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Eastbourne College

Eastbourne College is a co-educational senior school offering day and boarding options with a strong house system and excellent pastoral care.

EastbourneSeniorCo Ed, becoming co-educationalAges 13–18Both560 pupils
Day fees
£31,560
How competitive entry is
Common Entrance + School ExamCompetitive entry
Pupils
560
Founded
1867
Next deadline
Assessment: Sat, 16 Jan 2027
Updated 2 months agosource
Houseroom Index 2026
65.5/100· ranked #75 of UK independents
78% data confidence·v2026.4.0
How is this calculated? →
Pillar breakdown
Academic outcomes57
Destinations & outcomes61
Future-readiness55
Pastoral & wellbeing95
Pupil flourishing65
Value-add49
Access & breadth75
Parent sentiment70
External consensus70

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Our take

Independent co-ed senior school in East Sussex for ages 13–18, day or boarding. Selective entry, top-tier London fees.

Best for
Who thrives here
  • Families seeking a senior school for ages 13–18, with thinking already on 11+ or 13+ entry.
  • 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 London independent fees in exchange for the level of provision.
Watch-outs
Know before applying
  • Fees sit at the top of the London 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.
AI-generated guidance

Application timeline

1 of 8 admissions stages have confirmed dates. Save this school to be notified when dates are published.

Open dayNot published
Not published
Registration opensNot published
Not published
Registration closesNot published
Not published
Bursary deadlineNot published
Not published
AssessmentConfirmed
Sat, 16 Jan 2027All-rounder Scholarship Assessment (Year 9 2027 entry)
InterviewNot published
Not published
OffersNot published
Not published
Acceptance deadlineNot published
Not published

Open events

Sixth Form Open4 weeks away
Thu, 17 Sept 2026
10:00 am
Sixth Form Open Evening for Year 12 Entry
Sixth Form Evening4 weeks away
Thu, 17 Sept 2026
5:30 pm
Sixth Form Open Evening
Open Day
Sat, 3 Oct 2026
9:00 am
Open Morning Years 9-12
Open Morning
Sat, 3 Oct 2026
10:00 am
Open Morning for Years 9–12 Entry
Deadline
Fri, 16 Oct 2026
12:59 am
Sixth Form Scholarship Application Deadline (2027 entry)
Deadline
Fri, 4 Dec 2026
11:59 pm
Year 9 Scholarship Application Deadline (All-rounder, Art, Dance, DT, Drama, Music, Sport)
Scholarship Exam
Sat, 16 Jan 2027
All-rounder Scholarship Assessment (Year 9 2027 entry)
Scholarship Exam
Mon, 18 Jan 2027
Sport Scholarship Assessment Boys (Year 9 2027 entry)

Private tours and additional visits available by arrangement — contact admissions to arrange.

Talks & tasters

Talks, tasters and other dated events
DateEventType
Thu, 17 Sept 2026Sixth Form Open Evening for Year 12 EntrySixth Form Open
Thu, 17 Sept 2026Sixth Form Open EveningSixth Form Evening
Sat, 3 Oct 2026Open Morning for Years 9–12 EntryOpen Morning

Fees

£31,560per year · Day · 2026-27
VAT-inclusive estimate £31,560VAT status TBC5-year projection £171,020
vs London avg (£24,000)32% above

Bursaries & Scholarships

About the head

Ex Oriente Salus

Tom Lawson is the current Headmaster of Eastbourne College, leading the school with a focus on unlocking every pupil's potential and fostering a supportive academic environment.

Striking the right balance that encourages pupils to commit to developing every aspect of themselves is paramount at Eastbourne College, preparing young people to live fulfilled and successful adult lives.

resilienceinitiativeleadershipself-confidencecollaborationacademic excellence

Distinctive features

strong university progression including Oxbridge

blend of day and boarding pupils

excellent sports and arts opportunities

supportive and healthy learning environment

Saturday revision sessions

Activities & co-curricular

sport

Mountain bikingPAW (Pilates, aerobics and walks)golfBadmintonSailingPAW (Pilates, Aerobics, Walks)RowingBasketballMountain BikingCage FootballSquashSwimmingFootballSaturday sports fixturesTennisfencingCage footballE-sportsTriathlonCricketPaddleboardingShootingRugbyAthleticsHockeyNetball

music

Singer/songwriterYoung Musician of the Year AwardsInterhouse singing and 'a capella' competitionsrock bandschoirsInterhouse SingingHouse singing competitionsMusicorchestraHouse singing competitionMusic ensemblesSinger/Songwriter

