Brighton College was named UK Boarding School of the Year, Top Co-educational School of the Year in the UK, and Top Academic School in South East England in The Sunday Times Parent Power Schools Guide 2026.
All-through school
Brighton College
Brighton College is a co-educational independent school for pupils aged 3 to 18, offering day and boarding options with a strong commitment to individual development and academic excellence.
Day fees
£16,500 – £39,777
Entry
School Exam + Verbal ReasoningSelective
Next deadline
Wed 14 Oct 202616+ registration closes
Updated 4 months ago
At a glance
Key facts
Head
Richard Cairns
Head Master, since 2005
Gender
Co-ed
Pupils
1,450
Location
Brighton, Brighton and Hove
Urban setting
Day or boarding
Day and boarding
Age range
3 to 18
School type
Mainstream
Religious ethos
Christian
Founded
1845
Sixth form
525 pupils
Entry points
3+, 4+, 5+, 7+, 11+, 13+, 16+
Show 10 more factsShow fewer facts
Nearest station
New Addington
School buses
Yes
Average class
20 pupils
School day
8.30am to 4.25pm
Saturday school
Yes
Wraparound care
Not offered
Bursaries
Available
Scholarships
Academic, All-rounder, Sport +5
A-level A*–A
85%
2025
GCSE 9–7
98%
2025
Overview
About Brighton College
Brighton College is a leading co-educational independent school in Brighton, UK, for pupils aged 3 to 18. It offers a broad curriculum with a focus on academic excellence, creativity, and individual talents. The school has been named United Kingdom School of the Decade by The Sunday Times and is known for its innovative educational spaces and a culture of kindness. Brighton College provides education from Prep School (ages 3 to 11), through The College (ages 11/13 to 16), to Sixth Form (ages 16 to 18), with day and boarding options.
Houseroom EditorialOur take
Houseroom Editorial
Our take
Independent co-ed all-through school in Brighton and Hove for ages 3–18, day or boarding. Selective entry, top-tier fees.
Best for
- Families wanting one school across the whole journey (ages 3–18) rather than separate prep + senior.
- Families who prefer a co-educational setting over single-sex.
- Families weighing day vs boarding — both are offered.
- Children who can demonstrate strong academics at entry assessment — this is a selective school.
- Families comfortable with top-tier independent fees in exchange for the level of provision.
Watch-outs
- Fees sit at the top of the independent market. Factor in extras (uniform, trips, lunches, music tuition) before committing.
- Selective entry — assume some form of assessment at the relevant entry point. Plan tutoring or familiarisation early if needed.
- SEND provision isn't documented in our profile. If your child has an EHCP or specific learning needs, ask admissions about case-by-case capacity before applying.
AdmissionsApplication timeline
Admissions
Application timeline
- Oct10Open dayNextOpen Morning
Not yet published: registration opens, registration closes, bursary deadline, assessment, interview, offers, acceptance deadline.
UpcomingOpen events
Upcoming
Open events
Private tours by arrangement with admissions.
Fees & costFees
Fees & cost
Fees
£16,500 – £39,777per year · Day · 2026-27 · est. (3 x term)
By entry point · 2026-27
Reception£4,761
16+£12,648
11+£9,012
Extras: registration, deposit, uniform, lunches, trips, music lessons, exam fees.
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Quick answers about Brighton College
Answered only from Brighton College's verified details on Houseroom, with sources. For anything else, ask admissions.
Financial supportBursaries & Scholarships
Financial support
Bursaries & Scholarships
What sets it apartDistinctive features
What sets it apart
Distinctive features
Located on the south coast with easy access to countryside and sea
Award-winning modern campus
Outstanding academic results
Extensive bus network covering surrounding counties
Wide range of scholarships and bursaries
Strong university destinations including Oxbridge and global top 30
Beyond the classroomActivities & co-curricular
Beyond the classroom
Activities & co-curricular
sport
Crazy GolfSwimmingVolleyballRugbyAthleticsFootballFencingKarateCricketNetballTennisHockeyPhysical Education and GamesDance
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PE and GamesTag Rugby ClubYogaSpin ClassesBeach VolleyballBadmintonBasketballCircuit TrainingZumbaTable Tennis TournamentsSki Trip
music
Swing BandmusicChapel ChoirChamber ChoirChoralClassical MusicMusic / ChoralChoirMusic Ensembles - orchestras, rock bands, percussion groups, swing bands
drama
Open Mic NightsDramaBoarders Got TalentDrama and Theatre productionsStand-Up Comedy Club
academic club
researchDebating SocietyChess ClubBlack Hole ClubCodingThe Human Story critical thinking programmeComputing and ICTCatalysts lecture seriesExtended Project Qualification (EPQ)Brigh10 lecture seriesindependent studyDebatingclubsA-level grades
Show 8 more
activitiesreadingChessComputingRoboticsScuba PhysicsDissection ClubBook Clubs
service
Green TeamCCF - Combined Cadet Force (Army, Navy, RAF)Three Peaks ChallengeGardening ClubDuke of Edinburgh's Award (Bronze, Silver, Gold)Community outreach / turtle conservation / library building
other
