Horsham, West Sussex · RH13 0LJ
Christ's Hospital is a historic co-educational boarding and day school founded in 1552, located in rural West Sussex. Known for its distinctive blue coat uniform and progressive approach to education, it combines centuries of tradition with contemporary innovation. The school emphasises academic ambition, character development, and opportunity for pupils from all socioeconomic backgrounds, underpinned by a strong ethos of service and social responsibility.
Who thrives here
Academically ambitious, resilient pupils who thrive in a structured boarding community and value tradition alongside innovation. Particularly suited to those seeking a full co-curricular experience and from families prioritising character development and social responsibility.
Percentiles within UK independent + grammar schools we track.
Christ's Hospital
Horsham, West Sussex
RH13 0LJ
Nearest stations
William Ewart Gladstone
Prime Minister of the United Kingdom
Douglas Haig
British Field Marshal, World War I
Roald Dahl
Author
David Hockney
Artist and painter
John Profumo
Politician and war hero
Day fees at Christ's Hospital are approximately £25,554 per year (2026/27). Boarding fees are higher.
Christ's Hospital admits pupils at 11+, 13+, 16+. Entry is assessed by 11+ Selective Examination. See the Admissions section above for open days and key dates.
At Christ's Hospital, 20.8% of A-levels were graded A*–B and 37.6% of GCSEs were grade 7/A or above. Full results are in the Results section above.
Christ's Hospital offers boarding as well as day places.
ISI rated Christ's Hospital “Excellent” (2018).
Frequently praised
✓Genuine commitment to socioeconomic diversity and bursary provision; real integration of day and boarding pupils
✓Strong pastoral care and safeguarding; boarding staff highly responsive to welfare concerns
✓Exceptional breadth of co-curricular opportunities and genuine space for all ability levels to participate
✓Historic identity and alumni network create lasting community and life opportunities
✓Academic rigour without excessive pressure; balance between aspiration and wellbeing
Common concerns
!Rural location can feel isolated; limited immediate access to larger town facilities for day pupils
!Boarding fees at upper end of independent sector; bursary availability variable year-to-year
!Uniform policy and formal ethos not appealing to all families; less flexibility than some day-focused competitors
!Not yet Ofsted inspected post-pandemic; limited recent external validation of provision quality
!Music and drama excellent but can dominate co-curricular profile; STEM facilities investment ongoing