drama

School plays and revuesNational Theatre ConnectionsYear 9 House Drama FestivalDramaDanceShakespeare Schools Festival PerformancesDrama Workshops with Frantic AssemblyAnnual Michaelmas Term Major Drama ProductionOutdoor Summer Term Drama Productionannual Year 9 House Drama Festivaloutside theatrical spacethree drama spaces insidemusicals every other yearSPARK Musicality Juniors Summer Workshop (Shrek-themed, 27–29 July)SPARK Musicality Performers Summer Workshop (Mary Poppins Jr, Years 5–8, 27–31 July)

academic club

Touch-typingVisual Arts SocietyModel United Nations (MUN)Platinum Arts AwardDebatingHomework Clubs

service

Homework clubsCharity Support GroupsCharity organisation supportCombined Cadet Force (CCF)Environmentally Focussed GroupsCharity events (cake sales, colour runs)Environmental groupsDog-walking

other

Photographyenrichment sessionsWeekend boarders trips and activitiesPodcast recordingPodcast Recordingclubs such as mountain biking, house dog walkingArts Awards (Gold and Platinum)outdoor activitiesE-sportsArt ProgrammesDuke of Edinburgh AwardCombined Cadet Force

Facilities

sports

Hockey and football astro pitch at Beresford site (off-site)six-lane swimming pool with touch pads, seating, and big screenCollege FieldHockey and Football Astro Pitch at Beresford Site (off-site)GymFive-a-side astroturfSix-lane swimming poolSeasonal cricket netsSports hallSwimming poolSquash courtsTennis courtssports hall with dance studio, gym, fencing facilitiesSix-lane Swimming PoolSports Halltwo Astro pitches (convertible into 24 tennis courts)Seasonal Cricket Nets

arts

Donald Perrens FoyerDance studioCollege TheatreJennifer Winn AuditoriumThe Birley CentreRecording StudioDance StudioCollege Theatre and adjoining Warren AtriumLe Brocq TheatreBirley Centre (music practice rooms, recording studio, ensemble rooms, piano spaces)Art studiosDesign workshopsceramics studio with kilns, glaze room and sculpture areaphotography studio with darkroompainting and printmaking studiosBirley Centre with auditorium, Steinway concert grand piano, recording studios, rock room

boarding

Residential Boarding Housesfive boarding houses, each with TV snugs, showers, gardens, veg patches, barbecuesResidential boarding houses

academic

state-of-the-art science centre and laboratoriesClassroomsWinn BuildingLearning Resource LibrarySpecialist teaching rooms, breakout spaces and rehearsal areasChapel

wellbeing

Chapel

Latest exam results

Outcomes2025 A-LEVELS
74
of A-level grades were A* to B
85
of UK university applicants securing their first-choice destinations
60
going to Russell Group universities
34
of grades were 8 or 9

In 2025, , with and ; in GCSEs, and 18 pupils achieved all grades 7–9

59%
A-level A*–A
50%
GCSE 9–7

Data from 2025 results

Where leavers go

2%
to Oxbridge (2025)
7%
to Russell Group
2025
Cohort141
Oxbridge3
Russell Group10
US Ivy0
Medicine3
Top universities (2025)
Oxford
Cambridge
Durham
LSE
UCL
Warwick
University of Southampton
Queen Mary University of London

Recent coverage

9%. Notably, 18 pupils achieved a clean sweep of grades 7 to 9 in every subject, with two securing ten or more grade 9s. In March 2025, the college's boys' swimming team made history by winning both the Aldenham Cup (freestyle relay) and the Dunelm Cup (medley relay) at the Bath Cup, marking back-to-back double victories. The college's Project 150, a £30 million development, was completed with the opening of the Nugee and Winn buildings.

Notable alumni

Sir Peter Pears (tenor)Sir Evelyn Wrench (founder of the English-Speaking Union)Sir Anthony Quayle (actor and director)Sir Peter Viggers (politician)Sir John Nott (politician)Sir John Wheeler-Bennett (historian)Sir John Gurdon (developmental biologist, Nobel laureate)Sir John Houghton (climate scientist)Sir John Tusa (broadcast journalist)
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Fit for your child

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House system

GonvillePennellPowellReevesWargraveCraigBlackwaterNugentSchool HouseWatt

Wellbeing

Eastbourne College offers a supportive house system with dedicated housemistresses, fostering a home-from-home environment. Pastoral care includes comfortable common areas, various house events, and encouragement for full participation in college life, promoting pupil welfare and mental wellbeing.

Inspection

Isi 18 May 2023

One inspection report on file. Worth reading before booking a visit — covers safeguarding, leadership and overall standard.

