Age range. 3–13.
Number of pupils. 104 pupils in total (including 23 boarders): 64 in the Prep School (Years 3–8) and 40 in the Pre-Prep (Nursery–Year 2).
Fees per term (from January 2025). Full Boarders: £9,645. Day Pupils: Years 5–8 £6,650; Years 3–4 £6,190. Reception–Year 2: £3,580–£4,150. Nursery: £50.00 per morning, £33.00 per afternoon and £77.00 for the whole day. Compulsory extras: laundry and linen for Full Boarders. All fees inclusive of VAT.
The Prebendal is the oldest school in Sussex and has occupied its present building at the west end of the Cathedral (though with later additions) for hundreds of years. The Cathedral Choristers are among the pupils educated at the school and they receive Choral Scholarships in reduction of fees. A range of scholarships and means-tested bursaries are available. Music and Academic scholarships are open to pupils entering the prep school and there are Academic, Art, Music & Sport scholarships available for Year 7 entry. Sibling discount, former Prebendalian discount and Armed Forces discount are also available. Year 8 Leavers achieve an impressive range of scholarship awards to a range of prestigious senior schools every September. In 2020, 82% of Year 8 leavers achieved awards.
There are excellent playing fields in the heart of the city. The sports are football, hockey, netball, cricket, athletics, tennis, rugby and rounders. Younger children enjoy Beach School and the school unveiled a new outdoor classroom and amphitheatre in September 2018. A new Pavilion was built in 2022. The Pre-Senior Baccalaureate (PSB) and Quadrivium, a programme of academic excellence for children in Years 6–8, were also introduced in 2018. Pupils in Years 6–8 use iPads as an additional tool to enrich their learning.
Approximately 95% of the children learn to play musical instruments and the school has a large range of ensembles and choirs along with Concert Band and 1st Orchestra. There are many optional extras and after-school clubs, such as Forest School and Sailing. Flexi boarding is a popular choice and there is a growing demand for the extended day programme, from Breakfast Club to supper, for busy families. Pelicans Nursery opened in September 2019, with 7.00 am to 7.00 pm provision for three- and four-year-olds so they can be Reception-ready.
Former pupils, parents and staff are known as The Prebendal Associates and events are held regularly throughout each academic year. The School also has its own thriving Toddler Group on Wednesday mornings during term time.
Charitable status. The Prebendal School is a Registered Charity, number 1157782. Registered Company No. 09038149.