St Peter's CofE (Aided) Primary School, Horsham

Ofsted's report card from its 14 April 2026 inspection grades St Peter's CofE (Aided) Primary School on 7 areas: 7 strong standard. Report cards replaced single-word judgements in November 2025, on a five-point scale from exceptional to urgent improvement.

Achievement - Strong standard. "Leaders have high ambitions for all pupils, particularly those who face barriers to learning."

Attendance and behaviour - Strong standard. "Leaders work effectively to ensure that pupils attend school regularly."

Curriculum and teaching - Strong standard. "Leaders' sharp understanding of the curriculum and teaching underpins well-judged decisions that ensure ongoing improvement."

Early years - Strong standard. "Leaders ensure that children get off to a flying start here."

Inclusion - Strong standard. "Inclusion is at the forefront of the school's work."

Leadership and governance - Strong standard. "Leadership is highly effective and focused on securing the best outcomes for all pupils."

Personal development and wellbeing - Strong standard. "Leaders have designed a personal, social and health education curriculum that meets pupils' needs."

Safeguarding standards were met.

Ofsted's next steps for the school: "Leaders and those responsible for governance should continue to refine and embed the school's improvement priorities, addressing any barriers or challenges, so they can build on the school's highly effective work and deliver transformational impact for all pupils".

From the headteacher's welcome: "As Headteacher it is my great pleasure to welcome you to St Peter's Church of England (Aided) Primary School. St Peter's is a happy, caring village school in the heart of Cowfold, West Sussex. As we are a Church of England Primary School we have a strong, distinctively Christian ethos."

The school runs a breakfast club from 8:00am and after-school care.

In 2025, 89% of Year 6 pupils at St Peter's CofE (Aided) Primary School reached the expected standard in reading and 89% in maths. At the average state primary the figures were 76% and 72% in West Sussex and 77% and 75% across England.

Results rose from 80% in reading and 85% in maths in 2024.

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

For September 2026 entry, 8 families put St Peter's CofE (Aided) Primary School as their first choice and 19 named it as one of their preferences, for 8 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 St Peter's CofE (Aided) Primary School are Jolesfield CofE Primary School (2.2 miles, Good, 86% reading, 86% maths); St Andrew's CofE Primary School (2.5 miles, Good, 88% reading, 94% maths); Holy Trinity CofE Primary School, Lower Beeding (3 miles, Good, 70% reading, 50% maths); and Twineham CofE Primary School (3.1 miles, Requires improvement, 86% reading, 57% maths).

St Peter's CofE (Aided) Primary School's 2025 results were higher than 3 of these 4 schools.

20 parents answered Ofsted's Parent View survey about St Peter's CofE (Aided) Primary School (as of April 2026): 100% would recommend the school and 100% say their child is happy there.

The strongest agreement was that they are kept well informed about progress (100%); the weakest, that their child is happy at the school (100%).

12.6% of pupils are eligible for free school meals, well below the average state school (25%), and 0% speak English as an additional language, against 18.8% on average, according to the 2026 school census.

In 2026, 10 pupils (10.5%) received SEN support and 5 (5.3%) 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 a specific learning difficulty such as dyslexia.

St Peter's CofE (Aided) Primary School had 6 teachers in 2026, one for every 15 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 St Peter's CofE (Aided) Primary School.

3 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is Village Hall (adjacent), 260 metres away.

In August 2026, police recorded 5 crimes within a mile of the school, most often anti-social behaviour, criminal damage and arson and other theft. That is well below the typical figure around schools in West Sussex (103).

St Peter's CofE (Aided) Primary School recorded no suspensions or permanent exclusions in 2024/25.