Woodard Schools

Ardingly College is a co-educational boarding and day school for pupils aged 2 to 18, situated on a 230-acre campus in the West Sussex countryside near Haywards Heath. Founded in 1858 by Canon Nathaniel Woodard, the school features notable Gothic Revival architecture and a Grade II listed chapel. The college emphasises a "world-ready" ethos, providing a choice between A-levels and the International Baccalaureate in the Sixth Form. Facilities include a dedicated art school and access to a reservoir for water sports. It maintains a strong focus on competitive sports, including football, hockey, and cricket.

Situated near Pulborough in West Sussex, Dorset House School is a co-educational preparatory school. Located in the village of Bury, the school offers day, flexi, and weekly boarding options. The school claims to provide a “high challenge, low threat” environment, often describing its ethos as a “greenhouse” rather than a “hot house” to foster pupil confidence. The curriculum places a strong emphasis on art, drama, and music, while the rural setting supports a range of outdoor learning and sporting activities.

Great Walstead School is a co-educational independent day school for pupils aged 2 to 13, situated within 260 acres of woodland and parkland near Haywards Heath. Founded in 1925, the school moved to its current site in 1927 and is now a member of the Woodard Corporation. Its educational approach, known as the "Mud π" philosophy, emphasises outdoor learning and discovery. On-site facilities include a swimming pool, floodlit Astroturf, a drama studio, and a distinctive octagonal chapel. The school operates with a Christian ethos, focusing on the development of independent and engaged learners.

Hurstpierpoint College is a co-educational day and boarding school for pupils aged 4 to 18, situated on a 140-acre campus in Hassocks, West Sussex. Founded in 1849 by Nathaniel Woodard, the college is a member of the Woodard Corporation and is noted for its Gothic Revival architecture and Grade II listed chapel. The school provides a balanced education, integrating academic study with diverse sporting and creative activities. Facilities include a theatre, music school, and an on-site farm. Notably, the college maintains the oldest school Shakespeare society in existence, founded in 1854.

King’s School Rochester is a co-educational day and boarding school for pupils aged 3 to 18. Founded in 604 AD, it is the world’s second oldest school and is situated within the historic Cathedral precinct, overlooking the River Medway. The school maintains a close relationship with Rochester Cathedral, which serves as its chapel. Housed in buildings ranging from the 16th-century Satis House to modern facilities, it emphasises well-rounded development through academic rigour and a diverse co-curricular programme, including a notable rowing tradition and an established choral heritage.

Lancing College is a co-educational boarding and day school for pupils aged 13 to 18. Situated in West Sussex, east of Worthing, the school is set within 330 acres of the South Downs National Park. Founded in 1848 by Nathaniel Woodard, it operates as a Christian foundation in the Anglican tradition. The school claims to focus on inspiring a desire for excellence, fostering independent minds, and promoting Christian values and community contribution.

Lancing College Preparatory School at Hove is a co-educational day school for pupils aged 3 to 13. Situated on a seven-acre leafy campus in the heart of Hove, the school occupies early 20th-century buildings and extensive grounds, including playing fields and a Forest School. As a Woodard school, its ethos is underpinned by Christian values, focusing on integrity and kindness. Formerly known as Mowden School, it joined the Lancing College family in 2002. The school claims to foster independent minds and creativity while preparing children for senior school education.

Lancing College Prep Worthing is a co-educational independent nursery, pre-preparatory, and preparatory school for children aged 2-13. Situated on Broadwater Road in Worthing, West Sussex, the school is set within its own grounds. The school claims to focus on fostering a safe, welcoming, and tolerant environment, with an ethos centered on "Love Learning, Be Kind and Go Out into the World and Do Good" within a Christian community. It features small class sizes and a broad, balanced curriculum. An ISI inspection in June 2022 awarded it "excellent" for academic and personal development.

Pennthorpe School is a co-educational independent Pre-prep and Preparatory day school, catering to children aged 2 to 13. Situated in the village of Rudgwick, West Sussex, along the Surrey/Sussex border, it occupies a 25-acre campus that includes extensive facilities and 16 acres of woodland. The school's motto, "Non nobis solum nati" (Born not for ourselves alone), underpins its ethos, which claims to focus on nurturing, inspiring, and developing core values such as respect, tolerance, and contributing to others' lives. The school aims to be a centre of excellence for teaching and pupil outcomes.