The Prebendal School

[EduCativ]

A warm welcome to The Prebendal School! Our school offers an extensive array of first-class qualities that sets it apart from the rest. There is no doubt that we find ourselves in challenging times, with the nation on lockdown and many pupils learning at home with their families. At The Prebendal, we have embraced online learning and have been delighted to receive such positive feedback from parents and pupils. By using Tapestry in the Pre-Prep, and Microsoft Teams for Years 3-8, we have managed to maintain the high standard of learning that is associated with The Prebendal. Our pupils are fortunate to have dedicated and skillful teachers who have worked so hard to maintain continuity of provision for our pupils.
The Prebendal is in the middle of a beautiful and historic city and we can enrich lessons with trips and visits that are literally on our doorstep. Our unique link with Chichester Cathedral means our pupils have unrivaled performing opportunities and one of the grandest assembly spaces around!
Our small class sizes and personal development program allow for academic rigor and create ambitious children who always aim high, while our wraparound care from Breakfast Club, after school care, and Supper Club to our Flexi boarding options and themed boarding nights provides the perfect solution for busy family lives.
We are proud of our place in history as the oldest school in Sussex, probably dating back to the foundation of Chichester Cathedral itself in the 11th century, and the Cathedral's world-class Choristers live and learn at The Prebendal. Coupled with our historic roots, our dedicated staff deliver a modern-day challenging curriculum and our children are confident without being arrogant.
Opportunities beyond the classroom are endless and our official status as a Beach School means our younger children embrace outdoor learning. Competitive sport for all is also a vital part of our packed timetable. The Prebendal is a way of life – where families come together, where the sound of music can be heard throughout the School from dawn until dusk, and where opportunities to think beyond what is expected is commonplace. We think ‘outside the box and encourage our children to believe in themselves.
The Prebendal is the oldest school in Sussex and probably dates back to the foundation of Chichester Cathedral in the 11th century. It was re-founded in 1497 by Bishop Edward Storey who attached it to the Prebend of Highleigh in Chichester Cathedral and thus gave its present name. Originally, the School would have been a ‘Song School’ for the Cathedral Choristers – a tradition that is central to the ethos of The Prebendal today as the Choristers continue to live and learn at the School. The Prebendal was also one of the first schools to become co-educational in the 1970s and girls arrived in 1972. The School has since developed into a thriving community for day and boarding boys and girls aged three to 13.
The charming 13th-century schoolhouse, with its historic narrow tower, still stands in West Street. Long Dorm, on the top floor, contains 300-year-old paneling and three adjoining 18th-century houses have been added.
Over the years, The Prebendal has added further extensions and also uses the East Wing of the Bishop’s Palace which is next door to the main school buildings. The younger children of the School, in the Pre-Prep, used to attend Northgate House in Chichester but they have been housed in a modern and purpose-built building on the main site called Highleigh since September 2012.

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