Interested to visit us? Our next Open Afternoon is on Friday March 6 from 3.30 - 5pm. Click the button for details.
The planet will belong to our children
We think that if they lose contact with nature, they won't fight for it …
Kids are a vital part of the climate change conversation. Grounding them in the natural world is essential.
The future of our communities, natural resources and ecosystems will hinge on how well they understand and value the habitats and species that sustain our world.
That’s why at our school we have no concrete playgrounds.
All seasons, children enjoy break times safely playing with their friends in the fresh air in our open fields and woodlands.
Research shows freedom of unstructured time in natural space helps children focus and achieve more academically.
A school where children can really be children
Learning about wildlife, sustainability and climate change is part of everyday life and we support the ethos of the Forest School movement.
The school uses its 30 acres of grounds, mature woodlands, conservation pond and wild areas as an ‘outdoor classroom’.
This is adapted by the teachers to our science, geography, art and other lessons across all age groups, right up to Year 8.
Despite the encroachment (and importance of) technology in children’s lives, we work hard to preserve the magic of childhood.
Children all get to do plenty of the 'old-fashioned' stuff children love most.
Like den-building, spotting squirrels, climbing trees – and collecting the shiniest conker!
Watch this video to find out how!
“Childhood is such a special time. This school’s the kind of place you wish you’d gone to as a child!”
If you’re interested to visit us, our next Open Afternoon is on Friday March 6 from 3.30 - 5pm. Click the button for details.
From nursery age, children at Sompting Abbotts are immersed in nature. They learn to be resilient fast. Whatever the weather, our youngest pupils pull on our wellies and go the woods. Yes, they get scratched by brambles, covered in mud, stung by nettles… They trip, stumble, hurt, and right themselves, developing self-resilience and confidence. They swing from trees, imagine worlds of their own, and most importantly, have fun!
Stuart Douch, Headmaster
Call us traditional – we unapologetically are. But in a progressive way. We use all the opportunities technology creates for learning by our digital natives. But we still believe the best apps for children’s learning are their teachers ...
Children receive high-quality academic education and enjoy a ‘real childhood’ protected from peer pressures – in a world in which an overly screen-based lifestyle can mean they grow up only too fast…
Sompting Abbotts has been giving children the freedom to learn since the era of George V
Many things have changed in that time. But these things remains the same …
Every pupil has boundless opportunities to get immersed in nature and self-discovery
We develop socially intelligent and confident children via a focus on character-building, courtesy and communication skills
We provide children with school days they'll always feel nostalgic about. A childhood full of friendships, fun and laughter.
No child gets 'lost in a crowd' or ‘forgotten in the middle’: small class sizes (average 15) benefit both less able and able pupils
We take a truly child-focused approach to nurture each pupil’s individual talents – academic, tech, music, drama, sports, arts or whatever they are…
If you’re interested to visit us, our next Open Afternoon is on Friday March 6 from 3.30 - 5pm. Click the button for details.
Sompting Abbotts is a non-selective independent day school for girls and boys aged 2 - 13. It achieves 100% success in the Common Entrance exam. Pupils win scholarships to prestigious senior schools, notably Lancing College, Brighton College and Hurst College. Sports offered include rugby, cricket, football, netball, rounders, tennis, archery, fencing and swimming in the outdoor pool. Students do almost 3x the amount of sports compared to state school timetables.
“I felt a huge sense of relief I’d found this wonderful place where my children will receive a proper education full of encouragement, ambition, manners and friendships.”
Small class sizes (average 15)
No child at our school is 'just a test score', Each one receives individualised attention. The link between class size and attainment has been acknowledged by the UK Department of Education. Smaller classes better meet the needs of children’s distinct personality types. They allow the teacher to tailor teaching to learning styles and abilities.
Well-rounded education
Many children achieve senior school scholarships and move onto leading independents. We challenge children to develop skills in listening, literacy and numeracy and provide a curriculum with a strong focus on core subjects: English, mathematics and science. Other strengths are IT, Latin and Modern Languages (which begin at age 2).
Focus on ‘emotional intelligence’
The Arts are an important part of school life and include Art, Drama and Music. We place strong emphasis on the performing arts. In different ways, including school performances, assembly presentations and debating, we seek to boost pupils’ confidence, self-assurance and communication skills because we know these will be invaluable to their careers ahead.
If you’re interested to visit us, our next Open Afternoon is on Friday March 6 from 3.30 - 5pm. Click the button for details.
Did you know?
Sompting Abbotts achieves a 100% success rate in the Common Entrance exam.
Many pupils achieve public school scholarships and move onto leading independents, including Lancing, Brighton and Hurst Colleges.
Others are well-equipped for their GCSEs at high-performing state schools such as Steyning Grammar (Ofsted outstanding 2019), to which all children attending Sompting Abbotts are entitled for entry.
Discover what our pupils say …
Even our oldest children (Year 8), as you’ll see from the pupil videos below, love the outdoor freedom - and climbing trees!
Sports are a passion for Ellie (Year 8) who has achieved a Sports Scholarship to Lancing College. Sompting Abbotts is "a magical place", she says, adding the small class sizes and dedicated teachers helped her win her scholarship.
Listen to Toby in Year 8 on how much he’s achieved since joining in Year 2. At Sompting Abbotts, we aim to provide pupils with special educational needs (SEND) the greatest possible access to a broad balanced curriculum alongside their peers.
Annabelle, Year 8, has won the Ken Shearwood All Rounder Scholarship Award to Lancing College. She says she benefitted from small class sizes at Sompting Abbotts and "inspiring and supportive" teachers – and that she loves climbing trees!
If you’re interested to visit us, our next Open Afternoon is on Friday March 6 from 3.30 - 5pm. Click the button for details.
Sompting Abbotts is a West Sussex preparatory school near Worthing for girls and boys aged 2 - 13. Tel: 01903 235960. Email: office@somptingabbotts.com Postal address: Sompting Abbotts, Church Lane, West Sussex, BN15 OAZ.
For this year’s show at Sompting Abbotts, Oliver! Jr., director Mrs Turton brought Lionel Bart’s beloved musical to life with incredible energy and talent. A huge well done to all our amazing performers, as well as the so many staff and so many parents who helped bring it all together.