Imberhorne School Review 2026: A Comprehensive Education Built on Strong Foundations

Imberhorne's journey traces back nearly three centuries to the 1708 will of Robert Payne, who endowed a Free Grammar School for East Grinstead. Today, that heritage manifests as a thriving two-site comprehensive serving over 1,600 students, with particular strength in its sixth form of 300 students. The school occupies contrasting campuses: the historic Windmill Lane site, former home to East Grinstead Grammar School, now housing Years 7-9, and the modern Imberhorne Lane facility, which houses Years 10-13 and features the recently built DiGasson Sports Facility with its drama studio and sports centre. Rated Good by Ofsted in October 2024, Imberhorne sits in the middle band of England's school performance spectrum, ranking 2086th in England for GCSE results (FindMySchool ranking) and 941st for A-levels. State education with no tuition fees, the school is oversubscribed at admissions, testament to the confidence local families place in it.

Imberhorne School in Imberhorne, East Grinstead has a clear sense of identity shaped by its setting and community. The Windmill Lane building preserves Victorian architectural features and contemporary extensions, creating spaces that feel both established and evolving. At Imberhorne Lane, the newer DiGasson Sports Facility dominates visually, signalling investment in pupil wellbeing and activity beyond the classroom.

Under the leadership of Mr Matthew Whatford, who took the helm in September 2022, the school articulates its values through the cornerstones of Compassion, Achievement, Respect, and Endeavour. These are not cosmetic additions but seem embedded in how staff interact with students. Students describe feeling valued and safe, with the inclusive approach taken by leaders noted as genuinely appreciated. The atmosphere combines what leaders describe as a "warm-strict environment", high standards for behaviour and attendance paired with genuine pastoral care. Teachers maintain strong relationships with students and know them individually, which becomes visible when students discuss their experience here.

The comprehensive ethos runs deep. Students progress through the system without selection at age 11, creating cohorts marked by genuine diversity of ability and background. This contrasts notably with the school's historical roots: the 1970 comprehensive merger that brought together the former East Grinstead Grammar School and Imberhorne County Secondary School represented a deliberate philosophical choice to serve all students equally. That decision reverberates still.

GCSE Performance

In 2024, the school's average Attainment 8 score stood at 44.2, marginally below the England average of 45.9. This places Imberhorne in the solid middle band in England. Looking at specific achievement levels, roughly half of all GCSE entries achieved grade 5 or above (often cited as a "strong pass"), with nearly one in five at grade 7 or above. At the highest tier, approximately 9% of results reached grades 8-9.

The school ranks 2086th in England for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), placing it in the middle 45% of schools. Locally in East Grinstead, it sits 1st among secondary schools, ahead of Sackville School. Progress 8 data indicates students make approximately average progress from their starting points (-0.05), suggesting the school holds pupils to solid standards but without exceptional value-added gains.

English Baccalaureate uptake at 17% remains below the England average of 41%, reflecting deliberate curriculum choice rather than weakness. The school prioritises breadth but does not mandate the specific subject combination the EBacc represents.

A-Level Performance

The sixth form shows measurably stronger performance. In 2024, 10% of A-level grades reached A*, 13% achieved A, and 29% attained B, placing 52% of entries in the A*-B range. This represents a meaningful step up from GCSE patterns and sits below the England average of 47% for A*-B grades, a surprise given the selectivity of sixth form entry.

The school ranks 941st in England for A-level outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), placing it in the top 35%. A-level value-added is notably strong, with the school identified as sitting in the top 14% for A-level applied value-added in England, suggesting students achieve grades notably above what their GCSE profiles might predict.

Subject strengths have historically included Biology, Drama, Performing Arts, Economics, Electronics, Mathematics, and Politics, with multiple subjects achieving 60%+ at A*-B. The breadth of offer spans traditional academics through to applied and vocational Level 3 qualifications, with Pathway 2 and Pathway 3 structures accommodating students of varying GCSE achievement.

Oxbridge and Russell Group Progression

One Cambridge student secured entry in the measured period from two applicants. Beyond Oxbridge, 52% of sixth form leavers progressed to university in the 2024 cohort, with a further 23% entering employment and 7% pursuing apprenticeships. The university destinations data is limited, but the school maintains strong links to Russell Group institutions including Edinburgh, Durham, and Bristol.

Teaching is structured and systematic. The curriculum is described as ambitious and carefully sequenced, with staff identifying essential knowledge and determining the order in which it should be taught. This stands in contrast to more thematic or topic-led approaches, Imberhorne emphasises rigorous subject progression.

The school operates a "Strive, Support, Succeed" vision, explicitly valuing every subject area from Key Stage 3 through to Level 3. For identified high-achievers, substantial enrichment exists: Debating Societies engage students in regional and national Youth Speaks competitions; Oxford University visits are arranged for Year 11 and Year 12 students; the Cambridge Chemistry Challenge at Sussex University targets Year 12 and 13 chemists. A cross-curricular publication called "Beyond Magazine" showcases student writing across all year groups, and subject challenge weeks build depth alongside the core curriculum.

