A Guide to Living in West Sussex

Where is West Sussex?

West Sussex is located in the south of England, bordering Hampshire to the north, Surrey and Kent to the east, and East Sussex to the south. It is a large county, measuring almost 900 square miles!

Areas in West Sussex

There are many different areas in West Sussex that prospective home buyers might be interested in. Here is a brief overview of some of the most popular:

The South Downs Area – this area is over 500 square miles and stretches all the way from Hampshire to Eastbourne. It has some beautiful countryside, rolling hills and plenty of spectacular views on offer! There are many quaint villages within its boundaries as well as picturesque market towns such as Midhurst.

Eastbourne – Eastbourne is situated on the south coast of England near Brighton. It has beautiful beaches with wonderful views over the English Channel, popular day trips out including historical sites such as Beachy Head & Birling Gap or castles like Bodiam Castle.

Worthing – Worthing is the largest town in West Sussex. It has a wonderful beach, plenty of shopping opportunities along its high street and lots of events & shows taking place throughout the year. The town is also home to Pallant House Gallery which houses an extensive collection of artwork by modern British artists.

Universities in West Sussex

West Sussex is home to a number of universities, including:

The University of Sussex – Located in Brighton, the University of Sussex is a highly respected university with over 12,000 students. The university specialises in a number of areas, including social sciences, law, business & management and the arts.

The University of Chichester – With campuses in the city of Chichester and nearby Bognor Regis, the University of Chichester offers undergraduate and postgraduate courses in a range of subjects, including arts, humanities, business & management, sciences and sport.

Brighton & Sussex Medical School – One of the most well regarded medical schools in the UK, Brighton & Sussex Medical School is a joint venture between the University of Sussex and the University of Brighton.

Top Schools in West Sussex

There are also a number of top schools located in the county, including:

The Weald School (Horsham) – A state school for boys and girls aged from 11 to 18, the Weald has a reputation for excellence and regularly features in top national school league tables.

Steyning Grammar School (Steyning) – A former specialist Arts College, the school also places emphasis on STEM subjects such as maths, science and technology to ensure students are well equipped with key skills needed by employers.

Forest School (Worthing) – A co-educational, non-selective school that takes pupils from the ages of four to 18. Forest School is one of the UK’s most eco-friendly schools, with an onsite lake and woodland area.

Kitebrook School (Ascot) – An independent day school for girls aged three to 18 years old that aims to prepare students for their future lives as successful women. The school also offers boarding facilities for pupils who live out of the area.

Population of West Sussex

West Sussex is home to a population of just over 900,000 people. While the south and east of the county are more densely populated, there are plenty of rural areas in West Sussex, which are popular with families because of the low crime rates and excellent schools.