Preparatory School, Sompting Abbotts School, Church Lane, Sompting, West Sussex

POA

Size

26,646

Tenure

Freehold

EPC

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Parking

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Primary use
Residential development
Other use(s)
Residential development, Land, Commercial development

Building amenities

Additional costs may apply for some services – please check the full property description for more details.

  • Parking
  • Well connected

Key features

  • Former independent prep school situated within a large campus on the South Coast
  • Well located close to Worthing, Arundel and Brighton and Hove
  • A substantial Grade II Listed main building with ancillary educational accommodation and two residential houses
  • Extensive grounds with swimming pool and tennis courts
  • Potential for either continued educational uses or for conversion/redevelopment
  • Accommodation: Approx. 26,646 sq ft (2,476 sq m)
  • Site Area of 27.77 acres (11.283 Ha)
  • Freehold. Offers are invited for the site as a whole

Description

Sompting Abbotts is a long established independent
preparatory school situated close to Worthing in West
Sussex. The property is set within an attractive campus of
c.28 acres surrounding the Grade II Listed former manor
house, with ancillary school buildings and leisure facilities
including sports fields, swimming pool and tennis courts.
Founded over 100 years ago as a boys' boarding school in
1921, the school was shut in 1940 due to the Second World
War and was requisitioned by the army until the War's end. In
1946 the school was resurrected by the Sinclair family as
an independent preparatory school and has been operated
by the family for three generations.

The historic school is being offered to the market for the
first time in over 80 years, having to sadly close its doors in
summer 2026.

The scale and character of the estate provides an exciting
opportunity for either continued educational or institutional
use, or a comprehensive conversion and redevelopment
scheme, supported by strong surrounding leisure and
residential demand with an attractive position on the South
Coast.

The Opportunity -

The closure of Sompting Abbotts School presents a significant
opportunity for repositioning within an established and wellconnected residential location.

The estate benefits from:

- A substantial and adaptable building envelope
- A cohesive and architecturally significant historic main building
- An attractive outlook and mature setting
- Strong surrounding residential catchment

Subject to the necessary consents, the property may be suitable
for a range of alternative uses including:

- Residential conversion (Use Class C3)
- Hotel conversion (Use Class C1)
- Later living / care accommodation (Use Class C2)
- Educational or specialist provision
- Community or institutional use
- Other appropriate uses, subject to planning (STP)

The property is situated within the South Downs National Park. Interested parties should undertake their own planning and technical investigations.

Location -

The Property is situated in a semi-rural position on the western side of Church Lane in Sompting, which is accessed from the A27, occupying an elevated position benefiting from far reaching sea views.

The surrounding area comprises established residential neighbourhoods, local amenities and schooling, with good transport connections from nearby Lancing and Worthing railway stations, providing regular services to Brighton, Worthing and London. The A27 is also readily accessible, providing connections to the wider South Coast road network.

The Site -
The property comprises a substantial freehold site extending to approximately 27.77 acres (11.283 Ha).

The site comprises:

- Grade II Listed main school building
- Former stable block
- Two residential houses
- A range of ancillary buildings including art block and storage buildings
- Tennis courts and swimming pool
- Walled garden
- Extensive grounds including playing fields
- The site occupies an elevated position and benefits from far reaching sea views
Additional information
Service charge
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Business rates
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Use class
F1, C3
Year built
1856
Listed building
Yes
Energy performance certificate: Ask agent

An Energy Performance certificate helps you understand the current energy efficiency of a property.

Read more about EPC requirements

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Environmental data
BREEAM rating
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Environmental description
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Read more about energy considerations for commercial property

Brochure

Preparatory School, Sompting Abbotts School, Church Lane, Sompting, West Sussex

NEAREST STATIONS

National Rail

East Worthing Station

1.26 miles

National Rail

Lancing Station

1.45 miles

National Rail

Worthing Station

1.85 miles

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Disclaimer - Property reference SomptingAbbotts2. The information displayed about this property comprises a property advertisement. Rightmove.co.uk makes no warranty as to the accuracy or completeness of the advertisement or any linked or associated information, and Rightmove has no control over the content. This property advertisement does not constitute property particulars. The information is provided and maintained by HILCO APPRAISAL LIMITED, London. Please contact the selling agent or developer directly to obtain any information which may be available under the terms of The Energy Performance of Buildings (Certificates and Inspections) (England and Wales) Regulations 2007 or the Home Report if in relation to a residential property in Scotland.