Ages 
Bede’s fosters individual strengths and helps individuals with weaknesses. As a parent said, ‘You don’t have to be good at everything… if they thrive at something it spills over into the rest of life.’
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Overview & data
- Pupil numbers
- 811 ·
- Sixth form numbers
- 290 ·
- Offers boarding
- Yes ·
- Religion
- None
- Fees
- Day £33,570; Boarding £49,485 - £52,575 pa
- Local authority
- East Sussex County Council
- Area guides
- Linked schools
Headteacher
Headmaster
Peter Goodyer
Since 2016, Peter Goodyer (Rhodes, BA; Keele, MBA), previously deputy then acting head at Colston’s School, Bristol. First came to this country from his native South Africa as a teacher of history and geography to a school in Leatherhead, and never
Entrance
Not academically selective. Entry to prep (except for year 6) by interview and screening for SEN. Those applying to year 6 and senior school must attend the Bede’s experience day: MIDYIS test, discussion and problem-solving tasks with prefects, then
- Open days
- March
Exit
Just under a third leave after GCSEs, mostly for sixth form colleges. Exeter, Liverpool and Oxford Brookes most popular universities recently. Sometimes a few to Oxbridge, though none in 2025. Two medics in 2025 – and six overseas: CUNEF University,
Latest results
In 2025, 45 per cent 9-7 at GCSE; 62 per cent A*/A at A level (81 per cent A*-B).
A levels or equivalent - Average points score (2024)
What is this?
These figures tell you the average grade and average points that pupils achieved in their academic qualifications. A maximum of 60 points are available for a grade A* at A level.
Teaching & learning
A pupil who left Bede’s returned a term later – ‘The difference was in the teaching – at the other school things were just presented, with no engagement… [here] they care.’ Both pupils and parents praise the dedication of teachers, one describing
- Qualifications taken in 2024
- A level
- BTEC
- EPQ
- GCSE
Learning support & SEN
Learning enhancement is much praised by parents for its ‘really really good support… he was not achieving in other schools’; another said that his bright dyslexic daughter has done better academically here than in her academic prep. Individual, small
Arts & extracurricular
‘Co-curricular is extraordinary,’ said a parent. Activities take place three times a week, chosen from a vast range, from the BEden project (creating a sustainable, organic healing garden using recycling and freecycling), making a homebrew in
Sport
Many pupils are attracted by the choice of sport – others by not having to play it. The main sports are hockey, cricket, football, tennis, swimming and netball. Sports facilities which could serve a small town – ‘second to none,’ said a parent – and
Boarders
‘A real atmosphere of family… brotherhood,’ said a pupil. In large boarding houses of around 80, pupils are organised into family groups of 10, spanning the year groups, who look out for each other. It works, one pupil saying, ‘I’ve got really good
Ethos & heritage
‘Its location is a real plus… beautiful, surrounded by green… got a bit of a wow factor,’ said a parent. A first impression of the school is one of great size, with school buildings a mish-mash of styles – some old and charming, some modern and
Pastoral care, inclusivity & discipline
‘[They] make the kids feel good about themselves… [with] emotional support as well as academic support,’ said a parent, another adding she has noticed a real difference in her child since going to Bede’s – body image, clothes and make-up matter less,
Mobile phone policy
A clear mobile phone policy is a really important part of modern schooling. This school has provided us with their policy.
Mobile phone policy
Provided by the school and not part of our review In year 9-11, phones are not permitted to be seen or used throughout the school day (including in house, between lessons, lunch, breaks etc). In the sixth form, pupils are allowed to use them in the sixth form common room or in house, but are not permitted to use them elsewhere around the campus). In boarding houses, pupils give in technology before bedtime.
Pupils & parents
Social variety. ‘Not typical public school, as you imagine them to be,’ said parent. ‘Bede’s has more variety… it has the diversity that a modern school needs.’ ‘Caters for all sorts,’ said a parent of three very different children who are all
Money matters
Scholarships of up to 25 per cent and a good and growing bursary fund.
- Fee information
- Day £33,570; Boarding £49,485 - £52,575 pa
The last word
Bede’s fosters individual strengths and helps individuals with weaknesses. As a parent said, ‘You don’t have to be good at everything… if they thrive at something it spills over into the rest of life.’
