Alfriston School, Polegate

In its own words: "We have high aspirations for all of our children to be safe, happy, confident, responsible and knowledgeable individuals who can learn at their best. We delight in equipping all children to achieve personal success, make meaningful connections and develop a lifelong love of learning."

From the headteacher's welcome: "Children arrive at 8:40am and access focused activities at the tables inside the classroom. These activities are carefully chosen to match children's needs and interests. At 9am we teach whole class phonics following the 'Little Wandle Letters and Sounds Revised' programme. After this, children can access activities of their choice inside and outside the classroom."

In 2025, 92% of Year 6 pupils at Alfriston School reached the expected standard in reading and 77% in maths. At the average state primary the figures were 76% and 72% in East Sussex and 77% and 75% across England.

Results rose from 87% in reading and 67% in maths in 2024.

With small year groups, a few pupils can move these figures by several points.

For September 2026 entry, 13 families put Alfriston School as their first choice and 29 named it as one of their preferences, for 13 places offered. That is one first choice for every place. Every family who put it first was offered a place there for 2026 entry.

The nearest other state primary schools to Alfriston School are Chyngton School (2.4 miles, 80% reading, 71% maths); Cradle Hill Community Primary School (2.6 miles, Good, 82% reading, 76% maths); Seaford Primary School (3.1 miles, Good, 82% reading, 80% maths); and Annecy Catholic Primary School (3.2 miles, Good, 79% reading, 83% maths).

Alfriston School's 2025 results were higher than all 4 of them.

33 parents answered Ofsted's Parent View survey about Alfriston School (as of September 2025): 97% would recommend the school, 94% say their child is happy there and 88% of those with a view say bullying is dealt with well.

The strongest agreement was that their child feels safe (100%); the weakest, that the school deals with bullying well (among parents with a view) (88%).

12.9% of pupils are eligible for free school meals, well below the average state school (25%), and 3.5% speak English as an additional language, against 18.8% on average, according to the 2026 school census.

The largest ethnic groups are White British (85%) and Mixed (8%).

In 2026, 10 pupils (11.8%) received SEN support and 1 (1.2%) had an education, health and care plan, against 16.2% and 4.6% at the average state school. The most common need among them is speech, language and communication needs.

Alfriston School had 7 teachers in 2026, one for every 11 pupils: more teachers per pupil than a typical primary school, at about one for every 20.

The nearest railway station is Berwick (Sussex) Rail Station, about 2.1 miles away in a straight line.

7 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is North Road (e-bound), 40 metres away.

In August 2026, police recorded 4 crimes within a mile of the school, most often criminal damage and arson, public order offences and violence and sexual offences. That is well below the typical figure around schools in East Sussex (65).

Alfriston School recorded no suspensions or permanent exclusions in 2024/25.