Consideration Always speaks to the ethos of this coastal independent school, and at Our Lady of Sion, consideration takes tangible form. Founded in 1862 by the Sisters of Sion just 500 metres from the West Sussex shoreline, the school occupies a Grade II listed former convent complete with original Victorian chapel. In 2022, it became the first school in the United Kingdom to operate a fully vegan kitchen, a decision rooted in inclusivity and sustainability rather than ideology. The school serves approximately 340 pupils from ages 3 to 19, offering families in Worthing a genuine through-school pathway where children can move seamlessly from nursery to sixth form within a single, cohesive community.
Mr Steven Jeffery, Headteacher since 2021, brings over 25 years of teaching experience spanning both state and independent sectors. His leadership has emphasised forward-thinking initiatives while preserving the school's distinctive character. For parents seeking an independent education that combines Catholic heritage with an explicitly inter-denominational welcome, small class sizes, and a non-selective admissions approach, Sion presents a compelling option on the Sussex coast.
The atmosphere at Sion is shaped by its unusual heritage. The school occupies two connected sites: the Senior School, partially housed within the original 1862 convent buildings, and the Junior School, set in a converted Victorian home three roads away. The original convent floor features marble and symmetrical mosaic patterns running down the central hallway. A chapel constructed by the Sisters remains within the school, now used as a multi-purpose space while retaining its historical significance. The adjacent Church of St Mary of the Angels, designed by architect Henry Clutton, holds Grade II listed status alongside the original convent.
This is a school that wears its Catholic identity with openness rather than exclusivity. Theodore Ratisbonne, founder of the Sisters of Sion congregation, explicitly instructed that students should be free to practise their parents' religion and that sisters should never proselytise. That founding principle translates today into a school that describes itself as inter-denominational and welcomes families of all faiths and none. Morning assemblies may include prayer, but the overarching message is one of respect and consideration for diversity.
The physical environment reflects a school that has evolved over 160 years. Chapel Block houses the original buildings, now refurbished and home to VISion, the sixth form centre. A-Block, the three-storey newer wing, contains most classrooms. Between them sits a courtyard serving as the social hub during breaks. At the front of the school, astroturf pitches and netball courts provide outdoor space in what is essentially a town-centre location.
Class sizes remain deliberately small. The school emphasises individual attention and a family atmosphere where staff know every pupil by name. This intimacy suits children who thrive in smaller settings but may feel limiting for those seeking the anonymity and social breadth of larger schools.
Our Lady of Sion does not publish Key Stage 2 results, consistent with many independent primaries that do not participate in SATs testing. Independent schools are not required to administer national tests, and Sion opts instead for internal assessment and continuous teacher evaluation throughout the primary years.
At GCSE, the school sits in the middle tier of performance. An Attainment 8 score of 47.4 places the school within the central band of schools in England, performing in line with the middle 35% of schools in England. The school ranks 7th among secondary schools in Worthing for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking based on official data). The EBacc average point score of 4.2 sits marginally above the England average of 4.08.
At A-level, performance shows notable local strength. The school ranks 1st in Worthing for sixth form results and sits at 1310th in England overall (FindMySchool ranking), placing it within the middle 35% of schools in England. In 2024, 52% of A-level grades were A*-B, compared to the England average of 47.2%. While 4% achieved A* and 8% achieved A grades, this sits below the England average of 23.6% at A*/A combined.
Progress 8 data is not available for independent schools, making direct value-added comparisons with state schools difficult. The school points to consistent results and strong progression to higher education as indicators of educational effectiveness.
England ranks and key metrics (where available)
A-Level A*-B
52%
% of students achieving grades A*-B
GCSE 9–7
—
% of students achieving grades 9-7
The curriculum follows a broad structure across all phases. In the Junior School, specialists teach French, music, and physical education from an early age. All pupils learn an instrument in class, with approximately one third taking additional extra-curricular instrumental lessons from Year 3.
At Senior School level, the curriculum prepares students for GCSE examinations across a standard range of subjects. Design and Technology and Food and Nutrition carry additional fees of £48 per term, reflecting the material costs involved.
The sixth form, branded VISion, offers A-levels alongside the Extended Project Qualification. The EPQ allows students to develop independent research skills in preparation for university study. Entry to the sixth form requires a minimum of Grade 7 in subjects to be studied at A-level and Grade 4 in English and Mathematics.
Teaching quality was affirmed in the November 2023 ISI inspection, which found the school compliant in all areas under the new inspection framework. Since September 2023, ISI no longer awards grades such as Excellent or Good; instead, schools are assessed against regulatory standards. Sion met all requirements across leadership and management, quality of education, pupil wellbeing, social and economic education, and safeguarding.
