Dorset House School
Pulborough, West Sussex, South East · RH20 1PB
A small prep school for boys and girls aged 4 to 13, Dorset House in Pulborough, West Sussex, places fewer than 130 pupils in the care of a generous number of staff. The pupil-to-teacher ratio of around 5 to 1 is exceptionally low, allowing close attention to each child. The Independent Schools Inspectorate awarded its highest grade, judging the school excellent for both quality of education and personal development, with all compliance standards met. With boarding available alongside day places, it caters to families looking for a traditional, closely supervised prep environment under Headmistress Sarah Sutherland-Booth.
127
Pupils
excellent
ISI
£27,030
Day fees / yr
Free month · No card needed · Cancel anytime
Schools nearby
Open in Google Maps ↗Overview & data
- Gender
- Mixed
- Type
- independent (fee-paying) school
- Age range
- 4-13
- Pupils
- 127
- Pupil:teacher ratio
- 5
- Location
- Pulborough, West Sussex, South East
- Website
- https://www.dorsethouseschool.com/
- Telephone
- 01798 831456
Headteacher
Headmistress Sarah Sutherland-Booth
Want your child to win a place at Dorset House School?
Passmate builds a personalised practice plan from your target schools' exact 11+ topics - so every session moves your child closer to a place.
- Practice matched to Dorset House School's 11+ format
- See precisely where your child stands, topic by topic
- A profile of how they think - not just scores
Free month · No card needed
Teaching & academics
An ISI rating of excellent points to strong teaching and outcomes across the prep years. The unusually small classes implied by a 5 to 1 ratio mean pupils can be stretched and supported individually as they prepare for senior school entry at 13. A notable proportion of the roll, almost a quarter, receives some form of SEN support, suggesting the school is set up to help children who learn in different ways.
Learning support & SEN
- SEN support
- 24.6%
- EHC plans
- 0.79%
Beyond the classroom
As a boarding and day prep school spanning ages 4 to 13, daily life extends well beyond the classroom. A no-mobile-phones policy keeps pupils engaged in school and boarding activities rather than screens.
Ethos & heritage
- Boarding
- Yes
Mobile phone policy
We do not allow mobile phones in school.
Money matters
- Day fees (per year)
- £13,800 - £27,030
- Bursaries up to
- 30% of fees
Limited number of means-tested bursaries each year, giving between 10 and 30 per cent off fees.
Inspection reports
- ISI rating
- excellent
- ISI personal development
- excellent
- Last inspected
- 3 February 2026
The last word
A tiny, traditional prep school where the headline figure is the staffing: roughly one teacher to every five children. Means-tested bursaries of 10 to 30 per cent widen access to its top ISI grades.
The Passmate verdict
Have you considered?
Seaford College
South East
Great Ballard School
Chichester, South East
Windlesham House School
Washington, Pulborough, West Sussex, South East
Educate U
Worthing, West Sussex, South East
Westbourne House School
Chichester, South East
Courtlands Independent Special School
Worthing, South East
Dorset House School 11+: frequently asked questions
Where is Dorset House School located?
Dorset House School is located at The Manor, Church Lane, Bury, Pulborough, Pulborough, RH20 1PB.
What type of school is Dorset House School?
Dorset House School is an independent (fee-paying) school in South East.
How many pupils attend Dorset House School?
Dorset House School has approximately 127 pupils on roll.
What is Dorset House School's inspection rating?
Dorset House School is inspected by the ISI and was judged "excellent" at its inspection on 3 February 2026.
Compiled from public data. Last checked June 2026.