Millais School

About Millais School

Millais School, a girls' state secondary in Horsham, delivers a Progress 8 score of 0.22, which is notably above the West Sussex local authority average of 0.03 for its school type. This positive figure means that, on average, pupils here achieve nearly a quarter of a grade more per subject than their peers across the county. The school's progress 8 banding is officially classified as 'Above average', placing it 13th out of 42 similar schools in the local authority. While it sits behind top-performing peers like St Oscar Romero Catholic School (0.89) and St Philip Howard Catholic School (0.68), Millais still outperforms the majority of West Sussex secondaries. Its attainment 8 score of 52.9 further underscores this, showing that the average pupil leaves with the equivalent of a strong pass in around five GCSEs. This solid academic performance, combined with a clear upward trajectory from its previous inspection, makes it a compelling option for families seeking a school that consistently adds value.

Academically, Millais shows particular strength in the English Baccalaureate. Over 82% of pupils entered the EBacc suite of subjects, and 51.7% achieved a grade 4 or above in all five components, well above the national average. The school's Progress 8 breakdown reveals that pupils make the strongest gains in the EBacc subjects (0.32) and open subjects (0.29), with English also showing positive progress (0.14). Maths progress is essentially in line with the national average (0.01). In its most recent Ofsted inspection in 2022, the school retained a Good overall rating, with personal development judged Outstanding. This is a step down from its previous Outstanding rating in 2014, but the inspectors noted that behaviour and attitudes, as well as leadership and management, remain Good. The school has no sixth form, so pupils will need to plan for post-16 education elsewhere.

Millais is a popular choice, receiving 281 applications for 142 places in 2025/26, making it oversubscribed with a ratio of nearly 2:1. First preference applications totalled 103, meaning around 73% of those who put it first were offered a place. The school offers a wide range of facilities including a swimming pool, astro turf, tennis courts, and a gymnasium, with sports such as netball, hockey, and athletics on offer. Its SEND provisions are comprehensive, covering specific learning difficulties like dyslexia, autistic spectrum disorder, and social, emotional and mental health needs. With 11.3% of pupils eligible for free school meals, the school serves a broadly representative intake. This is a good fit for families who value strong academic progress, a broad curriculum with a focus on the EBacc, and a school that prioritises personal development alongside exam results.

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