Private and Grammar Schools | West Sussex
West Sussex offers a diverse range of secondary education options, with a notable focus on independent schools, each providing unique approaches to learning and development.
In West Sussex, there are no grammar schools. However, the area boasts a variety of esteemed private schools catering to different educational needs.
Lancing College, an independent boarding and day school, is known for its strong academic tradition and commitment to excellence. The school offers a broad curriculum and a wide range of extracurricular activities, nurturing well-rounded individuals.
Burgess Hill Girls, an independent day and boarding school for girls, is renowned for its supportive and empowering environment. The school offers a challenging academic program and a focus on personal development, preparing young women for future success.
Below, you can find an updated list of all the private and grammar schools in West Sussex. Click the links below for individual school/admissions information, as well as some free 11 Plus exam papers in a similar style to those the school uses for its admissions test for year 7.
All Private and Grammar Schools in West Sussex
Ardingly College
Address: Ardingly, Haywards Heath, West Sussex, RH17 6SQ, United Kingdom.
Founded: 1858.
Type of School: Independent, co-educational boarding and day school.
Age Range: 2-18 years old.
Entrance Exam Type: School’s own exam and CAT4.
Notable Features: Situated on a beautiful 420-acre campus. Offers a broad and balanced curriculum with a strong focus on academic excellence and personal development. Excellent boarding facilities for students from Year 3 onwards. Renowned for its strong pastoral care and supportive community.
Resources:
Ardingly College – 11 Plus Entrance Exam Information
Burgess Hill Girls
Address: Keymer Road, Burgess Hill, West Sussex, RH15 0EG, United Kingdom.
Founded: 1906.
Type of School: Independent day and boarding school for girls.
Age Range: 4-18 years old.
Entrance Exam Type: CAT4.
Notable Features: A leading girls' school with a strong reputation for academic excellence and pastoral care. Focuses on empowering girls to become confident, independent, and successful young women. Offers a broad and balanced curriculum with a wide range of extracurricular activities.
Resources
Burgess Hill Girls – 11 Plus Entrance Exam Information
Christ's Hospital School
Address: Christ's Hospital, Horsham, West Sussex, RH13 0YP, United Kingdom.
Founded: 1552.
Type of School: Independent, co-educational boarding school.
Age Range: 11-18 years old.
Entrance Exam Type: School’s own exam and CAT4.
Notable Features: A unique and historic school with a distinctive uniform and traditions. Provides a fully funded education for most students, based on academic merit and financial need. Renowned for its strong academic record and commitment to social mobility. Offers a broad and enriching curriculum with a wide range of extracurricular opportunities.
Resources:
Christ's Hospital School – 11 Plus Entrance Exam Information
Farlington School
Address: Strood Park, Horsham, West Sussex, RH12 3PN, United Kingdom.
Founded: 1901.
Type of School: Independent, co-educational day and boarding school.
Age Range: 0-18 years old (Nursery to Sixth Form).
Entrance Exam Type: School's own exam.
Notable Features: The only co-educational independent all-through school in the Horsham area. Offers a nurturing and supportive environment for students to achieve their academic and personal goals. Strong focus on pastoral care and individual attention. Wide range of extracurricular activities, including sports, music, drama, and outdoor education.
Resources:
Farlington School – 11 Plus Entrance Exam Information
Hurstpierpoint College
Address: College Lane, Hurstpierpoint, West Sussex, BN6 9JS, United Kingdom.
Founded: 1849.
Type of School: Independent, co-educational boarding and day school.
Age Range: 4-18 years old.
Entrance Exam Type: School's own reasoning exam.
Notable Features: A leading independent school with a strong academic tradition. Offers a wide range of academic subjects and extracurricular activities. Beautiful campus with modern facilities. Strong emphasis on personal development and leadership skills.
Resources:
Hurstpierpoint College – 11 Plus Entrance Exam Information
Lancing College
Address: Lancing, West Sussex BN15 0RW, United Kingdom.
Founded: 1848.
Type of School: Independent, co-educational boarding and day school.
Age Range: 13-18 years old.
Entrance Exam Type: ISEB Common Pre-Test.
Notable Features: A leading independent school with a strong academic tradition and a reputation for excellence in music and the arts. Set on a stunning 550-acre campus in the South Downs National Park. Offers a wide range of academic subjects and extracurricular activities.
Resources:
Lancing College – 11 Plus Entrance Exam Information
Our Lady of Sion School
Address: Gratwicke Road, Worthing BN11 4BL, United Kingdom.
Founded: 1862.
Type of School: Independent, Catholic day school for girls (co-educational at sixth form).
Age Range: 3-18 years old.
Entrance Exam Type: CAT4.
Notable Features: A Catholic school with a strong ethos of faith and service. Welcoming to students of all faiths and none. Fosters a nurturing and supportive environment for girls to develop their full potential. Offers a broad and balanced curriculum with a wide range of extracurricular activities.
Resources:
Our Lady of Sion School – 11 Plus Entrance Exam Information
Seaford College
Address: Duncton, Petworth, West Sussex GU28 0AB, United Kingdom.
Founded: 1884.
Type of School: Independent, co-educational boarding and day school.
Age Range: 11-18 years old.
Entrance Exam Type: CAT4.
Notable Features: Set in a beautiful 400-acre estate in the South Downs National Park. Offers a broad and balanced curriculum with a strong focus on outdoor education and adventure learning. Strong pastoral care and a supportive community.
Resources:
Seaford College – 11 Plus Entrance Exam Information
Shoreham College
Address: St Julian's Lane, Shoreham-by-Sea, West Sussex BN43 6YW, United Kingdom.
Founded: 1852.
Type of School: Independent, co-educational day school.
Age Range: 4-16 years old.
Entrance Exam Type: School's own exam.
Notable Features: A friendly and welcoming school with a strong sense of community. Offers a broad and balanced curriculum with a focus on academic excellence and personal development. Strong emphasis on pastoral care and individual attention. Wide range of extracurricular activities, including sports, music, drama, and outdoor education.
Resources:
Shoreham College – 11 Plus Entrance Exam Information
Worth School
Address: Paddockhurst Road, Turners Hill, Crawley, West Sussex RH10 4SD, United Kingdom.
Founded: 1618 (for boys), 1983 (for girls).
Type of School: Independent, Catholic boarding and day school (co-educational).
Age Range: 11-18 years old.
Entrance Exam Type: School’s own exam and CEM Select online test.
Notable Features: A Benedictine school with a strong Catholic ethos. Welcoming to students of all faiths and none. Offers a rigorous academic curriculum and a wide range of extracurricular activities. Beautiful campus with modern facilities. Focus on developing well-rounded individuals with a strong sense of social responsibility.
Resources:
Worth School – 11 Plus Entrance Exam Information