FAQ about the School

What is Christ's Hospital?

Christ's Hospital is a Boarding School and Charitable Foundation with a remarkable history. It was established in 1552 by King Edward VI to care for poor and homeless children in London. It has provided security and education for thousands of children ever since. Set nowadays in the Sussex countryside, the School continues to offer free or subsidised education of outstanding quality to boys and girls; preference being given to those whose families are in social, financial or other need.

At What Age Do Children Enter The School?

Most children enter the School when they are 11 years old (into Year 7). There are also places in the Sixth Form and occasionally, places occur for children between Year 7 and Sixth Form. Applications for entry into Year 7 must be made by the middle of October in the year before entry, although many children have already registered for the entrance exam by the time they are 9 years old.

Is The School Fully Boarding Only?

Yes. Life at Christ's Hospital is extremely full and varied. Boarding allows our pupils the time to take advantage of the School's facilities, like the award winning Theatre or the Sports Centre, and to take part in many extra-curricular activities. Boarding doesn't mean you will never see your child, there are regular leave week-ends, (usually every third weekend), long school holidays and many other opportunities when parents visit their children at the School.

Does My Child Have To Be Exceptionally Bright To Get In?

To be considered for a place, all candidates must reach a qualifying level in the entrance assessments. These consist of English and Maths papers, a reasoning test and interviews. As a guide, if your child is expected to achieve a Level 4a in the Statutory Assessment Tests (SATs) in both Maths and English National Curriculum syllabus, he or she will feel at home with these tests. The entrance assessments give candidates the chance to show that they have potential to do well at Christ's Hospital and to benefit from the opportunities that are available.

How Much Does It Cost?

Parental contributions are assessed each year by the Foundation according to the total family income of the home in which the child lives. This income, less tax, national insurance and essential costs, is set against a scale of contributions. Thanks to the generosity of our supporters and careful management of our funds, Christ's Hospital provides substantially assisted places (bursaries) to the majority of its pupils.

What About Uniform & Travel Costs?

The distinctive 'Housey' uniform (of long blue top coat and yellow socks) is issued free or charge. A fund is available to meet the cost of travel if the family's gross income is below a certain level, and if the one way journey to or from home is over 70 miles within the British Isles.

Does It Help If the Child Comes From London?

The School has close links with the Capital. Each year, places are allocated to children who come from Inner and Outer London. However, Christ's Hospital has always attracted children from throughout the UK.

How Do I Apply For A Place For My Child?

If you would like more information or details about Open Days, or wish to apply for a place for your child, just contact the Admissions Office for a full Prospectus and Admissions Pack.

The Admissions Office
The Counting House
Christ's Hospital
Horsham
West Sussex
RH13 0YP
Telephone: 01403 211293
Fax: 01403 211580
adsec@christs-hospital.co.uk