Handcross Park is a preparatory school with origins dating back to 1887. It provides high academic standards and a broadly based education for boys and girls aged 2 to 13 years in a happy family atmosphere within an ordered, Christian framework. There is a full-time qualified teaching staff and classes do not normally exceed 16 pupils.
The school has an enviable record of success in Common Entrance and Public School Scholarships and awards are regularly won to many of the leading Independent Senior Schools. Handcross Park is certainly to be counted amongst the finest preparatory schools in England, and unashamedly takes pride in the pursuit of educational excellence but in a happy and caring environment.
The magnificent Music School, built in 1987, has a full-time Director of Music and other part-time professional instrumental teachers. All children attend class music lessons and many children learn to play one or more instruments.
Activities include Drama, Art, Pottery, Modelling, judo and Dance whilst Rugby, Soccer, Cricket, Netball, Tennis, Shooting, Gymnastics and Athletics all form a regular part of the curriculum. A heated swimming pool, gymnasium, tennis courts, rifle range, and some 40 acres of sports grounds, including a six hole golf course, are all in everyday use.
Riding is popular amongst the children, and the school has close associations with Hickstead. Our Consultant Equitation Director is Mr Douglas Bunn of the All England Jumping Course.
Although mainly a day school, weekly boarding is popular amongst children and parents thereby allowing the children to experience all the excitement and benefits of a boarding education but still spend quality time with their family each weekend.
Our magnificent new 'Secret Garden School' has been built in the Victorian walled garden and caters for day children aged 4-7 years. A nursery school for the 2-4 year olds is part of this purpose-built complex starting for the very young on the educational ladder.
The School is based in a most attractive and friendly mansion house, set within 57 acres of beautiful grounds, gardens and playing fields, and has the most up-to-date educational plans and modern facilities. A new Sports Hall/Science and Technology Centre has recently been opened.