Most Junior School pupils progress internally to the Senior School in Year 7. The through-school model means children rarely need to move elsewhere, though families do have choice. The school's non-selective approach means progression is not dependent on passing entrance examinations, though all Year 6 pupils sit the CAT4 assessment.
The school reports that the majority of A-level leavers progress to higher education at their first-choice universities. Specific university destination data and Russell Group percentages are not published on the school website. The small sixth form cohort means DfE leavers destination data falls below reporting thresholds and is therefore suppressed in official statistics.
UCAS support and careers guidance form part of the VISion programme. Students participate in a structured university application process with guidance from dedicated staff. The school's small sixth form means personalised support is possible, with students receiving individual attention during the application cycle.
For families evaluating university outcomes, the lack of published destination data makes comparison with other schools difficult. Parents considering Sion for sixth form should ask directly about recent leavers' destinations during school visits.
Our Lady of Sion operates a non-selective admissions policy, distinguishing it from many independent schools. Entry does not depend on passing examinations, though assessment forms part of the process at Senior School level.
Children can join the nursery from their third birthday. There is no entrance examination; instead, children attend two settling sessions to assess how they engage with the environment. Admission follows a successful outcome from these sessions and a conversation with parents. Government Early Years Free Entitlement funding applies to eligible families.
Entry involves two taster days rather than formal testing. During these visits, children are observed in literacy, numeracy, and reasoning activities. Admission is at the discretion of the Headteacher following the visit and a parent interview. Nursery pupils receive priority for Reception places.
Entrance examinations are held in January, with alternative dates available throughout the year. The assessment is the CAT4 test administered by GL Assessments, covering verbal, non-verbal, and quantitative reasoning. There is no formal pass mark; instead, the offer of a place depends on results combined with a parent and student interview with the Headteacher and satisfactory references from the current school.
External applicants require a confidential reference from their current Headteacher, recent school reports, and a successful interview with the Headteacher and Sixth Form Leader. The general guideline is Grade 7 minimum in A-level subjects and Grade 4 in English and Mathematics.
The school welcomes personal visits and offers open days throughout the year. Parents should contact the admissions registrar at 01903 228638 or admissions@sionschool.org.uk to arrange visits. Open days typically run in autumn and spring terms; contact the school for current dates.
The school's founding motto, Consideration Always, provides the framework for pastoral care. Small class sizes mean staff know pupils individually, enabling early identification of concerns.
Learning support services are available for pupils with additional educational needs. The school does not have specialist SEN provision but can accommodate mild to moderate needs within mainstream classes.
The November 2023 ISI inspection found the school compliant in all areas relating to pupils' physical and mental health and emotional wellbeing. Safeguarding arrangements also met regulatory standards.
Sixth formers in VISion are encouraged to participate in volunteering, working in local hospitals, junior schools, charity shops, and with vulnerable populations. This programme develops social responsibility while contributing to the local Worthing community.
Students participate in a range of sports during PE lessons and extra-curricular activities. Facilities include an indoor sports hall, dance studio, astroturf hockey pitch, netball courts, and tennis courts. Teams compete in district leagues, county tournaments, and regional ISA competitions in athletics, swimming, and cross-country.
Both Junior and Senior Schools hold annual Sports Days. PE is offered at GCSE and A-level for students wishing to pursue sport academically. Lunchtime clubs and after-school fixtures operate throughout term time.
All pupils learn an instrument in class. Approximately one third take additional lessons from Year 3 onwards. The school has two choirs and an orchestra, with opportunities for performance throughout the year. Music rehearsal rooms and recording suites support both curricular and extra-curricular music making.
Drama forms part of the English curriculum and the co-curricular programme. The school has a drama studio theatre for performances and productions. Drama Club explores all aspects of theatre, with multiple performance opportunities throughout the year. Sixth formers contribute to productions through both performance and stage management.
Extra-curricular clubs change termly and include:
The school's size means the range of clubs is more limited than at larger independents, but the programme provides variety across sporting, creative, and academic interests.
Science laboratories support the curriculum through to A-level. While the school does not have the extensive STEM facilities of larger independents, the focus remains on practical, hands-on learning.
Fees from January 2025 include VAT at 20%, though the school notes that VAT recovery on expenditure means parents effectively pay the equivalent of 18% additional. Nursery fees remain VAT exempt.
| Year Group | Termly Fee | Monthly Direct Debit |
|---|---|---|
| Reception, Years 1-2 | £4,588 | £1,147 |
| Years 3-6 | £5,569 | £1,393 |
| Years 7-8 | £7,080 | £1,770 |
| Years 9-13 | £7,300 | £1,825 |
Annual fees therefore range from approximately £13,764 for Reception to £21,900 for Years 9-13.
