hildren have been educated on the present site since the fifteenth century and a sense of history, tradition and continuity pervades the modern school. The Prebendal School is the oldest school in Sussex and probably dates back to the foundation of Chichester Cathedral in the eleventh century when it would have been a 'song school' responsible for teaching and housing the choristers. Later it admitted other boys from the city and neighbouring areas and became a grammar school. It was refounded in 1497 by Bishop Edward Story who attached it to the Prebend of Highleigh in Chichester Cathedral and thus gave it its present name.

he school is a co-educational, day and boarding preparatory school educating children between the ages of 3 and 13 years. Girls were introduced into the school in 1972 and a Pre-Prep in 1996. The Head Master is a member of the Independent Association of Preparatory Schools (I.A.P.S.) and the Choir Schools' Association.

he thirteenth century school house with its narrow tower still stands in West Street. Long Dormitory, on the top floor, contains three-hundred year old panelling. Two adjoining eighteenth-century houses have been added, while the addition in 1966 of the east wing of the Bishop's Palace, which is next door to the main school buildings, provides considerable extra accommodation and lends further dignity to this historic foundation. Further extensions have provided a versatile performing arts venue, new classrooms and an Art, Design and Technology Room. There is a modern science laboratory and an I.C.T. room.