The March CofE Primary School

About The March CofE Primary School

The March CofE Primary School is a state-funded Church of England primary in Chichester, West Sussex, currently educating 202 pupils against a capacity of 210, so it is running close to full. The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals stands at 9.9%, which is below the national average for primary schools, suggesting a relatively less deprived intake than many schools nationally. Demand for places is notably high: for the 2025/26 academic year, the school received 108 applications for just 30 places, with 53 of those coming as first preferences. This oversubscription ratio of 3.6 to one, and the fact that only 27 first-preference offers could be made, signals a school that is very popular with local families. The school is mixed-gender and caters for children aged 4 to 11, with no nursery or sixth-form provision.

Academically, the school’s most recent Ofsted inspection in March 2023 rated it Good overall, with a standout Outstanding grade for personal development. Its previous inspection in 2014 also rated it Good, so the school has maintained a consistent standard. At Key Stage 2 in the 2023/24 academic year, 27% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths combined, which is well below the local authority average of 56%. However, individual subject scores tell a more nuanced story: 73% met the expected standard in reading and 63% in maths, with average scores of 105 and 104 respectively, both slightly above the national average of 100. Writing was a weaker area, with only 27% reaching the expected standard. The school ranks 36th out of 38 schools in Chichester and in the bottom 50% nationally for its combined KS2 score.

The school offers a solid range of facilities including a sports hall, library, ICT suite, art studios, music rooms, and a chapel, plus outdoor playing fields and playgrounds. Sports on offer include dance, netball, rounders and gymnastics, while clubs extend to drama, coding, choir, gardening and chess. For families with children who have additional needs, the school lists provisions for a wide spectrum of conditions, from dyslexia and moderate learning difficulties to autism, visual impairment and social, emotional and mental health needs. Given its strong local demand and Church of England character, this school will particularly suit families who value a faith-based setting and are comfortable with its academic profile, especially if their child is strong in reading and maths but may need extra support in writing.

Key Details

Frequently Asked Questions About The March CofE Primary School

Helpful Guides for Parents