Chichester Free School
106%
Capacity
1,078
Pupils
5.3x
Demand
About Chichester Free School
Chichester Free School is a state-funded None secondary school serving the Chichester community, welcoming children from age 4 to 19. The school has 1,078 pupils on roll and is near full capacity (106% of 1,020 places).
Ofsted has rated Chichester Free School "Good", the school is led by headteacher Louise New, it falls under West Sussex local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of 0.00 is below the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is developing at 44.5. Additionally, ranked 1506th out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 4th out of 6 in Chichester.
Chichester Free School is a popular choice with families — it received 521 applications for 98 places, making it 5.3x oversubscribed. Of these, 102 were first-preference applications.
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 9 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Moderate Learning Difficulty, Social, Emotional & Mental Health and 6 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at Chichester Free School include ICT Suite, Playing Fields, Gymnasium, Tennis Courts, Art Studios, Swimming Pool, Astro Turf, Dining Hall.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Badminton, Swimming, Rowing, Hockey and 5 more, as well as clubs including Book Club, Orchestra, Drama, Gardening and 4 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 14.5%, which is below the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Chichester, Chichester Free School is one of the options available in the South East region. Use Classpot to compare it side-by-side with nearby alternatives and find the best fit for your child.
Key Details
| School Type | Secondary (State) |
| Age Range | 4 to 19 years |
| Gender | Mixed |
| Religious Character | None |
| Address | Hunston Road, Chichester, Chichester, PO20 1NP |
| Headteacher | Louise New |
| Local Authority | West Sussex |
| Number of Pupils | 1,078 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 14.5% |
| School Capacity | 1,078 / 1,020 (106% full) |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
8 May 2024Overall Effectiveness
Good
Additional Provisions
Source: Ofsted, 10 Jun 2024. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (+0.00)
1506th of 3,141
Nationally
234th of 461
In South East
4th of 6
In Chichester
Source: Classpot analysis of DfE Progress 8 data
GCSE Results
2023/24Progress 8 Score
Students make similar progress to students nationally with the same starting point
Attainment 8 (vs national avg)
Students achieve significantly higher grades than the national average
Source: Department for Education, 2023/24. Progress 8 compares to students with similar Key Stage 2 results.
SEND Support
Source: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.
Facilities
8Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
17Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed98
521
Extremely High Demand
Very competitive - significantly more applications than places
102 families put this school as their 1st choice (20% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chichester Free School
Helpful Guides for Parents
Ofsted Ratings Explained
Understand the 4 Ofsted ratings and what they mean
Understanding Progress 8
Learn how Progress 8 measures pupil progress from primary to GCSE
SEN & EHCP: A Parent's Guide
Understanding SEN support, EHC Plans and your legal rights
Understanding School Catchment Areas
How admission distances work and tips for maximising your choices
Contact Information
Hunston Road, Chichester
Chichester, PO20 1NP
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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