Priory School
100%
Capacity
1,163
Pupils
2.1x
Demand
About Priory School
Priory School is a state-funded Does not apply secondary school serving the Lewes community, welcoming children from age 11 to 16. The school has 1,163 pupils on roll and is near full capacity (100% of 1,160 places).
Ofsted has rated Priory School "Good", the school is led by headteacher Jon Curtis-Brignell, it falls under East Sussex local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of +0.48 is above the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is solid at 53.3. Additionally, placing it in the top 25% nationally. Additionally, ranked 534th out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 1st out of 6 in Lewes.
Priory School is a popular choice with families — it received 497 applications for 235 places, making it 2.1x oversubscribed. Of these, 213 were first-preference applications.
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 11 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Moderate Learning Difficulty, Severe Learning Difficulty and 8 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at Priory School include Theatre, Swimming Pool, Library, ICT Suite, Tennis Courts, Gymnasium, Art Studios, Astro Turf, Chapel.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Athletics, Rowing, Martial Arts, Tennis and 3 more, as well as clubs including Gardening, Art Club, Drama, DofE and 5 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 18.6%, which is below the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Lewes, Priory 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 | 11 to 16 years |
| Gender | Mixed |
| Religious Character | Does not apply |
| Address | Mountfield Road, Lewes, Lewes, BN7 2XN |
| Headteacher | Jon Curtis-Brignell |
| Local Authority | East Sussex |
| Number of Pupils | 1,163 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 18.6% |
| School Capacity | 1,163 / 1,160 (100% full) |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
8 Nov 2023Overall Effectiveness
Good
Latest inspection (8 Nov 2023): School remains Good
Source: Ofsted, 14 Apr 2015. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (+0.48)
534th of 3,141
Nationally
92nd of 461
In South East
1st of 6
In Lewes
Source: Classpot analysis of DfE Progress 8 data
GCSE Results
2023/24Progress 8 Score
Students make more progress than similar students nationally
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
Resourced ProvisionSource: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.
Facilities
9Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
16Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed235
497
Good Demand
Popular school with more applications than places
213 families put this school as their 1st choice (43% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Priory 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
Mountfield Road, Lewes
Lewes, BN7 2XN
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