artArt and PhotographyPilatesDesign and TechnologyacademiaCookery ClassessportJazz KnittingSketchingCake Decorating ClubCookeryOrigamiHarry Potter Club
On campusFacilities
On campus
Facilities
sports
Withdean Stadium (Athletics)Tennis CourtsYellowave Beach Volleyball Courts (off-site)World-class sports facilitiesNeville Abraham Sports HallJubilee Sports Ground and Pavilion (off-site)Steve Patten StudioHome GroundWithdean Stadium (used for Athletics) (off-site)Falmer Sports Complex at University of Sussex (off-site)Alexander Lido (swimming pool)Jubilee Sports GroundsSammy Woods PavilionAlexander's Lido
Show 1 more
Hove Lagoon (used for Navy CCF and water activities) (off-site)
arts
Cairns TheatreDrama StudioPhotography Studio and Dark RoomDance StudioNicola Leach Music School and Sarah Abraham Recital HallSarah Abraham Recital HallDedicated Art and Design studiosAlexander Arts CentreMusic Practice RoomsArt Room
boarding
Boarding houses
academic
Creative Learning CentreBeach School Area (off-site)Design and Technology WorkshopQuad and Library in the Prep SchoolLibraryScience Laboratories (world-class)Design Technology WorkshopLower School Common RoomChapelYeoh Building (Lower School Common Room)Science / greenhouse (SSS)University-standard science laboratoriesInnovative learning spaces
wellbeing
Blackshaw GymWellbeing centreSSS (Sixth Form Social Space)
OutcomesLatest exam results
Outcomes
Latest exam results
OutcomesGCSE
64
9 at GCSE49
A* at A-level98
A*-B at A-level85%
A-level A*–A
98%
GCSE 9–7
DestinationsWhere leavers go
Destinations
Where leavers go
19%
to Oxbridge (2025)
| 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2021 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cohort | 230 | 230 | 230 | 220 |
| Oxbridge | 43 | 37 | 22 | 23 |
| US Ivy | — | — | — | 1 |
| Medicine | 20 | — | — | — |
Top universities (2025)
Cambridge28
Oxford15
CurriculumQualifications offered
Curriculum
Qualifications offered
GCSEA LevelBTEC
In the newsRecent coverage
In the news
Recent coverage
In the press
- The Sunday Times Parent Power Schools Guide 2026
- Tatler Schools Guide 2025
AlumniNotable alumni
Alumni
Notable alumni
Stanley Baldwin (former Prime Minister)Sir Simon Russell Beale (actor)Romesh Ranganathan (comedian)
Recommended next step
Registration closes 14 Oct 2026 (16+)
Add it to your plan and book a visit before you apply.
Fit for your child
Is Brighton College right for your child?
Score it on travel, academics, support and budget.
Check fit for my childCommunityHouse system
Community
House system
KingCairnsTemple
Pastoral careWellbeing
Pastoral care
Wellbeing
Mental health support
Brighton College promotes pupil wellbeing through its coastal location encouraging outdoor learning and physical activity, alongside a focus on mental health and holistic education. The school supports pupils with safe travel options and a culture of kindness.
RegulationInspection
Regulation
Inspection
ISI inspection, 1 Nov 2024
2 reports on file.
Excellent
- Isi · Routine Inspection15 Oct 2024
CalendarTerm dates 2026/27
Calendar
Term dates 2026/27
Autumn3 Sept 2026 → 9 Dec 2026Half-term 20 Oct 2026–2 Nov 2026
Spring6 Jan 2027 → 19 Mar 2027Half-term 11 Feb 2027–22 Feb 2027
Summer12 Apr 2027 → 2 Jul 2027Half-term 28 May 2027–7 Jun 2027
PathwaysFeeder schools
Pathways
Feeder schools
1 offer
1 offer
1 offer
1 offer
1 offer
1 offer
Also considerSchools like Brighton College
Also consider
Schools like Brighton College
FAQQuestions parents ask
FAQ
Questions parents ask
What kind of child is Brighton College best for?+
Brighton College suits: Families wanting one school across the whole journey (ages 3–18) rather than separate prep + senior; Families who prefer a co-educational setting over single-sex; Families weighing day vs boarding — both are offered; Children who can demonstrate strong academics at entry assessment — this is a selective school; Families comfortable with top-tier independent fees in exchange for the level of provision.
How much are the fees at Brighton College?+
Day fees at Brighton College are £5,500 to £13,259 a term in 2026-27 (£16,500 to £39,777 a year). Boarding fees are £21,965 to £23,187 a term in 2026-27 (£65,895 to £69,561 a year). Extras such as lunches, uniform and trips are on top.
When is the next open day at Brighton College?+
The next open day at Brighton College is on 10 October 2026. Booking is usually required.
How does admissions work?+
Brighton College is selective. Expect an entrance assessment at each entry point.
Does Brighton College support SEND?+
We don't hold SEND details for Brighton College. Ask admissions early if your child has additional needs.
What ages does Brighton College take?+
Brighton College takes pupils from age 3 to 18.
Is Brighton College a day or boarding school?+
Brighton College offers both day and boarding places.
Is Brighton College co-educational or single-sex?+
Brighton College is co-educational, taking both boys and girls.
Where is Brighton College?+
Brighton College is in Brighton and Hove, BN2 0AL.
How do I contact admissions at Brighton College?+
Contact Brighton College by email at admissions@brightoncollegeprepkensington.co.uk or phone on 01273704200.
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