Graffham Church of England Infant School (Voluntary Controlled), Petworth

Ofsted's report card from its 6 May 2026 inspection grades Graffham Church of England Infant School (Voluntary Controlled) on 7 areas: 1 strong standard and 6 expected standard. Report cards replaced single-word judgements in November 2025, on a five-point scale from exceptional to urgent improvement.

Early years - Strong standard. "Leaders have a highly effective understanding of the early years provision."

Achievement - Expected standard. "On the whole, pupils are well prepared for the next stage of their education."

Attendance and behaviour - Expected standard. "Leaders and staff have an accurate understanding of pupils' attendance."

Curriculum and teaching - Expected standard. "Leaders have an accurate and well-informed understanding of the quality of the curriculum and teaching."

Inclusion - Expected standard. "Leaders have established an inclusive and welcoming culture in which pupils feel valued."

Leadership and governance - Expected standard. "Leaders and those responsible for governance have a secure understanding of the school's context, strengths and priorities for development."

Personal development and wellbeing - Expected standard. "Leaders have established a coherent personal development programme that contributes positively to pupils' spiritual, moral and social development."

Safeguarding standards were met.

Ofsted's next steps for the school: "Leaders should continue to embed the school's writing programme to further develop pupils' stamina and accuracy in preparedness for key stage 2"; "Leaders should continue to develop teaching strategies so that they are systematically and skilfully adjusted to further support pupils with barriers to their learning".

For September 2026 entry, 13 families put Graffham Church of England Infant School (Voluntary Controlled) as their first choice and 31 named it as one of their preferences, for 17 places offered. It had fewer first-choice applications than places. Every family who put it first was offered a place there for 2026 entry.

The nearest other state primary schools to Graffham Church of England Infant School (Voluntary Controlled) are Duncton CofE Junior School (1.9 miles, Good, 75% reading, 67% maths); Singleton CofE Primary School (3.8 miles, Good, 83% reading, 83% maths); Petworth Cof E Primary School (4 miles, Good, 73% reading, 65% maths); and Midhurst CofE Primary School (4.1 miles, Good, 70% reading, 60% maths).

2.3% of pupils are eligible for free school meals, well below the average state school (25%), and 4.5% speak English as an additional language, against 18.8% on average, according to the 2026 school census.

The largest ethnic groups are White British (84%) and Mixed (7%).

In 2026, 7 pupils (15.9%) received SEN support and 1 (2.3%) 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.

Graffham Church of England Infant School (Voluntary Controlled) had 6 teachers in 2026, one for every 8 pupils: more teachers per pupil than a typical primary school, at about one for every 20.

There is no railway, tram or Underground station within about three miles of Graffham Church of England Infant School (Voluntary Controlled).

In August 2026, police recorded 1 crime within a mile of the school, most often violence and sexual offences. That is well below the typical figure around schools in West Sussex (103).

In 2024/25, Graffham Church of England Infant School (Voluntary Controlled) issued 5 suspensions, 10.6 for every 100 pupils (the average state school: 6.3), and no permanent exclusions.