Hurst Family of Schools
It is my pleasure to welcome you to the Hurst Family of Schools. Together we form a growing educational community that is shaped by shared values, collective ambition and a deep commitment to helping every child flourish. Our schools are warm, welcoming communities that combine academic excellence with a focus on developing the children in our care into well-rounded young people who are prepared for life.
Whilst we share a collective vision and values, we also celebrate the differences between our schools and respect their individual identities. This is no different to the way that we treat every child as an individual. Our partnerships encompass independent schools and the maintained sector, primary schools and Prep Schools, all with the full support of Hurstpierpoint College.
As with any organisation, it is not so much about the buildings or the structures as it is about the talented and committed people who create and maintain the culture and ethos that drive our schools. Above all, it is the pupils in our care who make the Hurst Family of Schools a wonderful place to live, learn and work.
Dominic Mott
Head of College
Pennthorpe
Pennthorpe School in Rudgwick (West Sussex) is a Prep School which joined the Hurst Family of Schools in January 2026. Pennthorpe retains its identity and ethos as an independent Prep School, but benefits from being part of the Hurst Family of Schools. In particular, the alignment with Hurst provides Pennthorpe with greater long term security in a rapidly changing independent schools sector, while opening up new opportunities for Pennthorpe pupils and staff alike.
The Head of College at Hurst, Dominic Mott, is a regular visitor to Pennthorpe and directly line manages the Head of School, Jon Marler.
“ I have been impressed with the quality of educational provision at Pennthorpe and am excited to be able to work with them to plan for the long term future of the school. It is an exciting time for both schools. ” Dominic Mott, Head of College at Hurst
Hurst Education Trust (HET)
The Hurst Education Trust was set up by Hurstpierpoint College in collaboration with the Diocese of Chichester in April 2022 and has grown to include 11 state primary schools with more in the pipeline to join us in the next 12 months.
The Trust is unique in its structure. It utilises the resources and expertise of the College as well as harnessing the great talents and energy within the Trust schools. The CEO of the HET, Tim Manly, founded the Trust after many successful years as Headmaster of Hurst. The links with the College continue with the current Head of College, Dominic Mott, and the Chair of Governors, Karen Mack, who are both Trustees of the HET and play an active role in supporting the collaboration between the schools.
The aim of the Trust is to enrich and support the education of children both within the HET schools and the College itself. The style of the Trust is collegiate with a strong sense of togetherness as well as ambition for every child to achieve their potential.