Brighstone is a Church of England Voluntary Aided primary school which was founded in 1836. The Schools Christian foundation permeates through the School ethos and values being further enhanced and promoted across the whole Schools curriculum, particularly through Collective Worship, Religious Education and Personal, Social and Health Education.

The School is closely associated with the Parish Church, St. Mary’s, The Virgin of Brighstone and has good links with the Diocese of Portsmouth. The Rector of St. Mary’s, Brook, St. Andrew’s of Chale, St. Peter and St. Paul of Mottistone and St. Peter of Shorwell will assume their post in January 2012. An interregnum period has been in operation since April 2010.

The daily life of the School promotes a Christian ethos which encourages personal responsibility and the ability to relate to others with care, thought and consideration. Particular emphasis is placed on respect, reverence and reflection.

In September 2010 the Local Authority began the implementation phase of reorganizing the school system on the island from a three tier to a two tier system. Year 5 children were retained at Primary School and from September 2011, Year 6. At the end of Year 6, pupils will transfer to Christ the King College or Carisbrooke College (IIT). The neighbouring school, Chale Primary, was closed under this system and the majority of children integrated into the school from September 2010. The school catchment area was also changed to reflect this integration.

The school became a full age-range primary school in September 2011, catering for children YR-6 in the local area.

The school is a registered charity and as such promotes schemes such as ‘Gift Aid’ into order to raise the minimum 10% required for any capital and IT projects at the school. The school also controls its own admissions.