The Dharma School

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The Dharma School is a small, faith-based primary school in East Sussex, on the south east coast of England. It is thought to be the only Buddhist school in Europe. Founded by a group of parents in 1994, the school now educates up to 80 children from ages 3-11 years in a large, historic house and grounds in Patcham, Brighton. Children of any background, belief or ability are eligible to attend. His Holiness the Dalai Lama is a patron of the school.

Inspired by Buddhist teachings, the school offers a broad curriculum, with small class sizes and a caring, family atmosphere. There are 15-20 children in each class with a teacher and an assistant. On Fridays parents are invited to the school puja, during which there is usually quiet time for meditation, after which the children perform or show some work, or a story is told. Meditation and yoga are taught to children, alongside mainstream lessons.

As of 2007, the school is currently awaiting inspection by Ofsted, the official body for inspecting schools in England, from which a report will made publicly available in 2007. Previous head teachers have included Kevin Fossey. The current head teacher is Peter Murdock. Regular open days allow prospective parents and other interested people to visit the school.