Moving for School Catchment areas in Worthing and Lancing

28 Aug, 2025

For many parents, getting a place at their preferred school can feel like a postcode lottery. Each year, we hear stories of siblings being separated or children facing long, impractical journeys to school. Yet the reality is often more positive than it seems. Just last year in 2024, for example, 83% of children were offered their first-choice secondary school and 93.2% of children were offered their first-choice primary school in England secured a place at one of their top choices, a reassuring statistic for families beginning the school admissions journey this term.

That said, competition for places remains strong. A recent survey by Santander (August 2025) found that one in four parents would consider moving house to live within the catchment area of their preferred school. With applications for September 2026 school places now approaching, it’s a good time to explore what schooling looks like in Worthing and Lancing, and how catchment areas and your postcode play a role in your application. 

What is a catchment area?

A school’s catchment area is the geographical boundary it serves. Living outside of this area makes it harder in some instances to secure a place, which is why some families buy or rent property specifically within the catchment zone. You can search your catchment area here.

Each school sets its own admissions criteria, available on its website or through West Sussex County Council. When applications exceed available places, priority is usually given to children living closest to the school or within its defined catchment. Some schools without a fixed catchment instead use distance as their main deciding factor. It’s important to note, however, that even living a short walk away from a popular school doesn’t always guarantee a place, this can be the case for certain Faith Schools where entry criteria will differ. That’s why it’s recommended to apply for several schools in your catchment area to keep your options open. A useful resource is the West Sussex County Council website which provides detailed insights into school place boundaries and success rates.