Our Guide to Brighton and East Sussex
Educational scene in Brighton and East Sussex
East Sussex offers a good range of excellent educational options. Several state secondary schools boast impressive Progress 8 scores, including three highly regarded Catholic schools. However, these tend to be oversubscribed and have relatively small catchment areas, so it’s important to research entry criteria early on if you’re moving to be near good schools. Of the 36 secondaries in the county only 11 cater for 16+, so it is worth casting your mind forward to consider the sixth form college offering in the area too. These will be either stand-alone colleges or a large sixth form attached to a state secondary school accepting students from the surrounding schools. Check out our guide to sixth from colleges to find out more.
While there are no selective state grammar schools in Brighton and East Sussex, meaning no 11-plus tests to grapple with, the county’s proximity to Kent sees small but not insignificant numbers of children crossing the border after being awarded places at grammar schools in Tonbridge and Tunbridge Wells. With their very tight priority areas it is essential you investigate the school’s admissions policy to check if you’re in with a chance.
For primary education, the area features a truly top-notch selection, with nearly 200 schools ranging from the traditional Church of England village schools to the more urban primary schools.
In terms of private schools, East Sussex offers less choice compared to the neighbouring counties of Kent and West Sussex, but there is still a solid range of prep, senior and all-through schools, including boarding schools popular with pupils from further afield. One area where East Sussex excels is its large variety of special schools, catering to a broad spectrum of needs. Many of the most popular schools in this sector are often heavily oversubscribed, so doing thorough research in advance is crucial.
For the purpose of this guide we’ve divided the county into five distinct areas: the city of Brighton and Hove, Eastbourne and its surrounding area, Hastings and its nearby towns and villages, and then we head inland to the county town of Lewes and its neighbouring villages and lastly Crowborough and the northern parts of the county.
Living in Brighton and East Sussex
East Sussex, like its neighbour to the west, is a county of contrasts – its landscape ranging from the breathtaking coastline with dramatic chalk cliffs to the rolling hills of the South Downs, and from the woodlands and rivers of the Weald in the north to the serene countryside in between. Steeped in a rich history, the county’s diverse cultural heritage includes such notable figures as William the Conqueror, Henry James, Fat Boy Slim and Winnie the Pooh.
In recent years, East Sussex has become increasingly popular as more families relocate from London, drawn by the landscape, outdoor lifestyle and convenient commute to the capital. Coastal towns are shedding their dated image as retirement havens, transforming into vibrant, family-friendly communities with a growing diversity. Brighton and Hove, the largest settlement, is known for its eclectic atmosphere and one of the UK’s highest concentrations of independent shops. Along with Eastbourne and Hastings, two other major coastal towns, they form the county’s largest urban areas.
Lewes, the county town, is a popular choice for families, offering a convenient station (direct train to London Victoria) and picturesque streets filled with antique shops, restaurants and charming architecture. Historic Rye is another gem and popular with those escaping the city. Ditchling Beacon, the highest point in East Sussex, offers panoramic views, with the South Downs Way providing an outlook south across the English Channel as well as north toward the Weald. Ashdown Forest, with its ancient heath and woodlands, is the legendary setting that inspired AA.Milne’s Winnie the Pooh tales. The forest is found on the highest point of the Weald, which stretches across the northern part of the county, from West Sussex into Kent. Whether you’re drawn to peaceful rural villages, bustling seaside towns or the unique character of Brighton and Hove, East Sussex definitely ticks all the boxes.
Looking for the best schools in East Sussex? Our education consultants can help
The Good Schools Guide education consultants help parents from all over the world find the best schools for their children. We have experts across the United Kingdom, each one with their own specialist areas of knowledge. If you would like to know more about your family’s education options in East Sussex and how we are able to help, please get in touch – consultants@goodschoolsguide.co.uk – or read about our education consultancy services.
Your thoughts on education in East Sussex
Do you have experience of education in East Sussex – or indeed elsewhere – that you would like to share with us? We depend on our network of parents and teachers to make sure the advice and information we publish is accurate, complete, relevant and up to date. Please write to us at editor@goodschoolsguide.co.uk.