The short version
Below-average GCSE results. Rated Inadequate by Ofsted (2025).
- GCSE results are below the national average (Attainment 8: 31.8 vs national 43.8)
- Rated Inadequate by Ofsted in 2025
- This school does not have a sixth form
Performance
DfE published dataOfficial DfE Results
Attainment 8
Average points across 8 GCSE subjects
31.8
12.0 vs nationalEnglish & maths (grade 5+)
Strong pass in both core subjects
25%
16.8pp vs nationalEBacc entry
Academic subjects including a language
13%
Source: Department for Education Performance Tables 2024-25
Special Educational Needs
51% of pupils have identified special educational needs or disabilities.
Breakdown
Specialist provision
Not applicable
Source: DfE School Census
School details
Published dataProfile
- Type
- Other independent school
- Ages
- 7–16
- Intake
- Mixed
Numbers
- Pupils
- 35
- Capacity
- 44%
- Admissions
- Non-selective
Governance
- Local authority
- Brighton and Hove
- Head
- Mrs Susan PARKINSON (Headteacher)
Provisions
- Sixth form
- No
Inspection record
Official linksStandard inspection: Inadequate
8 official reports linked on this page, including 7 earlier reports.
Previous reports
Additional inspection
December 2024 | Inspection
Standard inspection: Inadequate
November 2023 | Inspection
Standard inspection: Good
February 2019 | Inspection
Standard inspection: Requires Improvement
June 2017 | Inspection
Standard inspection: Good
February 2011 | Inspection
Monitoring inspection
November 2009 | Inspection
Standard inspection: Satisfactory
October 2007 | Inspection
Location
101 The Drive, Hove, East Sussex, BN3 6GE
Town setting
Schools nearby
Within 2.5 kmCottesmore St Mary's Catholic Primary School
Primary · 451m away
The Montessori Place
Independent · 456m away
Cardinal Newman Catholic School
Secondary · 641m away
Lancing College Preparatory School At Hove
Independent · 765m away
St Andrew's CofE (Aided) Primary School
Primary · 820m away
Brunswick Primary School
Primary · 945m away
Bilingual Primary School - Brighton & Hove
Primary · 1.0km away
Windlesham School
Independent · 1.0km away
Questions parents ask
Is Drive Preparatory School a selective school?
No. Drive Preparatory School is non-selective, so admission does not depend on an entrance exam.
What is Drive Preparatory School's Ofsted rating?
Drive Preparatory School was rated Inadequate at its most recent inspection in May 2025. Full reports are linked on this page.
How many pupils attend Drive Preparatory School?
Drive Preparatory School currently has 35 pupils on roll, according to the latest Department for Education data.
What ages does Drive Preparatory School take?
Drive Preparatory School caters for pupils aged 7 to 16.
Where is Drive Preparatory School?
Drive Preparatory School is in Hove, BN3 6GE, in the Brighton and Hove local authority area. The map on this page shows the exact location and nearby schools.
Does Drive Preparatory School have a sixth form?
No, Drive Preparatory School does not have a sixth form. Pupils move to a different school or college for post-16 study.
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