Built in 1830 on the extensive land of the Tilgate Estate south of the town, it was extended later in the 19th century and converted into a country club.

[20] A further Ofsted inspection in September 2013 led to head teacher and co-founder Lindsey Snowdon's suspension "after failing to create an adequate improvement plan for the school.

"[21] The inspection report said: "It is essential that a credible professional is appointed to the headship without delay to provide the expert leadership necessary to remove the school from special measures" and that the draft 'statement of action' and improvement plan put forward by the head teacher and the business director were "not fit for purpose.

"[25][26] On 13 December 2013 the DfE announced: "Since the school was placed in special measures by Ofsted in May we have monitored progress closely.

Lord Nash has today notified the trust that the department will terminate its funding agreement at the end of the [2014] spring term.

We are now working with West Sussex County Council to ensure the children affected have suitable alternatives in place and their transition is as smooth as possible.

"[27] Lord Nash said: "We know from inspection evidence that teaching and learning is inadequate in DNS, and that there has been little or no improvement since Ofsted's judgement that the school required special measures in May.

"[27] The governors issued a statement expressing deep disappointment at the decision and said that they did not believe they had been "given enough time... to deliver improvements.