Patcham High School Review 2026: Inclusive Community Education

Located where the northern edge of Brighton meets the South Downs, Patcham High School serves as a central hub for its local community. While many coastal schools look towards the sea, Patcham looks towards the inclusive development of the whole child. It is an 11-16 comprehensive school where academic pressure is balanced by a genuine emphasis on reading, kindness, and personal responsibility. With just over 1,100 students, it is large enough to offer diverse opportunities but retains a neighbourhood feel.

The campus sits comfortably in its residential setting, with buildings that have been extended over decades to meet growing demand. The atmosphere at the gates is energetic but orderly. Mr John McKee, who has led the school as Headteacher since 2013, has established a culture built on the simple motto: Proud to be Patcham.

The school operates a house system; Earth, Air, Fire, and Water; which breaks the larger cohort into manageable families. This structure fosters competition and belonging. Unusually for a state secondary, the school boasts an on-site swimming pool, a facility that underscores its commitment to physical health alongside mental agility.

Walking through the corridors, the focus on literacy is visible. The Drop Everything And Read (DEAR) initiative is not a token gesture here; it is a daily ritual where the entire school pauses to read, signalling that literacy is valued above pace.

In 2024, the school's performance sits in line with the middle 35% of schools in England (25th to 60th percentile), reflected in its ranking of 1599th in England and 9th in Brighton.

Attainment 8 scores, which measure average grade performance, stood at 44. This is slightly below the England average of 46 but reflects the school's broad intake. The Progress 8 score of -0.45 indicates that, on average, students achieve nearly half a grade lower across their subjects compared to peers with similar starting points nationally. However, 27.1% of students achieved Grade 5 or above in English and Maths, providing them with the solid foundation needed for college progression.

The curriculum is broad, maintaining a commitment to arts and technology alongside the EBacc core. Teaching focuses on building confidence, particularly in the lower years. The 'Patcham Life' skills programme runs alongside academic subjects, aiming to develop resilience and social awareness.

Literacy support is a specific strength. The library is a central hub, and the school invests heavily in reading programmes to ensure students can access the wider curriculum. Science lessons benefit from well-equipped labs, and the design technology department is active, with students frequently engaged in practical workshops.

As an 11-16 school, Patcham High does not have a sixth form. This means Year 11 is a significant transition point. The majority of students progress to local colleges, primarily BHASVIC (Brighton Hove & Sussex Sixth Form College) and Varndean College, both of which are short bus rides away. A smaller number move on to Brighton Metropolitan College for vocational courses. The school provides dedicated careers guidance to help students navigate these choices, ensuring nearly all leavers secure education or training placements.

Admission to Patcham High is coordinated by Brighton & Hove City Council. The school is consistently oversubscribed. In the most recent entry cycle, there were 455 applications for 208 places, resulting in a subscription ratio of 2.2 applications per place.

Places are allocated according to the council's priority criteria: looked-after children, medical/social needs, siblings, and then distance. The school serves a defined catchment area in north Brighton, but popularity often means living in the catchment does not guarantee a place if you live on the far boundary. Distances vary annually based on applicant distribution; proximity provides priority but does not guarantee a place.

Pastoral care is structured around the four houses. Each student has a form tutor who acts as the primary point of contact, supported by non-teaching Pastoral Managers who are available throughout the day. This structure ensures that students always have an adult to turn to who is not tied up in lessons.

The school is proactive regarding mental health, employing school counsellors and working with external agencies. The 'Proud to be Patcham' ethos encourages students to look out for one another, and bullying policies are clear.

The extracurricular offer is a major pillar of school life. The on-site swimming pool allows for a strong swimming squad and water-based PE lessons, a rarity in the state sector. Sport is generally strong, with teams fielding regular fixtures in football, netball, and athletics.

Creativity flourishes in the drama and music departments, which stage annual productions that involve large numbers of students. Clubs range from the traditional (STEM, Art) to the niche (Lego Therapy, Warhammer). The Duke of Edinburgh Award is popular in Year 10, with many students completing their Bronze expeditions on the nearby South Downs.

This is a state school with no tuition fees. Parents should budget for uniform, sports kit, and optional trips. Instrumental music lessons are available at an additional cost, though subsidies may be available for families eligible for Pupil Premium.

The school day runs from 8:30am to 3:00pm. The school is easily accessible via the 5 and 5A bus routes from Brighton city centre. Uniform is strict but standard: a navy blazer with the school logo, white shirt, and house tie.

• No Sixth Form: Students must move institutions at 16. While this offers a fresh start, families seeking an all-through 11-18 education will not find it here.
• Progress Outcomes: With a Progress 8 score of -0.45, academic value-added is below the national average. Families should look at how the school supports high attainers if their child is academically gifted.
• Oversubscription: With over two applicants for every place, entry is competitive. Families living on the edges of the catchment area should not assume a place is guaranteed.

Patcham High School is a warm, community-centred institution that prioritises student happiness and inclusivity. While academic progress metrics suggest room for improvement, the school succeeds in producing well-rounded, confident young people. Best suited to local families who value a supportive environment, excellent pastoral care, and broad opportunities over a rigorous academic hothouse.