Located at the heart of Horsham, Christ’s Hospital is a unique institution offering a high-calibre independent education. With a co-educational environment for students aged 11 to 18, the school follows a Church of England ethos and prides itself on its diverse and inclusive community. The school’s distinctive approach ensures that students from all walks of life can access an exceptional education, with fees assessed according to family income, thereby focusing on a child’s potential rather than financial background.
The school operates as both a day and full boarding institution, providing a nurturing environment that supports academic excellence and personal growth. The impressive academic record speaks for itself, with an average of ten students securing places at Oxford or Cambridge each year and 98% of leavers progressing to top universities both in the UK and abroad. In 2024, the school achieved 62% of GCSE grades at 9-7 and 35% A*/A at A level, demonstrating its commitment to academic success.
Under the leadership of Simon Reid since 2017, Christ’s Hospital has seen significant developments. Reid’s tenure has been marked by initiatives such as the new expeditionary learning programme, which encourages compassion, care, kindness, and courage among students. His legacy includes infrastructure projects like the state-of-the-art athletics track set to open in summer 2025 and a popular canteen extension. Reid’s vision for the school has been one of fostering civility and kindness, preparing students to take their place in the modern world.
From September 2025, Matthew Judd will take over as Headmaster. With a background in geography from the University of Wales and experience leading Leighton Park School in Reading, Judd brings a wealth of experience to Christ’s Hospital. His appointment promises continuity in maintaining the school’s high standards while introducing fresh perspectives.
The entrance process is highly competitive, with around 500 applicants vying for 90 places in Year 7. The selection process involves tests in English and Maths, along with interviews to ensure a balance of abilities and character among students. This rigorous process ensures that Christ’s Hospital maintains its tradition of academic excellence while embracing diversity.
Teaching at Christ’s Hospital is dynamic and engaging, with a curriculum that includes Politics, Psychology, and Computer Science at A level. The school has recently expanded its GCSE offerings to include Computer Science and Food and Nutrition. Language options are extensive, with Greek, Latin, French, German, Spanish, and Mandarin available. An impressive 80% of students take the triple science award at GCSE.
Parents commend the strong relationships between pupils and teachers, who are described as helpful and positive. The school’s focus on developing well-rounded individuals is evident in its wide range of extra-curricular activities. Music is integral to school life, with over 40 ensembles and 13 choirs available. The iconic marching band accompanies students into lunch four days a week, adding to the school’s rich traditions.
Drama is taken seriously at Christ’s Hospital, with extensive facilities including dressing rooms with Hollywood mirrors and a theatre modelled on Shakespeare’s Globe. Art is also highly valued, with a dedicated art block and artist-in-residence providing ample opportunities for creative expression.
Sport is another key aspect of life at Christ’s Hospital. The school boasts excellent facilities including an indoor swimming pool, high-tech gym, and numerous sports pitches. Football is the headline sport for both boys and girls, while girls’ cricket is gaining popularity. The school’s commitment to inclusivity extends to its sports programme, with efforts to link with local clubs offering training opportunities for children from local state schools.
Boarding at Christ’s Hospital fosters deep connections among students through mixed-year houses. The boarding houses are striking redbrick buildings set along ‘the avenue’, providing comfortable accommodation with communal areas for relaxation. A strict mobile phone policy ensures that students remain focused on their studies while maintaining contact with family.
The school’s ethos is rooted in tradition yet embraces modern values of diversity and inclusion. This commitment is reflected in its policy allowing students to select the house or dormitory that aligns with their gender identity. Parents praise the loving environment across the school and its strong pastoral care system.
Christ’s Hospital remains true to its founding purpose by offering more bursaries than any other school in the country to children from disadvantaged backgrounds. Around 75% of pupils receive full or part bursaries covering not just fees but also travel costs, sports kit, music lessons, pocket money, house funds, and school trips.
In conclusion, Christ’s Hospital stands out as an institution where historic traditions are upheld alongside a commitment to diversity and inclusion. Its diverse community thrives within an environment that nurtures academic excellence while fostering personal growth through a wide range of extra-curricular activities.
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