Eastbourne College
Eastbourne College
Eastbourne, England
Eastbourne College is a quintessentially British boarding school with an impressive Victorian campus and the obligatory cricket pitch right outside the door. But that’s not all: the school building itself and the latest renovations create a unique blend of tradition and modernity. Brick towers meet glass façades, and architectural surprises await around every corner. The school is located in the charming seaside town of Eastbourne on England’s south coast, just an hour and a half by train from London. The College is a classic all-rounder school with a strong music department, brand-new sports facilities and an outstanding art and design department.
The Details
The Academics
Eastbourne College consistently achieves strong exam results. In 2024, 33% of pupils were awarded top grades 9–7 in their GCSEs, and 25% received A grades at A Level. The school is not particularly selective, which makes these results all the more impressive.
Mathematics and the sciences have an especially good reputation at Eastbourne College.
Languages Taught
English as a Foreign Language, Latin, Ancient Greek, Spanish, French and German.
The Boarding
Around half of all pupils are boarders. The five boarding houses are all cosy and up to date. Single rooms are available from Year 11 (the equivalent of the German tenth grade).
Strengths & Weaknesses
Strengths
Eastbourne College impresses with an outstanding sports programme. The remarkable £33 million sports centre makes the school one of the top destinations for school sports in England. Tennis, rugby, swimming, netball, athletics, cricket and hockey are particularly strong here. The seaside location also allows for sailing and windsurfing – activities that perfectly complement the maritime setting.
We especially love the programme for aspiring medics, which offers hands-on preparation for medical studies.
The school proudly holds the Platinum Artsmark Award and stands out with its remarkable achievements in the creative field. Last year, pupils received national recognition in art, dance, drama, design, music, photography and textiles.
But what truly convinces us is the atmosphere. Eastbourne College is refreshingly unpretentious, open and warm. Our pupils love it here!
Weaknesses
The compulsory exeat weekends mean that pupils have to leave the school for only a short time. This can lead to frustrating logistical challenges.
Location
The location of the school is without doubt one of its strengths: Eastbourne College is situated in the charming and popular seaside town of Eastbourne on the south coast of England – just a five-minute walk from the town’s beach!
A good choice for pupils looking for a holistic boarding school experience by the sea.
The pupils sing the praises of their school – and yes, perhaps with a small wink – but happy pupils are always a sure sign that things are going well. What they appreciate most is how everyone is encouraged to pursue their interests, without the pressure of having to be “cool enough.”
Take a look at similar schools
Clifton College
King's College Taunton
King Edward's School Witley
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