Cumnor House School
London Road, Danehill, Haywards Heath, RH17 7HT
Pupils
415
Ages
2 - 13
Gender
Co-educational
Type
Primary
Head Teacher
Mr Fergus Llewellyn
Boarding / Day
Day, Weekly/Flexible Boarding and Full Boarding
Fees
£787 to £7,215
ISC Associations
IAPS, AGBIS, ISBA
Religion
Church of England
Bursaries
Available
About Cumnor House School
Cumnor House School, located in Haywards Heath, offers a unique blend of traditional values and modern educational practices. The school, which moved to its picturesque 65-acre site from Croydon in 1948, prides itself on its motto, dare to be different. This ethos is evident in the school’s approach to education, where children are encouraged to be themselves and their efforts are celebrated as much as their achievements.
The school does not have a formal entrance test, but children are expected to access the curriculum at a broadly age-appropriate level. This requirement will soon be made more explicit on the school’s website, as the current description of the school as non-selective is somewhat misleading. Priority is given to nursery pupils, which means the number of reception places can vary. There are also waiting lists in some year groups.
The norm for both girls and boys is to leave at thirteen-plus, with very few leaving at eleven-plus due to the absence of grammar schools in the area. Pupils move on to a mix of local schools such as Hurst, Brighton College, Ardingly, Bedes, and King’s Canterbury, as well as those a bit further afield like Cranleigh, Harrow, and Wellington. The range of destination schools is appreciated by parents, with one describing it as the best of both worlds. In 2023, the school celebrated 19 scholarships.
The school site is large and hilly, featuring a much-enjoyed forest school, outdoor theatre, and the hovels among its attractions. Despite the expansive grounds, the main school buildings are grouped together and easy to navigate. The main prep area exudes a reassuring homeliness, with part-finished Lego models and a piano for anyone to play. Other cosy touches include a reading nook in the library, accessible through a deliberate hole in the wall at child height.
The older buildings are set in attractive courtyards, linked by shady paths with beautiful planting. Modern additions include a streamlined and white STEM block, equipped with well-fitted labs and a DT room where silversmithing and enamelling are possibilities. The award-winning nursery, with its cedar-fronted design and wonderful views over the South Downs, offers huge, airy, and welcoming spaces.
Life at the school is comfortably energetic rather than frenetic. Pupils praise their teachers, who are able to inspire passion for their subjects in colourful, welcoming classrooms. The school has carried forward some aspects of its much-praised online learning during lockdown, allowing children who are away to join in remotely and feel part of the class.
From reception, children follow a creative curriculum and show high levels of interest and engagement. The high staff-to-pupil ratio of two to seven is considered pretty amazing by parents, providing extra input for those who need it. The school is moving to a primary model with fewer specialists and more lessons taken by class teachers until year five, with a new curriculum introduced from year seven.
Homework is minimal in the lower years but increases significantly in year seven, taking up to an hour. Performing and visual arts have dedicated buildings, with the art studio packed with displays and the music barn full of instruments and enthusiastic teaching. Numerous opportunities to shine in public include low-risk coffee concerts and drama productions, even during the pandemic.
Sport is a significant part of school life, with every type of pitch and court available, as well as a nine-hole golf course and two swimming pools. Girls’ cricket is particularly strong, and pupils regularly win sports scholarships to senior schools. The school emphasises participation over winning, a message that resonates with parents.
Wellbeing is a priority, with a timetabled curriculum centred around iSpace, helping pupils articulate their feelings and speak up without shame. The school supports several pupils with OCD and eating disorders and is reviewing its uniform to offer more flexibility, which will be helpful for any trans pupils.
From year six, pupils meet pastoral tutors weekly and are encouraged to flag problems with teachers themselves. The learning support, called The Treehouse, is praised for its well-qualified team and supportive approach. Fun clubs like Lego and marble runs are available to all children.
Parents at the school are friendly and welcoming, creating a supportive community. The school offers boarding for years seven and eight, with options for flexi, weekly, and full boarding. The boarding facilities are clean and tidy, though a makeover is planned.