Drama is taught to every year group, with strong uptake at GCSE and A-level. The subject is positioned as a "creative, skills-based discipline" with emphasis on performing work. Triple Science exists as a twilight provision for Years 10-11, allowing mathematically inclined pupils to develop deeper scientific understanding. National Maths Challenge involvement and UKMT mentoring programmes ensure that mathematically gifted students are stretched.

The learning environment itself is calm and purposeful. Orderly conduct during lessons and social times is maintained through clear, well-communicated boundaries rather than heavy-handed discipline.

Post-16 Destinations

For Year 11 leavers, the destination picture varies. The school's sixth form accepts internal and external applicants meeting the minimum threshold of five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, with Pathway structures accommodating varying levels of prior attainment. This inclusive approach to sixth form entry means that progression is not closed to internal students of all abilities. External sixth form applicants are actively encouraged, widening opportunity beyond the school's own Year 11 cohort.

University Pathways

Of 2024 sixth form leavers, 52% progressed to university. The school has maintained historical connections to research-intensive and Russell Group institutions. Named destinations have included Manchester University (Physics), Royal Holloway (Geoscience), and Bristol University, with representations from alumni mentors speaking to current students about these pathways. Medicine represents a particular strength, with multiple students securing medical school places in recent years.

Sports and the DiGasson Facility

The DiGasson Sports Facility stands as a modern centrepiece. Opened in 2012-13 through secured funding, it comprises a sports hall, changing rooms, a dedicated drama/dance studio, sports classrooms, and a medical centre. The facility is used extensively both by the school and by external community groups, allowing multiple sports to operate simultaneously. Key Stage 3 sports days see registration across the gym, sports hall, and studio facilities, logistical complexity reflecting genuine breadth.

Rugby achieves particular prominence. In 2015, the under-15s team reached the 6th round of the NatWest Schools Cup Vase competition, the highest finish in school history, having defeated much more prestigious schools en route. Year 8 boys' cricket operates seasonally with competitive fixtures against other schools. Netball, football, hockey, and tennis all feature in the competitive calendar. The school holds both Artsmark Silver and Sportsmark awards (2004), recognising excellence in both arts and physical education.

Music and Performing Arts

Drama Club runs as a weekly after-school option for Key Stage 3 students. A range of performances take place throughout the year involving mixed year groups, from whole-school productions at Christmas to smaller departmental performances. Theatre trips are prioritised: the school aims to arrange at least one visit per year group to professional theatre.

Music provision, whilst not extensive in detail, has benefited from distinguished direction. Paul Harvey, a renowned pianist, served as Head of Music, lending particular prestige to the department. The school's commitment to performing is evidenced by the drama/dance studio within DiGasson and by the prominence of drama grades at GCSE and A-level.

Academic Enrichment and Societies

Debating Societies represent a significant strand of intellectual life. Youth Speaks participants engage in regional and national competitions, with two teams per annum representing the school. The societies give voice to articulate students while building confidence in public speaking and critical argument.

Physics Club operates with notable alumni engagement. In June 2025, three alumni currently at Manchester University (Physics), Royal Holloway (Geoscience), and Bristol University returned to speak to Year 10 and 11 students about degree-level study and career pathways. This alumni mentoring approach makes concrete the university pathway.

The Young Writers' Competition spans Key Stage 3, 4, and 5, encouraging creative and analytical writing across disciplines. Masterclass Lunchtime Lectures provide extension opportunities. Beyond Magazine serves as a tangible outlet for cross-curricular student writing, allowing pupils to see their work published and celebrated.

National Maths Challenge involvement, UKMT Mentoring, and subject-specific workshops ensure that pupils with genuine enthusiasm for particular disciplines find challenge appropriate to them. Further Mathematics is offered at both GCSE and A-level, catering to those who want mathematical depth beyond the core GCSE specification.

Duke of Edinburgh and Trips

The Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme is very well established and heavily subscribed. The school arranges numerous educational trips both within the UK and internationally, reflecting the breadth of enrichment beyond the classroom. These experiences are positioned as essential to developing important life skills and enabling students to grow as confident young adults and responsible citizens.

Entry to Year 7

Imberhorne operates a non-selective admissions policy. Entry to Year 7 is coordinated through West Sussex Local Authority. In the most recent cycle, 585 applications were received for approximately 264 places, a subscription ratio of 2.22, making the school significantly oversubscribed. The proportion of first preferences versus first preference offers (1.1) indicates that demand exceeds supply for initial preferences. Technically, places are allocated by distance from the school gates, after looked-after children and those with Education, Health and Care Plans naming the school have been admitted.

