18.1%.

How many pupils attend schools in West Sussex?

There are 117,532 pupils enrolled across schools in West Sussex, with 63,762 in primary and 53,143 in secondary. 16.4% of pupils are eligible for free school meals.

How many private schools are in West Sussex?

There are 46 independent schools in West Sussex. Fees vary by school and age group, with day school fees typically ranging from £10,000 to £20,000 per year. You can compare all private schools in West Sussex on Eduscope, including ISI inspection ratings where available.

How do I choose the right school in West Sussex?

Start by considering your child's age, your location, and whether you prefer a state or independent school. Use Eduscope to compare 695 schools in West Sussex by Ofsted ratings, exam results, and distance. Filter by school type, gender, religious character, and admissions policy to narrow your options.

Sources: DfE school performance tables, DfE school census and workforce, DfE pupil absence, Ofsted. Photos are stand-ins.

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