Excellent

Term dates 2026

summer13 Apr 202627 Jun 2026
summer14 Apr 202627 Jun 2026Half-term 22 May 2026–1 Jun 2026
michaelmas2 Sept 202611 Dec 2026
autumn3 Sept 202611 Dec 2026Half-term 16 Oct 2026–2 Nov 2026
lent4 Jan 202719 Mar 2027
spring5 Jan 202719 Mar 2027Half-term 12 Feb 2027–22 Feb 2027
summer12 Apr 20273 Jul 2027
summer13 Apr 20273 Jul 2027Half-term 28 May 2027–7 Jun 2027
michaelmas1 Sept 202717 Dec 2027
autumn2 Sept 202717 Dec 2027Half-term 15 Oct 2027–1 Nov 2027
spring10 Jan 202824 Mar 2028Half-term 11 Feb 2028–21 Feb 2028
summer19 Apr 20281 Jul 2028Half-term 26 May 2028–5 Jun 2028
autumn31 Aug 202815 Dec 2028Half-term 13 Oct 2028–30 Oct 2028
spring8 Jan 202923 Mar 2029Half-term 16 Feb 2029–26 Feb 2029
summer17 Apr 202930 Jun 2029Half-term 25 May 2029–4 Jun 2029
autumn30 Aug 202914 Dec 2029Half-term 12 Oct 2029–29 Oct 2029
spring8 Jan 203029 Mar 2030Half-term 15 Feb 2030–25 Feb 2030
summer24 Apr 203029 Jun 2030Half-term 24 May 2030–3 Jun 2030

INSET: 13 Apr 2026 · 1 Sept 2026 · 2 Sept 2026 · 4 Jan 2027 · 22 Jan 2027 · 12 Apr 2027 · 30 Aug 2027 · 31 Aug 2027 · 9 Jan 2028 · 28 Jan 2028 · 18 Apr 2028 · 28 Aug 2028 · 29 Aug 2028 · 7 Jan 2029 · 26 Jan 2029 · 16 Apr 2029 · 27 Aug 2029 · 28 Aug 2029 · 7 Jan 2030 · 25 Jan 2030 · 23 Apr 2030

Schools like Eastbourne College

Ranked by semantic similarity across curriculum, ethos, intake and admissions style. Most parents shortlist 4–6 schools before applying.

81%

Lancing College

West Sussex · Senior · Ages 13–18
£37,806
78%

Ardingly College

Mid Sussex · All Through · Ages 2–18
£20,055 – £31,545
77%

Brighton College Prep Kensington

Westminster · Prep · Ages 2–13
£12,942 – £38,817
75%

Pangbourne College

West Berkshire · Senior · Ages 11–18
£25,524 – £33,282
75%

Hurstpierpoint College

Mid Sussex · All Through · Ages 4–18
£14,070 – £36,885
73%

Babington House School

Bromley · All Through · Ages 2–16
£2,097 – £26,115

Questions parents ask

Common questions about Eastbourne College, answered from this school’s structured profile data. Always confirm specifics with admissions before applying.

What kind of child is Eastbourne College best for?+

Eastbourne College suits: Families seeking a senior school for ages 13–18, with thinking already on 11+ or 13+ entry; 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 London independent fees in exchange for the level of provision.

How does admissions work?+

Admissions are selective — expect an entrance assessment at the relevant entry point. Plan tutoring or familiarisation early. See the admissions timeline above for confirmed dates.

Are fees published?+

Yes — see the Fees section on this page. Add extras (uniform, trips, lunches, music tuition, registration fees) on top of the base figure before budgeting.

Does the school support SEND?+

Yes — the school states support for dyslexia, ADHD, autism, anxiety. Always confirm case-by-case capacity with admissions if your child has an EHCP.

Are there open days?+

2 upcoming open days or tours — see the admissions timeline. Booking is usually required.

How do I contact admissions?+

email at admissions@eastbourne-college.co.uk or phone on 01323452300. Reference your child's age and intended entry year in the first message.

What similar schools should I compare?+

We've ranked 6 schools by semantic similarity to Eastbourne College — see the "Schools like Eastbourne College" grid on this page. Most parents shortlist 4–6 schools before applying.

Enrichment last updated 11 May 2026. Sources include the school’s official site, Wikipedia, Good Schools Guide, Tatler, and Sunday Times Parent Power.

Reviews

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Data
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Frequently asked questions

How much are the fees at Eastbourne College?
Day fees at Eastbourne College range from £31,560 to £36,680 per year. Boarding fees range from £39,585 to £55,662 per year.
When is the next open day at Eastbourne College?
The next open day at Eastbourne College is on 3 October 2026.
What ages does Eastbourne College take?
Eastbourne College takes pupils from age 13 to 18.
Is Eastbourne College a day or boarding school?
Eastbourne College offers both day and boarding places.
Is Eastbourne College co-educational or single-sex?
Eastbourne College is co-educational, taking both boys and girls.
Where is Eastbourne College?
Eastbourne College is in Eastbourne, BN21 4JY.

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