Schools in Chichester
An overview of education in the cathedral city
Chichester is well served by schools at all levels, and the quality of education is one of the factors that makes the city attractive to families. The mix includes state primary and secondary schools, a university and independent options within reach, and the overall standard, as measured by Ofsted inspections and examination results, is good by national standards.
Primary education is provided by several schools within the city and the immediately surrounding area. These include community schools, Church of England schools and a Catholic primary school, reflecting the historic role of the church in education in a cathedral city. Most of the primary schools are rated Good or Outstanding by Ofsted, and they attract strong applications from within their catchment areas. Places at the most popular schools can be competitive, particularly for those who do not meet the faith or proximity criteria.
Secondary education is provided by Chichester High School, the main state comprehensive, and Bishop Luffa School, a Church of England secondary school. Both are well regarded, and between them they educate the majority of secondary-age pupils in the city. Bishop Luffa has church attendance requirements for admission, and this influences where families with secondary-age children choose to live and worship. Chichester High School serves a wider catchment and takes pupils from across the city and surrounding area.
Sixth form provision is available at both secondary schools and at Chichester College, which offers A-levels, vocational qualifications and apprenticeships. The college is a significant institution in the city, occupying a large campus on Westgate Fields, and it draws students from a wide area of West Sussex and Hampshire.
The University of Chichester provides higher education, with its Bishop Otter campus in the city offering degrees in education, performing arts, business, sport and other subjects. The university's presence adds a student population to the city and contributes to its cultural and economic life.
Independent schools within reach of Chichester include prep schools and senior schools in the wider West Sussex area. Some Chichester families choose to educate their children privately, and the range of independent schools within commuting distance provides options at all age groups.
Special educational needs provision is available through the mainstream schools, which have SENCO support, and through specialist settings in the wider area. The local authority has a statutory duty to assess and provide for children with additional needs, and the process of securing an Education, Health and Care Plan is as complex and sometimes contentious here as it is nationally.
Sixth form provision is available at both secondary schools and at Chichester College, which offers A-levels, vocational qualifications, T-levels and apprenticeships. The college is a significant institution in the city, occupying a large campus on Westgate Fields, and it draws students from a wide area of West Sussex and Hampshire. For students who prefer a college environment or want to study subjects not available in a school sixth form, the college provides an important alternative pathway.
Special educational needs provision is available through the mainstream schools, which have SENCo support and various interventions, and through specialist settings in the wider area. The local authority has a statutory duty to assess and provide for children with additional needs, and the process of securing an Education, Health and Care Plan is as complex and sometimes contentious here as it is nationally. Parents navigating the system benefit from the support of local SEND advocacy groups and charities.