The Dharma Primary School, in Brighton, is a non-selective independent school and welcomes children aged 3-11 years from all backgrounds, faiths and abilities. Our philosophy is rooted in Buddhist principles and for 20 years we have successfully integrated a holistic ethos with a sound academic education. Through the practice of mindfulness, the school aims to cultivate wisdom, reflection and compassion in children and to help them unlock their full potential.
We intend that our pupils leave our school with a good heart, sound ethical values and a sense of responsibility combined with the academic and social skills that enable them to make a successful transition into secondary education. We hope our pupils will then go on to act in ways that will help to create a more compassionate, intelligent and peaceful world.
Children are introduced to the benefit of stillness through regular meditation practice enabling them to develop a reflective understanding of themselves, their life and the world around them. We discuss key Buddhist teachings to help children understand cause and effect, cooperation and change, known as karma, interdependence and impermanence.
The Dharma Primary is a small community school and nursery, with skilled and committed staff, in which children excel in a safe, secure and nurturing environment. We provide a sound quality academic education informed by the National Curriculum, but with the flexibility and creativity to respond to the children’s needs, talents and interests. Children develop confidence, motivation and a love of learning enabling them to do well academically and to make a successful transition to local independent and state secondary schools.
Through our Buddhist based ethos and daily meditation and mindfulness practice, we encourage children to cultivate focus, self-reflection, wisdom and compassion. Buddhism is not taught as a ‘faith’, but as a set of principles and tools for living a productive and fulfilling life.
