A warm welcome to Chichester Free School (CFS). I am proud and very privileged to be Executive Principal of this thriving, vibrant and successful all through school. CFS is a very special place to learn and work; I have the pleasure of leading an experienced, passionate and motivated staff body, who work tirelessly for the young people in our care.
At CFS, we have high expectations of all pupils throughout the Primary and Secondary phases. Our pupils are challenged to have uncompromising ambition in their academic endeavours. The school’s values of ‘Nurture, Challenge and Inspire’ underpin everything we do. Pupils receive a broad and ambitious curriculum and inspiring teaching alongside exceptional pastoral support and personal development opportunities. All of our work is underpinned by the ‘CFS Way’.
For more information do please have a look at Values and Visions.
CFS is a strong, supportive and inclusive community. Positive relationships between teachers, pupils and parents are paramount to the School’s success. From the age of 4 to 16, pupils here are truly known as individuals, and are proud of their happy and safe school.
In May 2024, we received a fully graded Ofsted inspection, and received high praise from the Inspectors. Achieving at least a strong Good in all areas, Personal Development was awarded the highest grade of Outstanding. This reflects a whole range of aspects, including pastoral care, character development, social/moral/cultural education, enrichment opportunities, careers support and mental health and wellbeing. Inspectors commented on the ‘exceptional pastoral support’, ‘exemplary’ careers provision and ‘impressive’ club offer and engagement. At CFS we also believe passionately in our House system and provide countless opportunities for pupil leadership.
The Inspectors really saw what it means to be a part of CFS and how we successfully support pupils in all aspects of their education – academic, social and moral. I am particularly pleased that they noted that pupils are safe and thriving at CFS, and that our work ensures they are ‘extremely well prepared for adult life.’ Our learners are ‘respectful and friendly’ and thrive on the culture of celebration and praise in the school. I am also extremely humbled that it was recognised how well staff are valued and proud to work at CFS. You can read the full report here.
Of course, we are never complacent, and alongside our work with Sussex Learning Trust, we are on a rapid journey to excellence in all areas.
We are very lucky to be housed in state-of-the-art facilities in the beautiful cathedral town of Chichester, close to one of the south coast’s sandiest beaches. But we also ensure that our pupils are continually looking outwards, growing up into truly global citizens. Our aim is that all pupils leave CFS with the empathy, resilience, tolerance and passion to succeed and thrive.
I hope you enjoy perusing the rest of the website, and finding out about all that CFS has to offer. We also welcome visits to the School.
Mr J Garner
Executive Principal
