Harbour Primary and Nursery School, Newhaven

In its own words: "We care about ourselves and others, and our school has a friendly atmosphere where each child feels happy and secure, growing in confidence, independence and self-esteem. We commit to everyone feeling valued, respected and show care and support for each other. We challenge each other to be the best we can be."

From the headteacher's welcome: "As Head Teacher of Harbour, I am incredibly proud to lead a school where children are truly at the heart of everything we do. Our vibrant community of dedicated staff, supportive governors, and engaged parents work together with one shared goal: to ensure every child feels happy, valued, and inspired to achieve their very best."

The school runs after-school care.

Coming up: an open day on Wednesday 11 November 2026. Check the school's website before you go, as dates can change.

In 2025, 81% of Year 6 pupils at Harbour Primary and Nursery School reached the expected standard in reading and 79% in maths. At the average state primary the figures were 76% and 72% in East Sussex and 77% and 75% across England.

Results were similar in 2024 (84% in reading, 81% in maths).

For September 2026 entry, 81 families put Harbour Primary and Nursery School as their first choice and 119 named it as one of their preferences, for 60 places offered. That is 1.4 first choices for every place. 21 families who put it first were not offered a place there.

The nearest other state primary schools to Harbour Primary and Nursery School are Breakwater Academy (0.4 miles, Good, 81% reading, 81% maths); High Cliff Academy (0.4 miles, Outstanding, 79% reading, 83% maths); Denton Community Primary School and Nursery (1 mile, Good, 70% reading, 59% maths); and Meridian Community Primary School and Nursery (1.9 miles, Good, 62% reading, 52% maths).

Harbour Primary and Nursery School's 2025 results were higher than 2 of these 4 schools.

84 parents answered Ofsted's Parent View survey about Harbour Primary and Nursery School (as of September 2025): 92% would recommend the school, 93% say their child is happy there and 82% of those with a view say bullying is dealt with well.

The strongest agreement was that they are kept well informed about progress (93%); the weakest, that the school deals with bullying well (among parents with a view) (82%).

10.8% speak English as an additional language, against 18.8% on average, according to the 2026 school census.

The largest ethnic groups are White British (79%) and Mixed (7%).

In 2026, 99 pupils (20.9%) received SEN support and 10 (2.1%) 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.

The nearest railway station is Newhaven Town Rail Station, about 750 metres away (roughly a 9-minute walk).

8 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is First Avenue (just before), 190 metres away.

Measured by the 2025 English Indices of Deprivation, the neighbourhood Harbour Primary and Nursery School stands in is among the 20% most deprived neighbourhoods in England. This describes where the school is, not where its pupils live.

In August 2026, police recorded 187 crimes within a mile of the school, most often violence and sexual offences, anti-social behaviour and criminal damage and arson. That is well above the typical figure around schools in East Sussex (65), as is usual near a town centre.

In 2024/25, Harbour Primary and Nursery School issued 20 suspensions, 4.3 for every 100 pupils (the average state school: 6.3), and 2 permanent exclusions.

The secondary schools closest to Harbour Primary and Nursery School are Seahaven Academy (0.4 miles) and Peacehaven Community School (1.8 miles).