For nursery fee details, visit the school website. Government-funded hours are available for eligible families.
A 20% reduction applies to the third sibling and any subsequent children enrolled simultaneously.
Means-tested financial support is available for families who could not otherwise afford fees. Applications are assessed confidentially based on household income and circumstances.
Merit-based awards are offered in Academic, Sports, Music, and Art. Scholarships recognise talent and potential rather than financial need. One current pupil transferred to Sion in Year 9 on an Art Scholarship, demonstrating that awards are available at multiple entry points.
*Bursaries may be available for eligible families.
Basis: per term
The school day runs from 8:40am to 3:40pm.
The school is located in central Worthing, accessible by public transport. Worthing railway station is within walking distance. The school provides transport services for pupils living further afield; contact the school for current routes and costs.
In February 2022, Sion became the first school in the United Kingdom to operate a fully vegan kitchen, in partnership with The Plant Based School Kitchens. All meals are freshly prepared on site with a six-week rotating menu including themed meals linked to curriculum projects. Dishes include lentil shepherd's pie, black bean and quinoa meatballs, and tofu tacos. The plant-based lunches are optional; children may bring packed lunches containing animal products if preferred.
Details of breakfast club and after-school care provision are available from the school office.
The school follows a standard three-term academic year. One term's notice is required for withdrawal.
Modest published results data. GCSE and A-level outcomes sit in the middle band of schools in England. Families prioritising top-tier examination results may find stronger academic options elsewhere, though small class sizes mean individual attention can support pupils who benefit from that approach.
Limited sixth form size. The small VISion cohort means A-level subject choice may be narrower than at larger sixth forms. Students with specific subject requirements should confirm availability before committing.
Town-centre location. The school occupies a compact site in central Worthing without extensive grounds. Pupils seeking large playing fields and rural surroundings will find a different environment here.
Vegan-only kitchen. While inclusive by design and optional in practice, families with children who strongly prefer traditional school meals should be aware of the plant-based approach. Packed lunches remain an alternative.
Our Lady of Sion offers something increasingly rare: a genuine through-school pathway from age 3 to 18 within a single, intimate community. The combination of Catholic heritage, inter-denominational welcome, non-selective admissions, and small class sizes creates a distinctive proposition for Worthing families.
Academic results sit in the middle tier rather than the top flight, but the school's value lies elsewhere: in the individual attention possible with small classes, in the seamless progression from nursery through to A-level, and in a philosophy that prioritises consideration and respect for diversity. The pioneering vegan kitchen reflects a school willing to lead rather than follow convention.
Best suited to families seeking a warm, values-driven independent education where children are known as individuals rather than numbers. The non-selective approach means academic pressure is lower than at competitive independents, suiting pupils who thrive in supportive rather than high-pressure environments. For families within reach of Worthing who value community, continuity, and consideration over league table position, Sion merits serious attention.
Our Lady of Sion was found compliant in all areas during its November 2023 ISI inspection. The school ranks 1st in Worthing for A-level results (FindMySchool ranking). Academic outcomes sit in the middle band of schools in England, but the school's strengths lie in small class sizes, individual attention, and a through-school pathway from nursery to sixth form.
Termly fees for 2025-26 range from £4,588 for Reception to Years 1-2, up to £7,300 for Years 9-13, all including VAT. Annual fees therefore range from approximately £13,764 to £21,900. A 20% sibling discount applies to the third child onwards. Means-tested bursaries and merit-based scholarships are available.
No. The school operates a non-selective admissions policy. While Senior School entry involves sitting the CAT4 assessment, there is no formal pass mark. Admission depends on a holistic evaluation including assessment results, interview, and references. Nursery and Junior School entry do not involve formal entrance examinations.
No. While founded by the Sisters of Sion and retaining Catholic heritage, the school describes itself as inter-denominational and welcomes families of all faiths and none. The founding principle emphasised respect for freedom of conscience and allowing pupils to practise their parents' religion.
In February 2022, Our Lady of Sion became the first school in the United Kingdom to operate a fully vegan kitchen. All school meals are plant-based, freshly prepared on site. The approach is about inclusivity and sustainability rather than dietary restriction. Children may bring packed lunches with non-vegan food if preferred.
The sixth form, called VISion, offers A-levels alongside the Extended Project Qualification. Contact the school directly for the current subject list, as the small sixth form means offerings may vary by year depending on demand.
Get in touch with the school directly
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