Drive Preparatory School, formerly a small independent provider in West Hove, has officially closed. Following a series of critical inspections, the Department for Education (DfE) requested the school's closure in June 2025. The school occupied a Victorian villa on The Drive, serving a co-educational cohort of students aged 7 to 16. While it was long regarded as a sanctuary for those who struggled in larger mainstream environments, recent years were marked by significant regulatory challenges. As of January 2026, the building is no longer an active educational site; the lease has expired and the proprietor has confirmed that the school has ceased operations at this location.
For nearly three decades, Drive Preparatory School was defined by its domestic and informal atmosphere. Unlike the more traditional and expansive independent schools in Brighton and Hove, the Drive operated within the intimate rooms of a converted semi-detached house. This setting was designed to lower the anxiety levels of students, many of whom arrived with a history of school refusal or complex emotional needs.
The school's motto, Vincit Qui Se Vincit (He Conquers Who Conquers Himself), underpinned an ethos of personal development rather than cut-throat competition. Long-serving Head Teacher Susan Parkinson and proprietor Nicholas Faulkner maintained a culture that prioritised kindness and individual recognition. However, latest official findings suggested that this informal nature eventually came at the cost of the rigorous oversight required to meet modern safety and curriculum standards.
Academic performance at the Drive was historically varied, reflecting its non-selective and inclusive intake. In its final active year, the school achieved an average Attainment 8 score of 38.8, which placed it in the national lower band for England (75th percentile).
While the school's small classes allowed for individual attention, inspectors increasingly noted that the curriculum lacked the logical order necessary for students to build on prior learning. In the 2024 results, only 11% of students achieved grade 5 or above in the English Baccalaureate (EBacc), significantly below the local and England averages. The school's 5th place ranking in Hove for GCSEs (FindMySchool ranking) reflected its role as a niche local provider, but one that ultimately struggled to demonstrate consistent academic progress across all subjects.
England ranks and key metrics (where available)
GCSE 9–7
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% of students achieving grades 9-7
Teaching at the school was notable for its flexibility, though this eventually became a point of regulatory contention. With classes often numbering fewer than ten students, teachers were able to offer a high level of verbal feedback and mentor-like support. This was particularly beneficial for the high proportion of students with Education, Health and Care (EHC) plans.
However, the latest Ofsted inspection in May 2025, which rated the school Inadequate, found that teachers often determined their own curriculum content without sufficient central oversight. This led to a lack of coherence in subjects such as music and science. Furthermore, the school lacked a coordinated approach to phonics and early reading, which hindered the progress of younger pupils and those with lower starting points.
Pastoral care was the pillar upon which the school was built. The staff took great pride in their ability to support students with neurodiverse needs, including ADHD and autism. In its best years, the school was a refuge where students felt safe and understood.
Despite these intentions, formal safeguarding measures were found to be ineffective in the final inspections. Leaders failed to ensure that all required vetting checks on staff were completed and did not maintain safeguarding records in line with statutory guidance. The physical environment also became a concern; inspectors identified torn carpets, damp walls, and fire safety issues, such as propped-open fire doors and untested electrical equipment, which put student welfare at risk.
The school’s urban Hove location meant that extracurricular life often involved the local community. Students used Hove’s public parks for physical education and visited city museums to supplement their learning. On-site, the school offered a range of informal clubs, though these were frequently hampered by the building's state of repair and limited resources.
Drive Preparatory School is no longer accepting admissions for 2026 or beyond. In previous years, the process was direct and informal, usually involving a trial day rather than an entrance exam. Local families seeking similar alternative or small-scale provision are now advised to contact Brighton and Hove City Council for guidance on available places in nearby mainstream or specialist settings.
Before its closure, the school positioned itself as a "reasonable" alternative to the more expensive Brighton independent schools. Annual day fees for the 2024-2025 period ranged from £6,885 to £8,997.
The school did not offer a formal bursary or scholarship programme, though its lower fee point was intended to make it accessible to families who could not afford larger institutions. As the school has now closed, no further fee payments or registrations are being processed.
Drive Preparatory School was once a valued alternative for students who found the mainstream sector unnavigable. Its closure marks the end of a thirty-year history of providing small-scale, personal education in Hove. While the school’s dedication to individual student needs was evident, it was ultimately unable to bridge the gap between its informal roots and the stringent safety and curriculum standards required of modern independent schools.
The school has been closed by the Department for Education following an Inadequate rating from Ofsted in 2025. While many parents appreciated the small, home-like environment, the school failed to meet mandatory standards for safeguarding, health and safety, and leadership.
The school closed in June 2025 because it failed to meet the Independent School Standards. Issues identified by inspectors included ineffective safeguarding, poor building maintenance, fire safety risks, and a curriculum that lacked coherence and order.
In its final year of operation, annual fees ranged from £6,885 to £8,997. The school intended to be a more affordable alternative to the larger independent schools in East Sussex.
The school served pupils and students from age 7 (Year 3) through to age 16 (Year 11). It did not offer a sixth form or nursery provision.
The final Head Teacher was Susan Parkinson, who had been with the school for over 26 years. The proprietor was Nicholas Faulkner.
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