Aims and Ethos
At Sussex House we aim to create an inspirational environment in
where there is a sense of striving for learning, creativity and sporting
achievement and in which pupils can feel a strong sense of ‘belonging’
and personal involvement.
The atmosphere is traditional yet highly
imaginative and the splendid architectural setting enhances the sense of
a family within a house. It is our duty to meet the needs of the boys,
whatever those needs may be.
We seek to discern ability and talent and
provide opportunities for its unhindered development. The school has a
Church of England affiliation and the central tenets of its Christian
ethos provide a moral fibre.
Our aim is to achieve outstanding Common
Entrance and Scholarship entry to the country’s most demanding senior
schools whilst never letting the striving for success lead to
over-intensity or a set of value judgements only based on a boy’s
academic profile. Boys should feel happy with themselves, happy with
each other and happy with the staff. They often feel a reluctance to
leave and maintain a strong attachment to the school after they leave.
The school motto is, aptly,
‘Lead me to the rock that is Higher than I’. (Psalm 61)
Foundation
Sussex House is an I.A.P.S. Boys’ Preparatory School of 180 pupils.
Founded in 1952 and, since 1994, it has been an independent
charitable trust. Sussex House’s charitable status profoundly influences
its priorities. Not dominated by any personal profit motive, it firmly
maintains its size of 180 boys and 21 full-time staff, backed up by a
team of visiting sports coaches and music staff.
It is situated in the heart of Chelsea in a finely restored Norman
Shaw house, one of the finest houses in Cadogan Square. The
Nicholls Hall, a converted mission hall in Cadogan Street, houses the
Music School and the Gymnasium.
Pastoral
Sussex House has a Church of England affiliation and the central tenets
of its Christian ethos are important to us. We have a school chaplain
and the church of St. Simon Zelotes which is very close to the school,
is our school chapel. Boys of all faiths and denominations (and none)
are welcomed.
We host many events throughout the year to support our pupils.