The Prebendal School

The Prebendal is the oldest school in Sussex and probably dates back to the foundation of Chichester Cathedral in the 11th century when it was a 'song school', teaching and housing the choristers. It was later extended to admitting other boys from the city and neighbouring areas. In 1497, it was re-founded as a grammar school by the Bishop of Chichester, Edward Story, who also attached it to the Prebend of Highleigh in Chichester Cathedral, hence the name of the school. The thirteenth-century school house with its narrow tower still stands in West Street. Girls were introduced into the school in 1972. The school is now a co-educational, day and boarding preparatory school for children…

The school consists of the Pre-Prep (Nursery to Year 2) and the Prep (Years 3–8). Each pupil is a member of a school house, which are named after former Bishops of Chichester. There is also a boarding house that accommodate up to 46 boarders. The school remains open for Choristers in the weeks prior to Christmas, Easter and the Southern Cathedrals Festival. The Nursery, Pelicans, is open throughout the normal school holidays.