Benfield Primary School: Hidden gem where the children positively sparkle

Tucked between Victoria Road and Old Shoreham Road in Portslade, Benfield Primary School is a hidden gem for children aged four to 11.

The school has a dynamic teaching team and works in close partnership with Hangleton Infant and Junior schools, with Emma Lake, an executive headteacher, leading the vision across the schools and with Helen Horsley, head of Benfield Primary School.

Inspiring success is the watchword for the staff team. The enthusiasm for teaching and learning is breathtaking, children are eager to share their achievements; they positively sparkle with pride for their school. Arrive early enough - at 7.45 am - and you could share breakfast with some of the children in the breakfast club.

When you enter the school, your imagination is captured by the aspirations of children for their future posted on the tree of success. Walk on through and you will witness the calm, learning environment where children are excited by their bright cheerful classrooms with good resources to support them.

Teachers have created an exciting curriculum that will ensure the children make good progress. The outdoor play area continues the sense of fun, exploration and enquiry.

Ms Horsley said: 'Benfield is a truly inclusive school where our children really are the centre of all we do. Our staff and governors are so enthusiastic and we are always striving to do better. We are lucky to have such great support from parents and carers who contribute to our school community.'

Monitoring progress and ensuring the school thrives is the responsibility of governors, a group of committed volunteers who aim to enable every child at Benfield to reach their potential.

Benfield Primary School is a fast-improving school where all decision-making is based around the optimum opportunities for children to love learning and to make good progress.

At the end of the day, life at Benfield takes on a different feel with after-school clubs, Spanish, yoga, athletics, cricket, netball, art, ukulele, and the opportunity to join the homework club.

Benfield Primary School is a precious gem that we are very proud to show off. But don't take our word for it come and see for yourself; you will be reluctant to leave!

Jenny Barnard-Langston is chair of governors at Benfield Primary School.

Information sessions for new parents

Wednesday, November 5: 10am and 2pm

Thursday, November 13: 7pm

To book a place - or to make an alternative visit - telephone: 01273 294950

Editor's note: In last week's Brighton and Hove Independent education magazine, we incorrectly referred to an out-of-date Ofsted inspection report for Benfield Primary School. We apologise for the error; a link to the latest report can found at: www.brightonandhoveindependent.co.uk