High Prior Attainers

Stretch and challenge of high prior attaining students at Priory School.

Vision

At Priory we aim to stretch and challenge every student during their five years at Priory, encouraging all to achieve their full potential both inside and outside the classroom. Students are taught a broad and balanced curriculum, which values distinctive subject disciplines and empowers students through deep and rich knowledge. Teachers use a range of classroom strategies to ensure Priory’s high prior attainers (HPAs) are thinking hard throughout their school day and are offered a range of both extracurricular and super curricular opportunities to stretch their learning further than the curriculum.

Identification

Priory primarily identifies high prior attainers in Year 7 from their Key Stage 2 data. Certain students may also be identified by teachers as high prior attainers in particular subject areas.

Stretch and challenge in the classroom

Students at Priory are taught by expert subject specialists who are passionate and knowledgeable about their subjects. Across all subjects there are high expectations and teachers ‘teach to the top’ to ensure high prior attainers are thinking deeply about their learning. At GCSE KS4 students are offered a wide range of subjects such as Classical Civilisation, Sociology, Media Studies and Textiles.

GCSE Results

Our 2026 GCSE results showcase the exceptional achievements of our high prior attaining students, reflecting their hard work, ambition and commitment to academic excellence throughout their time at Priory. We are delighted that 100% of these students achieved grades 9-4 in both English and Maths, while an outstanding 91% secured grades 9-5 in both subjects. Across all subjects, 56% of high prior attaining students achieved the highest grades of 9-7, demonstrating exceptional performance across a broad and challenging curriculum. These outstanding outcomes are a testament to the dedication of our students, and the expertise and encouragement provided by teachers.

Enrichment opportunities

There are a wide and varied range of subject specific extracurricular opportunities on offer at Priory, which enrich students’ learning outside of the classroom and further develop their passions and talents. Highlights include the English department’s involvement in Poetry by Heart, the school newspaper, The Priory Ruin, Speed and Sprint club and an annual trip to St John’s College, University of Oxford offered to Year 10 students.

More information on extracurricular enrichment opportunities can be found here: 

Subject Area Enrichment OpportunitiesInformation on Priory’s Clubs can be found here: School Clubs - Welcome to Priory School Lewes

Furthermore, Priory has a developed super curriculum offer for students. Highlights include Key Stage 4 students being able to select the Higher Project Qualification, Further Maths or double languages as part of their GCSE options process. Subjects also provide students with a range of recommended super curricular resources to engage with outside of school to support their independent learning. A full list of recommended super curricular resources can be found here:

Super Curriculum Recommendations for KS3Super Curriculum Recommendations for KS4Priory also holds a monthly lecture series for all students. Lectures are held by staff and external speakers on a range of topics outside of the traditional curriculum such as the Salem Witch Trials, the psychology of obedience and the rise of artificial intelligence. These lectures provide students with the chance to deepen their knowledge and to learn more about areas of study they may be considering for A Level or further education. We are keen to add visiting speakers to our lecture programme, if you would like to deliver a lecture or know someone in our community who would, please email Ellie Osborne at eo@priory.sussex.sch.uk.