A Premier Boarding School Experience
Shortlisted for the Boarding School of the Year Award by TES, Eastbourne College is a leading independent co-educational day, boarding, flexi-boarding and ad-hoc-boarding school for pupils aged 13 – 18 years.
Nestled between the South Downs and the beautiful ‘sunshine coast’, Eastbourne town centre and the beach are both a five-minute stroll away and London can be accessed by train in just an hour and a half.
Eastbourne College has been recognised by leaders in the sector for its wellbeing provision, visual and performing arts offering, sporting activities, and for fostering a more sustainable and environmentally conscious world.
Good People that Others Want to be With
The school encourages every pupil to Unlock their Extraordinary, to become bold learners, authentic all-rounders and global citizens who demonstrate versatility, enthusiasm and a commitment to personal and professional development.
Pupils and staff work collaboratively to ensure a community that respects differences and celebrates each individual for who they are.
Why choose Eastbourne College?
Flexible Evening and Weekend Options
Although the school has a full boarding programme over the weekends (including a busy programme of optional guided enrichment sessions, co-curricular activities, sports fixtures, and trips for full boarders) there are no compulsory academic lessons on Saturdays or Sundays.
This means that boarders have plenty to keep them occupied every evening, but can also enjoy time at home, without disrupting their studies. In addition to flexible weekends, there are also some formal exeats where boarders return home on a Friday evening for the whole weekend and are not expected to return to the College until Sunday.
Academic Excellence and Co-Curricular Opportunities
Eastbourne College offers a broad spectrum of subjects, individually timetabled, and boasts an impressive value-added ranking. Academic departments often remain open in the evenings and at weekends for one-to-one tuition. Parents can stay up to date with their child’s progress with the school’s innovative electronic report system, ideal for families living overseas.
The A-level programme is robust, with pupils typically studying three or four subjects, with opportunities for the Extended Project Qualification, Gold Arts Award or the school’s unique Leadership, Awards and Personal Develop Programme. The school has an impressive track record of pupils securing places at prestigious universities, including Oxford and Cambridge, and Russell Group universities and there is a growing cohort exploring alternatives options including degree apprenticeship and school leaver schemes.
The GCSE programme at Eastbourne College is broad, with options including Classic Civilisation, Computing, Dance, Drama, Physical Education, Textiles.
Gold standard Pastoral Care
The school’s mental health, wellbeing and pastoral support is unparalleled and has been recognised by the National Children’s Bureau.
The school features five boarding houses: Nugent and School House for girls, and Gonville, Pennell, and Wargrave for boys. Each house typically accommodates sixty boarders, managed by a resident housemaster/housemistress supported by experienced tutors and a resident matron.
The houses offer a secure, welcoming environment with common rooms, TV areas, small kitchens, and spaces for independent study. Pupils enjoy a varied social calendar with dinners, outings, plays, revues, and sporting fixtures, often open to parents/guardians.
Outstanding Facilities
Eastbourne College completed a £33 million development in 2019. This includes 32 new classrooms, specialist IT suites, a large sports hall, a six-lane 25-metre swimming pool, a fitness centre, a dance studio, a school shop, and modern dining and social spaces, including a popular pupil café.
Additionally, the £8 million Birley Centre for music and performing arts enhances our facilities, making Eastbourne College one of the best-equipped schools in the region.
Dedicated Support for International Pupils
New pupils receive a ‘buddy’ from their boarding house to help them adjust. Each house also has an international representative and a dedicated Head of International Pupils who organise events and ensure overseas pupils integrate well. With modern day technology, pupils can be in regular contact with their families.
Don’t take our word for it:
Explore Eastbourne College
We invite you to discover what makes Eastbourne College a leading boarding school. Join us for an open day, schedule a visit, or contact our admissions team to learn more about how we can help your child excel.
Admission Process at Eastbourne College
For UK residents and expats, the first stage of the admissions process is registration (ie putting the child’s name on the admissions list) and this can take place for a pupil at any age. Pupils will be considered for admission and entry to the school when the registration form has been completed and returned to us and the non-returnable registration fee of £150 has been paid. We recommend this is done well in advance of the year of entry. For sixth form entry, a prospective pupil’s academic performance is considered, and the offer of a place is made in the Michaelmas term in the year preceding entry.
A Guaranteed Place Form is sent to parents and can be accepted with a payment for a deposit of £1,500. For entry into Year 9 / age 13+ entry, places can be offered as early as age 11 and are usually based on a reference from the head teacher and academic ability test data. Wherever possible, we like to meet prospective pupils in person or via an online introduction meeting.
For non-UK nationals
Enquiries for international pupils normally come through referral agents so, in the first instance, a pupil’s details and school reports should be emailed here. English language testing (UKiset) will be required for those who are attending non-British Curriculum Schools overseas. Based on the results of this test, the College may then invite the applicant formally to apply to the College by completing a registration form and paying the £150 fee along with an online interview and Entrance assessment (English and Maths). We recommend this is done well in advance of the year of entry.
The College then makes offers for entry (beginning in November) for the following September. There is no official deadline; applications later in the year can be considered depending on availability of places. Offers are accepted by completing a Guaranteed Place Form and paying a deposit of £16,000 GBP. Sable International – Eastbourne College’s immigration partner will make contacts with the family and agent to ensure all documents are valid before the CAS is issued for Child Student Visa application.
