The short version
Above-average GCSE results. At capacity. Rated Good by Ofsted (2012).
- GCSE results are above the national average (Attainment 8: 49.3 vs national 43.8)
- Rated Good by Ofsted in 2012
- This school does not have a sixth form
Performance
DfE published dataOfficial DfE Results
Attainment 8
Average points across 8 GCSE subjects
49.3
5.5 vs nationalEnglish & maths (grade 5+)
Strong pass in both core subjects
52%
10.6pp vs nationalEBacc entry
Academic subjects including a language
71%
Source: Department for Education Performance Tables 2024-25
Post-GCSE Destinations
These figures track pupils 6 months after leaving. Source: DfE destination measures.
Sustained destination
In education, employment or training
91%
Continuing education
Sixth form, FE college, or school
84%
Apprenticeships
Work combined with training
4%
Employment
Directly into work
3%
Not sustained
Not in education, employment or training
4%
Based on 149 leavers
Source: DfE Destination Measures 2024/25
Attendance
In practice: Pupils miss about 12 days per year on average — nearly a month of school.
16% of pupils miss 10% or more of school
2% of pupils miss half or more of school sessions
Source: DfE School Census
Staffing
On average, 17 pupils share each qualified teacher, but with teaching assistants there's 1 adult for every 13 pupils.
Staff breakdown
Plus 67 other support staff
Source: DfE School Workforce Census
School details
Published dataProfile
- Type
- Community school
- Phase
- Secondary
- Ages
- 11–16
- Intake
- Mixed
Numbers
- Pupils
- 855
- Capacity
- 98%
- FSM
- 12.8%
- Admissions
- Non-selective
Governance
- Local authority
- East Sussex
- Head
- Mr Paul Holt (Headteacher)
Provisions
- Sixth form
- No
Inspection record
Official linksSchool inspection
7 official reports linked on this page, including 6 earlier reports.
Previous reports
Short inspection
January 2017 | Short Inspection
Full inspection: Good
February 2012 | Full Inspection
Interim assessment
June 2010 | Interim assessment Interim assessment
Curriculum and development visit
February 2009 | Curriculum and development visit Curriculum and development visit
Full inspection: Good
October 2006 | Full Inspection
Full inspection
May 2001 | Full Inspection
Location
Mill Lane, South Chailey, Lewes, East Sussex, BN8 4PU
Rural setting
Schools nearby
Within 2.5 kmQuestions parents ask
Is Chailey School a selective school?
No. Chailey School is non-selective, so admission does not depend on an entrance exam.
What is Chailey School's Ofsted rating?
Chailey School was rated Good at its most recent inspection in January 2022. Full reports are linked on this page.
How many pupils attend Chailey School?
Chailey School currently has 855 pupils on roll, according to the latest Department for Education data.
What ages does Chailey School take?
Chailey School caters for pupils aged 11 to 16. It is classified as a secondary school.
Where is Chailey School?
Chailey School is in Lewes, BN8 4PU, in the East Sussex local authority area. The map on this page shows the exact location and nearby schools.
Does Chailey School have a sixth form?
No, Chailey School does not have a sixth form. Pupils move to a different school or college for post-16 study.
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