Dorset House Prep School, West Sussex

WELCOME TO Dorset House School
PART OF THE LANCING COLLEGE FAMILY OF SCHOOLS

Welcome

At Dorset House, we aim to provide a magical prep school experience for our pupils in an environment where children are engaged, enthused and inspired.  We are often described as a greenhouse not a hot house and we find that pupils grow in confidence in our high challenge/low threat atmosphere.

Our committed and talented staff foster close links between home and school and we know every child well, meaning that we are aware of any successes achieved or issues they are facing.

Our optional flexi and weekly boarding for our Prep children, promote independence.

Happy, confident – not arrogant young people, who can relate to and communicate with others – Dorset House children often win awards and scholarships to senior schools and regularly going on to hold positions of responsibility.

Prospective parents often comment on the warmth of this school and if that is something which is important to your family, please call to make an appointment to visit us.  We look forward to meeting you.

About Us

Visit Us

School
Life

Meet the Headmaster and pupils

Meet the Headmaster and pupils

TOUR THE SITE

TOUR THE SITE

Pre-School

Key
Information

We have been blown away by the warmth, devotion and dedication of your staff and you have all given our daughter the best possible start.

Parent

You are providing a wholesome and nurturing education that a lot of schools say they provide but the reality is not everyone can do it as well.

Parent

It’s Local, it’s outstanding in its facilities and teaching, it’s beautiful, and small enough to care…

…..the kids absolutely love the place and you get the feeling that the staff love working there. That’s golden.

The core values of DH are what most people want for their child. It’s a kind and gentle place…it encourages and nurtures, and your child is a valued member of the whole school

Everybody gets a go….and Art, Drama and music are given tremendous focus…

Parents reckon this is a school that really does empower

Tatler Schools Guide

Find Us

We have just received a wonderful review from @tatlerschools Guide 2026. What a great way to round off our busy first week back!

The review captures the very heart of what makes our community so special.

“One of Dorset House’s greatest strengths is its relatively small size… You feel without a shadow of doubt that your children are valued as individuals and that their teachers know them inside out.”

Tatler highlighted our “Small is Beautiful” ethos, our love of outdoor learning, lunches on the terrace overlooking the Arun, and the rich opportunities pupils enjoy — from Year 7 Enterprise Projects to our expanding enrichment programme in subjects as varied as Greek theatre, engineering, geology and journalism.

Headmaster, Matt Thomas says, `This recognition is a testament to our dedicated staff, supportive parents, and of course our wonderful pupils who bring Dorset House to life every single day.

I am proud of what we have built together, and excited for DH's future in partnership with @lancing_college, as the school continues to evolve whilst holding fast to the values that make us unique.'

Tatler Schools chose this image to accompany our entry.
Roll up! Roll up!
This Saturday, 26th July, Dorset House is hosting the annual Bury Church Fete.
This is a wonderful event with something for everyone and the weather is looking good.
The Summer Term newsletters have arrived and are winging their way to our parents and prospective parents. 
You can view this online at https://www.dorsethouseschool.com/news/
Happy holidays everyone!
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26.09.2025 9:30am

Our next Open Morning will be in September 2025...

...but visitors are always welcome. Please call the school to arrange an appointment (01798 831456)

@DorsetHouseSch
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The Summer Concert is in full swing…

Yr6 being put through their paces with some challenging problem solving tasks…

Fire pit and marshmallows to end the day…