WELCOME TO Dorset House School
"...this is a school that really does empower"
(Tatler Schools Guide)
Welcome
At Dorset House, we aim to provide a magical prep school experience for our pupils in an environment where children are engaged, enthused and inspired. We are often described as a greenhouse not a hot house and we find that pupils grow in confidence in our high challenge/low threat atmosphere.
Our committed and talented staff foster close links between home and school and we know every child well, meaning that we are aware of any successes achieved or issues they are facing.
Our optional flexi and weekly boarding for our Prep children, promote independence.
Happy, confident – not arrogant young people, who can relate to and communicate with others – Dorset House children often win awards and scholarships to senior schools and regularly going on to hold positions of responsibility.
Prospective parents often comment on the warmth of this school and if that is something which is important to your family, please call to make an appointment to visit us. We look forward to meeting you.
Meet the Headmaster and pupils
Meet the Headmaster and pupils
TOUR THE SITE
TOUR THE SITE
Find Us
We have some very exciting news to share today! Here is a press release regarding our new Head who will take up her post in January:
Dorset House, part of the Lancing College family of schools is pleased to announce the appointment of its new head Sarah Sutherland-Booth from January 2026.
Dorset House is a highly regarded co-educational day and weekly boarding preparatory school for children from Reception to Year 8 in the heart of the South Downs National Park. The school will become a member of the Lancing College family of schools from September 1st 2025.
Sarah is currently the Senior Deputy Head at Windlesham House School a role she has held since 2022. She joined Windlesham House in 2012 and has held several other leadership roles in that time, including Head of Day Pupils, Junior Prep and Curriculum
Co-ordinator, and Head of Pre-Prep.
She brings to the role extensive experience of leadership and teaching in both day and boarding environments. Sarah is an Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) Reporting and Team Inspector and an Apple Distinguished Educator.
What a great message to receive from Dr Helen Wright, Chair, Independent Schools of the Year 2025, on the last day of term!
`I am delighted to inform you that Dorset House School has been shortlisted for Small Independent School of the Year.`
Needless to say, we are thrilled!
Thank you to everyone who sponsored our children and a group of hardy parents who walked and ran in aid of @chestnuttreehouse Tree House earlier this term. A special `thank you` also goes to our `DH Dads` past and present who played cricket recently and raised £500 towards the wonderful total of £3196.62.
This morning, Nicky, from Chestnut Tree House came to speak to us about the work done at this wonderful place and she is photographed here with Mrs White, our Charity Coordinator.
Our next Open Morning will be in September 2025...
...but visitors are always welcome. Please call the school to arrange an appointment (01798 831456)
Yr6 being put through their paces with some challenging problem solving tasks…
