Welcome to our school - OFSTED rating Good - January 2024

Compton and Up Marden Primary is located at the foot of towering South Downs hills, in the centre of Compton village, between South Harting and Funtington.

We are a small village primary school with a friendly, family feel and a great reputation. We offer a stimulating and supportive environment, in which all children have the opportunity to develop their individual talents.

Along with our supportive families, we are committed to ensuring that all children have equal access to the whole curriculum and are given opportunities to develop to their full potential in a safe and secure environment.

The curriculum design is vibrant and creative, delivered through well planned, focused teaching and includes educational visits, after school clubs and use of our wonderful outdoor surroundings.

The positive ethos of the school is further enhanced by classroom and communal displays, which celebrate the excellent quality of the children’s education.

We have a fantastic outdoor learning area, with wonderful views across the South Downs and local farmland. There is an eco-area and mud kitchen, plus a small wooded area that is utilised throughout the school. You can find out about Forest Schools here.

Relationships with the local nurseries and secondary schools are excellent and we welcome every opportunity for parents and members of the local community to be involved in children’s learning.

From March 2021 we joined the Downland Village Schools Federation, further future-proofing all three village schools. 

OFSTED 2024 says: 

Pupils are very happy at this school, where staff aim to ‘excite, engage and include’ them.

New pupils are always welcomed with open arms. Pupils care for each other and want to include everyone. They all play together as one community in the beautiful grounds.

All staff want every pupil to achieve their best, including pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).

The school provides many rich experiences, both within the curriculum and outside normal school hours. The outdoor learning environment is a real asset. It gives all pupils many opportunities to build independence and broaden their experiences.

Younger pupils respectfully look up to the oldest pupils. The character and camaraderie demonstrated by older pupils is very strong.

Parents are overwhelmingly positive about the school. One parent said, which reflected the views of many: ‘I could not wish for my children to go to a better school. All the children know each other, support and look out for each other. The teachers are all fantastic with the children. They are caring, approachable and very supportive.’