Ages 
A busy and buzzing sixth form college with high expectations and a strong work ethic where students are expected to be self-starters and independent learners, but with excellent pastoral care and support at all levels. It probably would not suit those who need a lot of structure and guidance, but for the right student it offers wonderful opportunities both inside and outside the classroom.
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Headteacher
Principal
Mr William Baldwin
Since 2016, William Baldwin - late 30s but could be mistaken for one of his students. Took his A levels at Strode College, Somerset and read psychology at Goldsmiths – ‘an exciting place to be during the Britpop era of the mid-1990s.’ Worked for The
Entrance
Entry via a guidance interview and is essentially non-selective and open to all who can cope and benefit from a course. Specific GCSE grades needed for certain courses - to study three A levels a student will need six GCSEs – five at 4 or above and
- Open days
- November
Exit
Some 75 per cent of second year students apply to university with about 85 per cent of applicants securing places. Sussex, Bristol, Leeds, Brighton and Manchester all popular. About 20 per cent take a gap year. Huge support for students applying to
% students progressing to higher education or training (2021 leavers)
What is this?
The proportion of 16-18 students that progressed to degrees, higher apprenticeships or other study at level 4 or above for at least 6 consecutive months in the 2 years after taking advanced level qualifications (level 3) at this school or college.
Latest results
In 2025, 39 per cent A*/A at A level (69 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
Courses carefully considered at interview and enrolment and most students take three A levels or the equivalent – not encouraged to do a fourth unless it’s further maths. Offers 31 subjects at A level and nine BTecs, and students can do a combination
- Qualifications taken in 2024
- A level
- BTEC
- VRQ
Learning support & SEN
Additional Learning Support (ALS) consists of a SENCo and eight staff, and can offer support to those with a high level of need and EHCPs, including a personal teaching assistant in class and assistive technology. 'My son is a wheelchair user,’ said
Arts & extracurricular
Offers an ‘indulgent breadth’ of extracurricular activities and ‘there is something for everyone,’ said a parent.
‘Creative arts are part of the heartbeat of the college and creativity encourages learning,’ says the head and creative arts types
Sport
Good facilities on site include sports hall (also used for exams), dance studio and fitness centre and adjoining field shared with another local school. No one has to do sport but healthy lifestyles encouraged and many play sport for fun and
Ethos & heritage
The college was founded in 1859 as the Brighton Proprietary Grammar and Commercial School and became Brighton, Hove and Sussex Grammar School. It moved to its current site in 1913 but the buildings were requisitioned as a military hospital during WW1
Pastoral care, inclusivity & discipline
Although the head is trying to dispel the myth of a ‘ruthless exam factory’, this is a fast-paced environment and students are expected to work hard and take charge of their education. This is made clear at induction and interview so there are no
Pupils & parents
Produces ‘confident, hardworking, colourful, independent thinkers,’ and most parents are motivated and aspirational. About 60 per cent come from Brighton and Hove and the rest from East and West Sussex.
Most parents say that feedback is good and
The last word
A busy and buzzing sixth form college with high expectations and a strong work ethic where students are expected to be self-starters and independent learners, but with excellent pastoral care and support at all levels. It probably would not suit
