PrepCo-educationalISI · Excellent

Pennthorpe School

Horsham, West Sussex · RH12 3HJ

Pupils

267

Day fees

£17k

Inspection

Excellent

Read report

Pennthorpe School is an independent day prep school in Horsham, West Sussex, serving pupils from age 3 to 13. The school offers a traditional independent education with an emphasis on pastoral care and all-round development. With 267 pupils across its age range, it provides a closely-knit, family-oriented community typical of quality preparatory schools in the south-east.

  • →Strong pastoral care and small class sizes typical of a traditional prep school
  • →Well-established transition to senior schools in the region
  • →Broad co-curricular offer combining sport, music, and drama
  • →Day-only provision with flexible school hours suited to working families

Who thrives here

Pupils who thrive in a structured, nurturing environment with clear routines and strong emphasis on good manners, academic progress, and extra-curricular involvement. It suits families seeking a traditional independent prep education without boarding requirements.

Strengths at a glance

Exam resultsno dataSports50th pctCo-curricular50th pctValue vs peers50th pctPastoral & wellbeing100th pct

Percentiles within UK independent + grammar schools we track.

At a glance

School typePrep · Day
Number of pupils267
Pupils with SEND70
Age range3–13
GenderCo-educational
Day fees£17.4k/yr
AssociationsISC
Settingsuburban
LocationLocated in central Horsham with good rail links to London (Victoria ~50 mins) and bus service. Most pupils driven or use local coach services given day-only model.

Contact & visit

Church Street, Rudgwick

Horsham, West Sussex

RH12 3HJ

01403822391
Mr Christopher Murray, Headteacher

Nearest stations

Horsham12 min
Horsham Bus Station8 min

Frequently asked questions

What are the fees at Pennthorpe School?

Day fees at Pennthorpe School are approximately £17,400 per year (2024/25).

How do you get into Pennthorpe School?

Pennthorpe School admits pupils at 3+, 4+, 7+, 8+, 11+, 13+. Entry is assessed by Assessment Day, Interview. See the Admissions section above for open days and key dates.

Is Pennthorpe School a boarding school?

Pennthorpe School is a day school in Horsham and does not offer boarding.

What is Pennthorpe School's latest inspection rating?

ISI rated Pennthorpe School “Excellent” (2018).

What parents say

Frequently praised

✓Caring, family-oriented pastoral ethos valued by parents

✓Strong sense of community and individual attention in small prep setting

✓Broad extra-curricular engagement encouraging all-round development

Common concerns

!No Ofsted inspection on record limits independent verification of standards

!Fee levels and financial aid transparency not publicly detailed