Best Primary Schools in East Sussex 2026

Ranked by Ofsted rating, exam results, attendance, and class sizes. 144 schools across East Sussex. Updated with 2025–26 data.

East Sussex has 144 primary schools, of which 12 (8%) are rated Outstanding by Ofsted and a further 122 rated Good — 93% of primary schools in East Sussex are rated Good or Outstanding overall. Ark Blacklands Primary Academy currently leads the local rankings on our composite SNM Score.

Catchment data available for 58 schools in East Sussex. We publish last-admitted distance and three-year history wherever the council has released it — useful before you commit to a postcode in the area.

Application deadlines in East Sussex follow the national calendar: 31 October for Year 7 secondary entry and 15 January for Reception primary entry. Offers go out on 1 March and 16 April respectively.

144
Total schools
12
Outstanding
8%
Outstanding rate
61.3%
Avg KS2 SATs
32.3
Avg GCSE A8
All schools Primary Secondary
Rank School Ofsted SNM Score
🥇 Ark Blacklands Primary Academy
Primary
 Outstanding 94 View school
🥈 Brede Primary School
Primary
 Good 90 View school
🥉 High Cliff Academy
Primary
 Outstanding 86 View school
4. Ark Little Ridge Primary Academy
Primary
 Outstanding 84 View school
5. Parkside Community Primary School
Primary
 Outstanding 84 View school
6. Burwash CofE School
Primary
 Outstanding 84 View school
7. Netherfield CofE Primary School
Primary
 Outstanding 84 View school
8. Little Common School
Primary
 Outstanding 82 View school
9. Blackboys Church of England Primary School
Primary
 Good 81 View school
10. Polegate Primary School
Primary
 Outstanding 81 View school
11. Sandown Primary School and Nursery
Primary
 Good 81 View school
12. Breakwater Academy
Primary
 Good 81 View school
13. Ditchling St Margaret's Church of England Primary School
Primary
 Good 81 View school
14. Motcombe Infants' School
Primary
 Good 80 View school
15. Pashley Down Infant School
Primary
 Good 80 View school
16. West Rise Primary School
Primary
 Good 80 View school
17. High Hurstwood Church of England Primary School
Primary
 Good 80 View school
18. Peasmarsh Church of England Primary School
Primary
 Good 80 View school
19. Icklesham Church of England Primary School and Nursery
Primary
 Good 80 View school
20. Dudley Infant Academy
Primary
 Good 80 View school

Related lists for East Sussex

All schools in East SussexPrimary & secondary combined Secondary schools in East SussexYear 7 onwards Outstanding schools in East Sussex12 schools rated Outstanding Schools with catchment data58 schools with last-admitted distance

See full data for any school in East Sussex

Catchment distances, exam trends, SEN data, attendance, and more — all in one place.

Search schools in East Sussex

Frequently asked questions

How many primary schools are there in East Sussex?
There are 144 primary schools in East Sussex, of which 12 (8%) are rated Outstanding by Ofsted.
What are the best schools in East Sussex?
Based on our composite score combining Ofsted ratings, exam results, attendance and class sizes, the top school in East Sussex is Ark Blacklands Primary Academy. See the full ranked list above.
How do I apply for a school place in East Sussex?
Primary and secondary school applications in East Sussex are managed by the Local Authority. Applications for secondary places typically open in September for the following academic year. Visit the East Sussex council website for application forms and deadlines.
What is the average Ofsted rating in East Sussex?
8% of primary schools in East Sussex are rated Outstanding and 85% are rated Good. 78.6% are rated Good or Outstanding.

Data sourced from Ofsted, Department for Education, and ISI. School rankings reflect the Schools Near Me composite score combining Ofsted ratings, exam results, attendance, and pupil-teacher ratios. Last updated April 2026.