Jessie Younghusband Primary School first opened in 1965 and was named after Jessie Madeleine Younghusband, a former Chichester City Councillor who was highly respected for her commitment to education, community service and voluntary work across the city.

For many years, the school was located in the Parklands area of Chichester, where generations of local children began their educational journey. The school became known for its strong community ethos, nurturing environment and commitment to helping children achieve their full potential.

In 2025, Jessie Younghusband Primary School entered an exciting new chapter in its history when it relocated to a purpose-built school building in Minerva Heights, West Broyle, Chichester. The move provided modern facilities, enhanced learning environments and increased opportunities for both indoor and outdoor learning, whilst maintaining the school's strong traditions, values and sense of community.

Today, our school combines the proud heritage of over 60 years of education with a forward-thinking approach that prepares children for life in a modern world. The new site continues to develop and evolve, including plans to further enhance our outdoor learning and Forest School provision with support from pupils, families, staff and our wider community.

Although our location has changed, our commitment remains the same: to provide an inclusive, ambitious and nurturing environment where every child can thrive through our values of Aspire, Respect and Enjoy.

So, Who Was Jessie Younghusband?

These are some of the facts that pupils have uncovered about Jessie Younghusband:

• Jessie Younghusband was born in 1892 in Eastbourne, East Sussex.
• Her full name was Jessie Madeleine Younghusband.
• Her father was a clergyman and she had three brothers.
• Her grandfather was a Canon of Chichester Cathedral and Principal of Bishop Otter College.
• She lived in Chichester for much of her life and was actively involved in supporting the local community.
• She served as Chairman of the Managers of Chichester County Primary Schools for many years and was involved in numerous charitable and community organisations, including the Red Cross.
• She was widely recognised for her dedication to education and to improving opportunities for local children.
• People remembered her for her kind, caring and gentle nature.
• She was often seen cycling around Chichester accompanied by her pointer dog whilst carrying out her voluntary work.
• Jessie Younghusband was the aunt of Beau Younghusband, who later discovered the school website and visited the school named in her honour.

More than sixty years after the school was founded, Jessie Younghusband's legacy of service, community spirit and dedication to children continues to inspire our school community today. Through our values of Aspire, Respect and Enjoy, we seek to uphold the principles that she championed throughout her life.