Worth School
Worth School
Turners Hill, England
The Worth School in Sussex combines the best of both worlds: an impressive campus featuring a manor house, parkland, a lake, and sheep — alongside modern learning and living spaces set within a respectful Catholic environment that warmly welcomes students of other or no religious backgrounds. Benedictine monks live on the grounds, though their lives remain clearly separate from the school routine. Academically, Worth impresses with its A-Levels or IB programs, strong results, and a wide range of extracurricular activities. Particularly striking is the round abbey church from the 1960s, which beautifully blends tradition and modernity — much like the school itself: open, clear, and full of atmosphere.
The Details
The Academics
At Worth School, pupils can choose between GCSEs, A-Levels, and the IB. Academically, the school shows a consistently positive trend: in 2024, 41% of GCSE grades were between 9–7, 29% of A-Level results were A/A\* (a total of 59% A-B\*), and the IB average was 33 points — a strong result for a school with such a broad curriculum.
About half of the pupils board full-time, seven days a week. The 30% of boarding pupils come from over 30 different countries, creating an open, international community where diversity is taken for granted.
Languages Taught
English as a Foreign Language, French, Latin, Spanish and Mandarin.
The Boarding
The ten boarding houses are among the best we currently know: modern, spacious buildings with stylish common rooms — sometimes cozy, sometimes really cool, often with the vibe of a university campus. There are separate houses for boys and girls, each with their own houseparents, matrons, and dedicated support teams. The atmosphere is familial, friendly, and full of energy.
Younger pupils share rooms, while Sixth Formers have single studios with desks and private space. Weekends are anything but quiet: roller discos, trips to Greenwich, racing simulators, or day trips to London keep boredom at bay.
Strengths & Weaknesses
Strengths
The creative subjects are a true highlight of Worth School.
Around 60% of pupils play an instrument or sing, and those musically inclined find perfect conditions here. There are choirs, orchestras, bands, a dedicated recording studio, regular open mic nights, rock concerts, and competitions such as the "Musician of the Year." Concerts take place sometimes in the impressive abbey, sometimes in smaller, atmospheric rooms. Particularly charming: the large school choir is open to all, with no audition required, but commitment is a must. Those who want to shine behind the scenes will find exactly what they need in the Inspire Drama Workshop.
In Worth’s bright art studio, painting, textiles, ceramics, photography, and design are on the curriculum. The rooms are well thought out, well equipped, and full of creative energy. The Design & Technology studio impresses with diverse materials, generous space, and an inspiring working atmosphere. Photography is also increasingly popular — including its own darkroom area.
Worth is also excellently equipped in sports: football for boys and girls, cricket, tennis, golf, hockey, riding, athletics, squash, netball — plus specialized academies for golf, football, and cricket. The extensive facilities and strong commitment to sports make it clear: talents here can develop in every direction.
Weaknesses
Currently, there is quite a bit of flexi-boarding, but the school is working on it. Also, there is no on-site swimming pool — swimming takes place at the nearby K2 Centre.
Location
The Worth School is located a five-minute drive from the town of Crawley and about fifteen minutes from London Gatwick Airport. From Crawley, London can be reached by train in 30 minutes.
London - 1 hr 20 mins by car
Worth is an academically strong yet down-to-earth boarding school with clear values and a spiritual foundation.
Just 10 minutes away is Gravetye Manor, a historic country house with a Michelin-starred restaurant and stunning gardens. Even if you don’t stay for dinner, you can enjoy a cream tea or coffee in the elegant salon overlooking the flower beds — a real insider tip for visiting parents.
Take a look at similar schools
Ardingly College
Stonyhurst College
Downside School
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