Admissions and Entry FAQs

Can my child join the school mid-way through term?

Yes, pupils can join us at the outset of the term or at any time during the school year, providing a place is available. Details of registration and fees are included in our prospectus. We assign a 'buddy' for all new pupils joining mid-way to help them integrate quickly and get to know the school, its routines and surroundings.

Do you have any selections criteria?

No. We're a small family-run school that aims to make all children feel welcome and valued. We have a non-competitive policy and our intake is mixed ability. In the unlikely event that all members of the management staff feel that the child would not benefit from the school’s stated aims, ethos and behaviour policy, a place would be declined; this would be communicated to the parents verbally; and in writing if requested.

Is there an entrance test my child has to do?

No, There's no formal examination. On your child's taster day, we'll give him or her some informal attainment tasks to assess general standards and potential. The Headmaster will conditionally offer a place based upon this and the teacher's observations and upon receipt of the latest report from your child’s previous school. After receipt of completed registration forms and a non-refundable deposit of £100, we'll send you all the relevant documents and forms to fill in, plus our uniform list. (We have a second-hand uniform store at school that many parents make use of.)

How do you allocate places?

On a first-come first-served basis, with preferential treatment given where places exist to siblings of pupils already at the school and to children of former pupils. 

Is Sompting Abbotts Preparatory School a West Sussex prep school that's a 'feeder' to a particular senior school?

No, we're completely independent. We believe it's more important to find the right school for the child rather than be a 'feeder'. We have a strong record of children obtaining places at their first choice of school, as well as for winning scholarships and other awards.  Every year, we organise events to which we invite Heads, or their representatives, from a selection of schools, to speak to parents. We're also knowledgeable about which schools would suit which child and happy to guide parents on this. The most frequent destination senior schools for our pupils include Lancing College, Brighton College, Hurstpierpoint College, Christ's Hospital, Our Lady of Sion and Shoreham College. Some children also go on at Year 9 to Steyning Grammar, for which they are automatically eligible by dint of attendance at Sompting Abbotts.

What if I'm not planning to send my child to a senior (public) school?

Not all our parents do. Our pupils go on at Year 9 to a mix of public senior schools and state secondary schools. All children attending Sompting Abbotts are also eligible for entry to Steyning Grammar. 

How is your school inspected? 

We are inspected by the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI). Ofsted, on behalf of the UK’s Department of Education, monitors the ISI.  We are also regulated by the IAPS, the Independent Association of Prep Schools, alongside 650 of the world’s leading prep schools in membership. Schools must reach a high standard to be eligible for IAPS membership, with strict criteria on teaching a broad curriculum, maintaining excellent standards of pastoral care and keeping staff members’ professional development training up to date.  Although each IAPS school is independent, and has its own ethos, it must demonstrate full commitment to delivering an excellent, well-rounded education to the pupils in its care.

Why do parents choose Sompting Abbotts? 

They know they can rely upon an outstanding and genuinely ‘rounded’ education. Small class sizes mean no child ever gets ‘lost in a crowd’ and all abilities are nurtured. The school has beautiful grounds for your child to enjoy for forest school, nature activities and sports; more ‘enrichment’ or extra-curricular choices than in a state school, especially in arts, music and drama; strong computer literacy and free wrap-around care (8am-4.30pm for children aged 2-7; 7.30am-6pm for children aged 7-13). Sompting Abbotts achieves 100% success rate in the Common Entrance exam and 95% success rate for Scholarship entrance. Attending an independent school in England is associated with the equivalent of two additional years of schooling by the age of 16, according to ISC figures. Pupils have a happy, safe childhood, and develop strong confidence in themselves, in public speaking and performance. These ‘soft’ and ‘people’ skills will be an invaluable asset to their lives ahead.

Any extras for parents?

We have a busy social calendar for parents organised by SAPA (Sompting Abbotts Parents Association). Unlike many independent schools, our wrap-around care is free and included in the fees. The school swimming pool, grounds and tennis courts are available to parents and children to use in the summer holidays.