St Lawrence CofE Primary School

About St Lawrence CofE Primary School

If you're a parent in Mid Sussex weighing up primary options, St Lawrence CofE Primary School sends a strong early signal: 73 families put it as their first choice for the 2025/26 intake, and every single one of them was offered a place. That's a first-preference success rate of 100 per cent, which is unusual for an oversubscribed school. Overall, the school received 148 applications for 74 places, giving an oversubscription ratio of exactly 2:1. That level of demand suggests a school that local parents trust and actively want. The school's most recent Ofsted inspection, in 2021, rated it Good across every category — quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. That's a clean sweep of Good grades, and it's worth noting that the previous inspection in 2007 had rated the school Outstanding overall, so the current rating reflects a change in the inspection framework rather than a drop in standards.

Academically, St Lawrence performs well above the local average. In the 2023/24 Key Stage 2 results, 71 per cent of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths combined, compared with a West Sussex local authority average of 56 per cent. That places the school 27th out of 226 primary schools in the county. In reading, 92 per cent of pupils hit the expected standard and 54 per cent reached the higher standard, with an average score of 110. Maths was similarly strong: 87 per cent at expected and 39 per cent at the higher standard, with an average score of 107. Writing was the relative weak spot, with 72 per cent at expected and just 10 per cent at the higher level. Nationally, the school sits in the top 28 per cent of primaries for combined reading, writing and maths, and in the top 17 per cent within Mid Sussex, where it ranks 5th out of 30 schools.

The school is well equipped for a modern primary. Facilities include a library, gymnasium, dining hall, chapel, sensory room and a Forest School, which will appeal to families who value outdoor learning. There's a broad club programme covering chess, coding, science, film, eco and book clubs, plus sports including netball, football, cricket, rounders and dance. For families with children who have additional needs, the school lists SEND provision for a wide range of needs, including autistic spectrum disorder, speech and language difficulties, dyslexia, and social, emotional and mental health needs. With 592 pupils on roll against a capacity of 630, there is some headroom, but the oversubscription ratio of 2:1 means you'll want to make it your first choice. This is a Church of England primary that suits families who prioritise strong academic outcomes, a calm and well-rated environment, and a school that local parents clearly rate highly enough to compete for places.

Key Details

Frequently Asked Questions About St Lawrence CofE Primary School

Helpful Guides for Parents