The school emphasises transition carefully. Year 6 students are given comprehensive induction, including maps, tours, and peer mentor support. New Year 7 students are encouraged to join at least one after-school club to facilitate friendships across primary feeder schools. Year 7 has a dedicated playground and court for ball games, recognised facilities in the transition experience. Lockers are available for rent, allowing students to store books and personal items securely.

Entry to Sixth Form

Sixth form admission requires a minimum of five GCSE grade 4 or above across the cohort. The school operates three distinct pathways: Pathway 1 (1 year) for those with primarily grade D results, accepting BTEC options alongside English and Maths resits; Pathway 2 (2 years) for those with mixed grade 4/5 results, typically three applied/BTEC subjects plus English and Maths; and Pathway 3 (2 years) for those with strong GCSE performance (grade 6+), studying three A-levels or combinations with applied courses. This tiered approach ensures genuine inclusivity without academically misplacing students.

External applicants from other schools are actively welcomed. The application deadline falls in early December for September entry, though late applications are considered subject to course availability.

School operates across two sites connected by shared staff travel (approximately 1.75 miles between locations). Windmill Lane houses Years 7-9; Imberhorne Lane houses Years 10-13. For 2024 entry, the last distance offered at Imberhorne School was 0 miles (around 2.22 applications for each place in the latest available data). Distances vary annually based on applicant distribution; proximity provides priority but does not guarantee a place. Public transport access to East Grinstead town centre is available, with the school positioned in the north-east corner of West Sussex, close to the Surrey/Sussex/Kent border, locally accessible but not in a major metropolitan hub.

School hours operate on a standard secondary timetable. No specific wraparound care (breakfast club, after-school provision) is mentioned beyond the lunchtime and after-school clubs system, which is activity-focused rather than pastoral care-focused. Families should contact the school for specific details about any extended hours provision.

Pastoral support is organised through form tutors and Heads of Year, with students encouraged to initiate conversations with their Form Tutor as the first point of contact. Year group-specific pastoral teams exist for Year 7, Year 8, Year 9, Year 10, and Year 11, allowing familiar faces and continuity. Assistant Headteachers with responsibility for specific key stages provide escalation for serious concerns. The school employs a Designated Safeguarding Lead and a SENCO to coordinate specific support needs.

Students with special educational needs and disabilities are supported through the SEND Inclusion Provision. The school holds the Inclusion Quality Mark, signalling external recognition of quality. Experienced teams quickly identify concerns, particularly for disadvantaged pupils and those with identified needs. Mental health support exists, and the school works in close partnership with families and external agencies.

Behaviour expectations are explicit and high but applied fairly. The school describes itself as promoting "high expectations for behaviour, resulting in orderly conduct." Bullying is managed swiftly, and instances are rare. Staff are noted as having positive relationships with pupils and knowing them well.

Mixed-ability comprehensive entry: Unlike selective grammar schools, Imberhorne's non-selective admissions mean the peer group spans the full ability range. Exceptionally able students will need to self-propel; the school does not provide the specialist setting some seek.

Two-site operation: The split between Windmill Lane and Imberhorne Lane requires teacher movement and creates distinct institutional cultures (Lower vs. Upper School). This can feel fragmentary to students, though the school manages transitions carefully.

Sixth form pathways tier system: While inclusive, the existence of Pathway 1 (BTEC-focused, 1-year), Pathway 2 (mixed academic/vocational, 2-year), and Pathway 3 (A-level focused, 2-year) means students are visibly streamed post-16. This serves accessibility but may create social divisions between pathways.

Average progress scores: The Progress 8 metric of -0.05 indicates students achieve grades approximately in line with national expectations given their starting points. This is solid but not exceptional, families seeking schools where pupils noticeably exceed predicted trajectories should investigate further.

Russell Group progression below England average: Approximately 52% of sixth form leavers enter university, which sits meaningfully below the top-tier state schools' 70%+ university progression. The inclusion of vocational pathways explains part of this; it reflects deliberate breadth rather than weakness.

Imberhorne is a well-functioning comprehensive school serving its East Grinstead community with sincerity and competence. Two centuries of history merge with contemporary facility investment, creating an institution neither resting on past glory nor frantically chasing trends. Academic outcomes sit squarely in the middle: GCSEs are solid rather than spectacular, while A-levels show meaningful strength. The breadth of enrichment, from Debating Societies to Drama to Physics Club, is genuine, not tokenistic.

The school suits families who value a genuinely comprehensive ethos where students of all abilities learn alongside one another, where pastoral relationships are prioritised, and where a good sixth form education is delivered through both academic and vocational pathways. It is less suited to families seeking selective academic setting or those seeking exceptional progress gains from below-average starting points. For local families in the catchment, particularly those whose children will thrive in a relational, structured, and expectation-high environment, Imberhorne merits genuine consideration.