Worthing High School

  • Secondary
  • Academy
  • Ages 11 to 16
Ofsted: Good

South Farm Road, Worthing, BN14 7AROpen in maps (opens in a new tab)

Worthing High School is a secondary school in Worthing for ages 11 to 16. It is one of the 332 schools in West Sussex. It ranks 4th of 6 secondary schools in Worthing. Its latest Ofsted rating is Good, from an inspection in April 2016.

Ofsted inspection

Inspected 19 April 2016, report published 10 May 2016

Overall effectiveness
Good
Leadership and management
Outstanding
Safeguarding
Met

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 4 March 2025

Pupils at Worthing High School are proud, positive and passionate about their education. They speak confidently about their school and benefit from the strong relationships that contribute to its positive ethos. Pupils get strong support from their teachers and receive valuable feedback on their progress. They appreciate the many opportunities to take on leadership roles in areas such as inclusion, charity work, literacy and sports. The school has exceptionally high expectations for pupils' behaviour. It ensures that they feel safe, happy and supported. Pupils know they can turn to a trusted adult if they have any concerns. The rare instances of bullying are taken seriously and dealt with swiftly. The school actively encourages pupils to become caring and active citizens in the school and the wider community. Pupils are fluent and enthusiastic readers. Reading is highly valued at the school, with pupils developing strong literacy skills that support their learning. Pupils enjoy their learning and value the academic lessons as well as sessions on mental health and neurodiversity. They are well informed about equality, sexism and misogyny. A broad range of extra-curricular opportunities, including sports, creative arts and social activities, enhances their experience. Many pupils also take part in trips abroad.

What the school should improve

  • Pupils, especially disadvantaged pupils, do not attend school as often as they should. Consequently, these pupils miss important learning and do not achieve as well as they could. The school should maintain a rigorous oversight of attendance to ensure that the strategies for improved attendance are embedded fully.

Exam results

GCSE results (key stage 4), 2024/25

209 pupils in the year group

Attainment 8 score48.6

48.6, 2.5 above the England average of 46.1.

Grade 5 or above in English and maths46.9%

46.9%, 1.5 percentage points above the England average of 45.4%.

Grade 4 or above in English and maths71.8%

71.8%, 7 percentage points above the England average of 64.8%.

Pupils entering the EBacc48.3%

48.3%, 7.8 percentage points above the England average of 40.5%.

EBacc average point score4.40

4.40, 0.31 above the England average of 4.09.

Pupil numbers and mix

1,050 pupils on roll, with places for 1,122

Eligible for free school meals15.5%

15.5%, 11 percentage points below the England average of 26.5%.

English as an additional language8.5%

8.5%, 13.1 percentage points below the England average of 21.6%.

Special educational needs support14%

14%, 0.8 percentage points below the England average of 14.8%.

Education, health and care plan6.2%

6.2%, 0.2 percentage points above the England average of 6%.

Schools near Worthing High School

SchoolDistanceOfstedResults
Bohunt School Worthing0.3 milesOfsted: GoodAttainment 8: 46.7
St Andrew's CofE High School0.6 milesOfsted: GoodAttainment 8: 41.7
Our Lady of Sion School0.7 milesNo Ofsted inspectionAttainment 8: 34.6
Educate U0.8 milesOfsted: Requires improvementNot published
Davison Church of England High School for Girls, Worthing1 mileOfsted: OutstandingAttainment 8: 52.1

School details

School type
Academy converter
Sector
Academy
Trust
SOUTH DOWNS EDUCATION TRUST
Age range
11 to 16
Gender
Mixed
Sixth form
No
Headteacher
Mr Alex Simpson
Address
South Farm Road, Worthing, BN14 7AR
Local authority
West Sussex
URN
139109

School details from Get Information about Schools, 17 September 2026. Ofsted outcomes published to 31 August 2026. Exam results for 2024/25 from the Department for Education. Pupil mix from the school census, 2025/26.