Plaistow and Kirdford Primary School, Billingshurst

In its own words: "Plaistow and Kirdford Primary School is a happy, caring community where everyone is welcomed, valued and respected. Children and adults work together to create an ethos where learning is celebrated, achievements are shared and where we challenge ourselves and others."

From the headteacher's welcome: "We hope that on these pages you will get a good taste of what school life is like in our small, village school and just how exciting and engaging our curriculum is."

Clubs and activities named on the school's website include football, drama and guitar.

The school runs a breakfast club from 7:45am and after-school care.

In 2025, 82% of Year 6 pupils at Plaistow and Kirdford Primary School reached the expected standard in reading and 71% in maths. At the average state primary the figures were 76% and 72% in West Sussex and 77% and 75% across England.

Results were similar in 2024 (76% in reading, 80% in maths).

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

For September 2026 entry, 21 families put Plaistow and Kirdford Primary School as their first choice and 56 named it as one of their preferences, for 27 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 Plaistow and Kirdford Primary School are Loxwood Primary School (2.2 miles, Good, 77% reading, 70% maths); Northchapel Community Primary School (3.4 miles, Good, 83% reading, 75% maths); St Mary's Church of England Primary School (4 miles, Good, 83% reading, 76% maths); and Wisborough Green Primary School (4.2 miles, Good, 83% reading, 52% maths).

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

67 parents answered Ofsted's Parent View survey about Plaistow and Kirdford Primary School (as of September 2025): 94% would recommend the school, 96% say their child is happy there and 73% of those with a view say bullying is dealt with well.

The strongest agreement was that their child is happy at the school (96%); the weakest, that the school deals with bullying well (among parents with a view) (73%).

6.2% of pupils are eligible for free school meals, well below the average state school (25%), and 1.5% speak English as an additional language, against 18.8% on average, according to the 2026 school census.

The largest ethnic groups are White British (89%) and Mixed (6%).

In 2026, 23 pupils (11.8%) received SEN support and 4 (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 social, emotional and mental health needs.

There is no railway, tram or Underground station within about three miles of Plaistow and Kirdford Primary School.

10 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is Primary School (outside), 20 metres away.

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, Plaistow and Kirdford Primary School issued 1 suspension, 0.5 for every 100 pupils (the average state school: 6.3), and no permanent exclusions.