Dorset House School
A small prep school for boys and girls aged 4 to 13, Dorset House in Pulborough, West Sussex, places fewer than 130 pupils in the care of a generous number of staff. The pupil-to-teacher ratio of around 5 to 1 is exceptionally low, allowing close attention to each child. The Independent Schools Inspectorate awarded its highest grade, judging the school excellent for both quality of education and personal development, with all compliance standards met. With boarding available alongside day places, it caters to families looking for a traditional, closely supervised prep environment under Headmistress Sarah Sutherland-Booth.
Where every mark matters.
Places are limited and demand is high, so exam performance is what sets candidates apart. Passmate turns the months ahead into ten focused minutes a day on the exact topics this school tests.
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Inspection reports
- ISI rating
- excellent
- ISI personal development
- excellent
- Last inspected
- 3 February 2026
Teaching & academics
An ISI rating of excellent points to strong teaching and outcomes across the prep years. The unusually small classes implied by a 5 to 1 ratio mean pupils can be stretched and supported individually as they prepare for senior school entry at 13. A notable proportion of the roll, almost a quarter, receives some form of SEN support, suggesting the school is set up to help children who learn in different ways.
Headmistress · Sarah Sutherland-Booth
Beyond the classroom
As a boarding and day prep school spanning ages 4 to 13, daily life extends well beyond the classroom. A no-mobile-phones policy keeps pupils engaged in school and boarding activities rather than screens.
School life & ethos
- Boarding
- Yes
- SEN support
- 24.6%
- EHC plans
- 0.79%
Mobile phone policy
We do not allow mobile phones in school.
Fees & bursaries
- Day fees (per year)
- £13,800 - £27,030
- Bursaries up to
- 30% of fees
Limited number of means-tested bursaries each year, giving between 10 and 30 per cent off fees.
Schools nearby
My Choice School Arundel
West Sussex, South East
Seaford College
South East
Great Ballard School
Chichester, South East
Windlesham House School
Washington, Pulborough, West Sussex, South East
Educate U
Worthing, West Sussex, South East
Our Lady of Sion School
West Sussex, South East
This isn’t a question bank. Watch it decide how to teach.
Answer as a child would. Left: what they see. Right: what it learns about them.
A tiny, traditional prep school where the headline figure is the staffing: roughly one teacher to every five children. Means-tested bursaries of 10 to 30 per cent widen access to its top ISI grades.
That’s where Passmate comes in. Tutoring is the most effective thing in a child’s preparation - a well-tutored child can outperform the vast majority of their peers. Passmate works alongside your tutor, not instead of them: it learns how your child thinks, finds the gaps, and shows the tutor exactly where to spend each session - so the limited time you have lands on what actually decides a place.
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Dorset House School 11+: frequently asked questions
Compiled from public data. Last checked 5 June 2026.