Thakeham Primary School, Pulborough

In its own words: "Thakeham Primary School is committed to providing a high-quality education that prepares all of our pupils for the future. We believe that every child has the potential to succeed, and we are dedicated to providing them with the opportunities they need to reach their full potential. We create a safe and supportive learning environment where pupils feel valued and respected."

Clubs and activities named on the school's website include swimming and forest school.

The school runs after-school care.

In 2025, 81% of Year 6 pupils at Thakeham Primary School reached the expected standard in reading and 88% in maths. At the average state primary the figures were 76% and 72% in West Sussex and 77% and 75% across England.

Results fell from 90% in reading and 90% in maths in 2024.

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

For September 2026 entry, 29 families put Thakeham Primary School as their first choice and 86 named it as one of their preferences, for 15 places offered. That is 1.9 first choices for every place. 14 families who put it first were not offered a place there.

The nearest other state primary schools to Thakeham Primary School are Storrington Primary School (1 mile, Good, 74% reading, 68% maths); St Mary's CofE Primary School (1.7 miles, Good, 80% reading, 73% maths); Ashington CofE Primary School (1.9 miles, Good, 73% reading, 83% maths); and West Chiltington Community Primary School (2.3 miles, Good, 68% reading, 60% maths).

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

7.7% of pupils are eligible for free school meals, well below the average state school (25%), and 5.8% speak English as an additional language, against 18.8% on average, according to the 2026 school census.

The largest ethnic groups are White British (87%) and Mixed (7%).

In 2026, 23 pupils (22.1%) received SEN support and 4 (3.8%) 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.

Thakeham Primary School had 8 teachers in 2026, one for every 13 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 Thakeham Primary School.

5 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is Rydon Community College (outside), 60 metres away.

Measured by the 2025 English Indices of Deprivation, the neighbourhood Thakeham Primary School stands in is among the 20% least deprived neighbourhoods in England. On income deprivation affecting children it is in the 7th decile, where the 1st is the most deprived. This describes where the school is, not where its pupils live.

In August 2026, police recorded 28 crimes within a mile of the school, most often anti-social behaviour, violence and sexual offences and burglary. That is well below the typical figure around schools in West Sussex (103).

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