Millais School is a large state secondary school in Horsham with a distinct identity rooted in its history as a girls' school. Named after the Pre-Raphaelite painter Sir John Everett Millais, the school has long been a specialist in girls' education, but 2026 marks a pivotal moment. Following a significant consultation by West Sussex County Council, the school is transitioning to co-education, welcoming boys into Year 7 for the first time in September 2026.
Currently rated Good by Ofsted (September 2022), the school serves around 1,500 students on a site that blends 1930s architecture with modern specialist blocks. Under the leadership of Dr Alison Lodwick, Millais has maintained a reputation for academic rigour and strong community values, traditionally preparing girls for the next stage of their education at local sixth form colleges.
The atmosphere at Millais is purposeful and orderly. The school's motto, "In Pursuit of Excellence," is not just a slogan but a visible expectation in classrooms and corridors. Students wear their distinctive maroon blazers with pride, and the absence of boys in the upper years (until the co-ed cohort moves up) creates a specific dynamic where girls occupy every leadership role, from House Captains to STEM ambassadors.
The House system is a central pillar of school life. Students are allocated to one of several Houses, fostering a sense of belonging within the large student body. Inter-house competitions are fiercely contested, covering everything from sport and drama to debating and charity fundraising.
While the school is in transition, the ethos remains focused on high aspirations. The environment is supportive but demanding; staff expect students to work hard and engage fully with the opportunities on offer.
Millais consistently performs well against national benchmarks. In 2024, the school achieved a Progress 8 score of +0.22, indicating that students make above-average progress from their primary school starting points compared to peers across England.
Ranked 897th in England and 2nd in Horsham for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), the school sits in the "national strong" band, placing it in the top 20% of state schools nationally.
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England ranks and key metrics (where available)
GCSE 9–7
—
% of students achieving grades 9-7
The curriculum is broad and ambitious. As a former Language College, Millais retains a notable strength in modern foreign languages, offering French, Spanish, German, Italian, and Mandarin. This international outlook is supported by a range of trips and exchanges that bring language learning to life.
Teaching is structured and subject-knowledge is strong. The 2022 Ofsted report highlighted that teachers have high expectations and use assessment effectively to spot gaps in learning. The school places a heavy emphasis on literacy and oracy, ensuring students can articulate their ideas confidently.
STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) is another key focus. The school actively encourages students to pursue separate sciences and computer science, challenging stereotypes about female participation in these fields.
Quality of Education
Good
Behaviour & Attitudes
Good
Personal Development
Outstanding
Leadership & Management
Good
Millais is an 11-16 school, meaning there is no sixth form on site. However, the progression pathways are well-established. The vast majority of students move on to The College of Richard Collyer (Collyer's) in Horsham, one of the leading sixth form colleges in the country.
The school works closely with Collyer's and other local providers, such as Crawley College and Chichester College, to ensure a smooth transition. A comprehensive careers programme in Year 10 and 11 helps students make informed choices about A-levels, T-levels, or apprenticeships.
Admissions are coordinated by West Sussex County Council. The school is a popular choice in the area and is often oversubscribed.
From September 2026, Millais will admit boys into Year 7. This change to co-education will likely impact application patterns and catchment dynamics. Families should be aware that the "last distance offered" data from previous years reflects the girls-only criteria and may shift significantly with a mixed intake.
The Published Admission Number (PAN) is approximately 300. Priority is given to looked-after children and those with siblings already at the school, followed by children living in the catchment area. Distances vary annually based on applicant distribution; proximity provides priority but does not guarantee a place.
Applications
281
Total received
Places Offered
142
Subscription Rate
2.0x
Apps per place
Pastoral care is delivered through the House system and form tutors, who see students daily. The school has a dedicated Student Support team to help those facing emotional or social difficulties.
The transition to secondary school is managed carefully. For the new co-educational cohort, the school has likely adapted its pastoral structures to ensure both boys and girls are supported, including updates to facilities and the Personal Development curriculum.
The extracurricular programme is extensive, offering students chances to shine outside the exam hall.
The creative arts are a strength. The annual school production is a highlight of the calendar, involving large numbers of students in acting, music, and backstage roles.
Facilities include a sports hall, dance studio, and extensive outdoor courts. Teams compete regularly in netball, hockey, football, and athletics at district and county levels.
diverse clubs run throughout the week, including the Eco-Committee, Debating Society, and various STEM clubs. The Duke of Edinburgh's Award is popular, with many students achieving Bronze and Silver awards.
The school day typically runs from 8:30am to 3:00pm.
The school uniform is distinctive, featuring a maroon blazer. Families joining in September 2026 should check the school website for any updates to the uniform policy regarding the new co-educational intake.
Located on Depot Road, the school is within walking distance of Horsham railway station and is well-served by local bus routes.
Transition to Co-education: The shift to accepting boys in Year 7 from 2026 is a major change. While the school has planned extensively, the first few years of any such transition involve adjustments to culture and logistics.
No Sixth Form: Students must leave at 16 to continue their education. While this allows for a fresh start in a collegiate environment like Collyer's, some families prefer the continuity of an 11-18 school.
Strict Mobile Phone Policy: The school enforces a strict policy on mobile phones to minimise distraction and encourage face-to-face socialising during the school day.
Millais School is an institution with a proud history of academic success and a clear roadmap for the future. As it evolves from a girls' school into a co-educational comprehensive, it retains its core strengths: rigorous teaching, strong pastoral care, and high aspirations. Best suited to academically motivated students who will thrive in a structured, ambitious environment and are ready to move on to a sixth form college at 16.
Yes. Millais was rated Good by Ofsted in its most recent inspection (September 2022). Inspectors praised the ambitious curriculum, the calm behaviour of students, and the strong subject knowledge of the teaching staff.
Historically, yes. However, the school is transitioning to co-education. From September 2026, it will admit boys into Year 7. Older year groups will remain girls-only until those cohorts leave, meaning the school will be fully co-educational by 2030.
There are no fees. Millais is a state-funded community school. Parents generally pay only for optional extras such as residential trips, music lessons, or specific uniform items.
Applications must be made through West Sussex County Council. The deadline is typically 31 October for entry the following September. It is important to list Millais as a preference on the Common Application Form.
The majority of students progress to The College of Richard Collyer (Collyer's) in Horsham. Others choose Crawley College, Chichester College, or school sixth forms in neighbouring towns.
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