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ISI Review
Cumnor House School, located in Sussex, is a co-educational day and boarding institution that has been serving students for over 80 years. Originally founded in Croydon, the school relocated to Danehill in 1948 and established a charitable education trust in 1988. The school comprises various departments, including Nursery, pre-prep, and prep, and offers a range of boarding options for students in Years 7 and 8. The governing body consists of trustees and directors of the company limited by guarantee, and recent leadership changes have seen the appointment of a new chair, vice chair, and headmaster.
The school is guided by its Christian values and its motto, Aim High, Be Kind, Dare to be Different. It aims to inspire and engage pupils through a broad curriculum that fosters individual growth, health, happiness, and achievement. The school community emphasizes the importance of knowing and valuing each student, providing a balance of support and challenge.
Most pupils reside close to the school, and data indicates that their overall ability is above average compared to national standards. The school supports 95 pupils with special educational needs, with 51 receiving additional assistance. There are no pupils with education, health, and care plans, and a small number of students have English as an additional language. The school addresses the needs of more able pupils through extension work and offers specialized coaching for those with talents in sports and the creative arts.
The Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) conducts inspections to ensure compliance with the Independent School Standards and the National Minimum Standards for Boarding. The recent focused compliance inspection, combined with an educational quality inspection, confirmed that Cumnor House School meets all applicable standards, including those related to safeguarding, health and safety, and the suitability of staff.
The quality of education provided at Cumnor House School is commendable. The school's assessment framework indicates that teaching enables pupils to make good progress. The curriculum is well-documented and supported by appropriate plans and resources, ensuring that pupils receive a broad and balanced education. The school promotes good behavior and has effective measures in place to prevent bullying. Relationships education is provided in the junior school, and relationships and sex education is offered in the senior school, with parental consultation and published policies in place.
The spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development of pupils is actively promoted, fostering responsible and tolerant citizens. Boarders' views are encouraged, and their relationships with peers and staff are built on mutual trust and respect. The school meets the standards for personal development, ensuring that pupils are well-rounded individuals.
In terms of welfare, health, and safety, the school has established arrangements to safeguard pupils and promote their well-being. Health and safety requirements are met, and there is a strategic approach to risk assessment. The school provides suitable accommodation for boarders, ensuring their needs are met, including medical care and food provisions.
The school effectively checks the suitability of staff and maintains a register as required. The premises are well-maintained, providing adequate facilities for pupils' needs, including outdoor spaces for physical education and play. The school publishes a range of information for parents, including details about its ethos, curriculum, and policies on behavior and health and safety.
Complaints from parents are handled through a clear three-stage process, ensuring that records are kept appropriately. The leadership and management of the school demonstrate good skills and knowledge, fulfilling their responsibilities effectively and promoting the well-being of pupils.
The educational quality inspection highlighted the excellent academic achievements of pupils. They exhibit outstanding attitudes to learning, maintaining excellent progress in subjects like mathematics and English. Pupils demonstrate high-level skills in speaking, listening, reading, and writing, with a strong emphasis on developing study skills. The school successfully supports pupils with special educational needs and those learning English as an additional language, ensuring they make rapid progress.
Pupils develop excellent knowledge and skills across the curriculum, with strong contributions from enthusiastic and skilled teachers. They engage in practical and experimental approaches to subjects like science and geography, demonstrating a deep understanding of concepts. The school encourages creativity through art and design, with pupils producing impressive work displayed throughout the school.
Pupils also excel in physical education, participating in various sports and developing their skills to compete at local and national levels. The school promotes a wide range of extracurricular activities, allowing pupils to explore their interests and talents. The quality of personal development is equally impressive, with pupils showing high levels of self-understanding and emotional maturity.
The school fosters a culture of kindness and support, helping pupils develop strong social skills and teamwork. Pupils are encouraged to reflect on their actions and decisions, contributing positively to the school community. They engage in charitable activities and demonstrate a strong understanding of cultural diversity, promoting respect and tolerance for others.
Overall, Cumnor House School provides a nurturing environment where pupils can thrive academically and personally. The school's commitment to high standards of education, personal development, and community engagement ensures that pupils are well-prepared for their future endeavors. The positive feedback from parents and the successful outcomes for pupils reflect the school's dedication to excellence in education.
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Last Updated: 8 October 2024