Fordwater School, Chichester
URN: 126163 • Chichester PO19 6PP
Overview
- Name
- Fordwater School, Chichester
- URN
- 126163
- Type
- Community special school
- Phase
- Not applicable
- Status
- Open
- Gender
- Mixed
- Religious
- Does not apply
- Admissions
- Not applicable
- Trust
- Private
- No
- Ofsted rating
- Good
- Ranking score
- 56.0 / 100
Leadership & Contact
- Headteacher
- Sophie Clarke (since 2025) , Headteacher
- Telephone
- 01243782475
- Website
- Visit
- Address
- Summersdale Road, Chichester PO19 6PP
Summary
Fordwater School, located in Chichester, West Sussex, is a community special school catering to pupils aged 2 to 19 with severe and complex learning needs. The school operates across two sites, including a satellite provision for older students, and offers a personalised curriculum designed to meet the individual needs of each pupil. With a commitment to high educational standards, the school employs a dedicated team of teachers and Special Support Assistants, ensuring that each child receives tailored support throughout their educational journey.
The school prioritises positive relationships among staff and pupils, fostering an environment of "relentless positivity." Facilities include a hydrotherapy pool, multi-sensory rooms, and outdoor playgrounds, all aimed at enhancing the learning experience. A multidisciplinary approach is adopted, with support from Speech and Language Therapists, Occupational Therapists, and a full-time School Nurse, ensuring comprehensive care for all students.
Fordwater School actively engages with the local community, encouraging pupils to participate in charitable work and local events. This involvement not only enriches the students' educational experience but also helps them develop a sense of responsibility and connection to their community.
The school prioritises positive relationships among staff and pupils, fostering an environment of "relentless positivity." Facilities include a hydrotherapy pool, multi-sensory rooms, and outdoor playgrounds, all aimed at enhancing the learning experience. A multidisciplinary approach is adopted, with support from Speech and Language Therapists, Occupational Therapists, and a full-time School Nurse, ensuring comprehensive care for all students.
Fordwater School actively engages with the local community, encouraging pupils to participate in charitable work and local events. This involvement not only enriches the students' educational experience but also helps them develop a sense of responsibility and connection to their community.
Useful links
- Our Governors (governance)
- Events (calendar)
- Family Events (calendar)
- Calendar &Event Dates (calendar)
- Terms of Use (other)
- Privacy Policy (other)
- Term Dates (other)
- Inclusion Quality Mark Report (other)
- Policies (other)
- Term Dates (other)
Nearby alternatives
- St Anthony's School (65.3)
- Arabesque School of Performing Arts (45.2)
- Chichester High Schools Sixth Form (45.2)
- Lavant House (45.2)
- The Acorns School (45.2)
Key details
- LA
- West Sussex
- Age range
- 2 - 19
- Boarders
- No boarders
- Sixth form
- Has a sixth form
- Trust
- Capacity
- 154
- Pupils
- 193
- Boys
- 130
- Girls
- 63
- FSM %
- 36.60
- Open date
- Close date
- Last Ofsted
- 2023-07-04
- Next inspection
- Data snapshot
- 2025-07-14
- County
- West Sussex
Trends
| Date | Pupils | Boys | Girls | Capacity | FSM% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025-07-14 | 193 | 130 | 63 | 154 | 36.60 |
| 2024-09-11 | 171 | 119 | 52 | 154 | 40.30 |
| 2023-09-11 | 140 | 95 | 45 | 154 | 38.70 |
| 2022-09-11 | 140 | 95 | 45 | 38.70 | |
| 2021-09-11 | 136 | 95 | 41 | 39.60 | |
| 2020-09-11 | 135 | 94 | 41 | 33.30 |
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