Independent Prep Schools in East Sussex

Situated in central Hove, East Sussex, St Christopher's Prep is a co-educational school for pupils aged 4 to 13. A member of the Brighton College family, it balances a traditional heritage with a contemporary curriculum. The school is located across two sites; the main campus sits near the seafront, while a separate Early Years facility at Glebe Villas provides expansive green space and nature trails. Its academic programme is supported by specialist teaching and an emphasis on outdoor learning, including regular Forest School sessions and watersports at the nearby Hove Lagoon.

Situated in the heart of Brighton, Brighton Girls GDST is an independent day school for girls aged 3 to 18. Part of the Girls’ Day School Trust, the school was founded in 1876 and claims to focus on the joy of learning, instilling curiosity, adventure, and independence. The main campus at Montpelier Road features the historic Temple building. Facilities include a sports hall, gym, dance studio, and an Astroturf pitch. The school provides an all-through education, comprising a prep school, senior school, and sixth form within a vibrant urban setting.

Brighton College Prep School is a co-educational independent school situated in the heart of Brighton, East Sussex. Occupying a coastal location with sea views, the school is also within walking distance of the South Downs. The school’s ethos centres on a "culture of kindness" and mutual respect, encouraging pupils to be kind, curious, and confident. Pupils benefit from access to the facilities of Brighton College, including the School of Science and Sport. Awarded an Eco-Schools Green Flag, the school promotes sustainable travel and integrates outdoor learning into its curriculum.

Skippers Hill Manor Preparatory School is a co-educational independent day school located in Five Ashes near Mayfield, East Sussex. Set within 22 acres of rural countryside, the school provides an environment for children aged two to thirteen. The school claims an ethos of teaching individuals rather than classes, with a focus on academic, artistic, and sporting achievement. Its curriculum integrates a bespoke programme of outdoor learning and emphasises the development of social confidence and community spirit. As part of the Bellevue Education Group, it prepares pupils for entry into senior schools at age thirteen.

Located on a 50-acre rural site near Robertsbridge, Marlborough House Vinehall is a co-educational preparatory school for day and boarding pupils aged 2 to 13. Formed in 2025 by the merger of Marlborough House and Vinehall schools, it occupies the former Vinehall site in the East Sussex countryside. The school claims to balance academic rigour with a focus on preserving childhood through outdoor exploration and play. Facilities include woodland and a golf course, supporting a curriculum designed to foster resilience and creativity as pupils prepare for entry to senior schools.

Lancing College Preparatory School at Hove is a co-educational day school for pupils aged 3 to 13. Situated on a seven-acre leafy campus in the heart of Hove, the school occupies early 20th-century buildings and extensive grounds, including playing fields and a Forest School. As a Woodard school, its ethos is underpinned by Christian values, focusing on integrity and kindness. Formerly known as Mowden School, it joined the Lancing College family in 2002. The school claims to foster independent minds and creativity while preparing children for senior school education.

Battle Abbey School is an independent coeducational day and boarding school for pupils aged three months to 18 years, situated in Battle and Bexhill, East Sussex. The Senior School occupies the historic site of the 1066 Battle of Hastings, utilising the 13th-century Abbot’s House and surrounding grounds. The school claims to foster an ethos of kindness, compassion, and mutual respect, prioritising individual pastoral care. Facilities include a dedicated Sixth Form centre and a preparatory department in Bexhill featuring extensive gardens and a 25-metre indoor swimming pool.

Windlesham School, an independent co-educational primary school and nursery for pupils aged 2 to 11, is situated at 190 Dyke Road in Brighton, East Sussex. Established in 1957, the school claims to blend tradition with innovation, aiming to foster happy, confident, and well-rounded individuals. It offers a holistic education within a supportive community, emphasizing strong pastoral care and equipping children with critical thinking skills. The school is located on a spacious site and provides facilities including modern teaching blocks and an indoor swimming pool.

Bede’s Prep is an independent, co-educational day and boarding school situated on a coastal site in Eastbourne, East Sussex. Located at the foot of the South Downs National Park, the school overlooks the sea and educates children from three months to 13 years. Its ethos centres on a holistic approach to learning, aiming to nurture individual talents through academic, creative, and sporting programmes. The grounds include historic buildings and modern facilities, such as a swimming pool, sports hall, and dedicated outdoor learning spaces.

Claremont School is an independent, co-educational day and boarding school situated across two campuses in East Sussex. The Nursery and Prep School are located in St Leonards-on-Sea, while the Senior School and Sixth Form occupy a rural site in Bodiam. Catering for pupils aged one to 18, the school claims to focus on personalised learning and global opportunities as a member of the International Schools Partnership. Facilities include a football academy, forest school, and an award-winning performing arts department. The school provides both full and weekly boarding options.

St Andrew's Prep is an independent co-educational day and boarding school located in Eastbourne, East Sussex. Situated in a coastal setting between the sea and the South Downs National Park, the school provides education for children aged nine months to 13 years. Its ethos is based on the values of kindness, honesty, and excellence. Facilities include an on-site woodland classroom, an indoor swimming pool, and dedicated spaces for performing arts. The school is part of the Eastbourne College Charity, sharing resources and professional networks with its neighbouring senior school.

Situated at Easons Green near Uckfield, Annan School is an independent primary school for children aged 2 to 11. Based on a rural site at Annan Farm, the school follows a Froebelian pedagogy, emphasising a holistic approach to education through real-life experiences and creative thinking. Its curriculum incorporates outdoor learning, including a Forest School programme, within a setting described as having a family feel. The school claims to focus on nurturing curious, independent learners while promoting mutual respect and community engagement.

Located in Lewes, East Sussex, Lewes Old Grammar School is an independent co-educational day school for pupils aged 3 to 18. The school operates with dedicated departments for Junior, Senior, and Sixth Form students. It claims to provide a positive atmosphere where traditional values are blended with a contemporary approach to learning. The curriculum focuses on the personal development and individual talent of each student, offering an educational pathway that extends from the nursery years through to the Sixth Form in an urban setting.

Greenfields School is an independent, co-educational day and boarding school situated in Forest Row, East Sussex. Established in 1981, it provides education for students aged 3 to 18, from nursery through to Sixth Form. The school claims to follow a holistic ‘Education for Life’ philosophy, utilising ‘Study Technology’ methods developed by L. Ron Hubbard to support individual learning and comprehension. Its non-denominational curriculum combines academic study with practical life skills and character development, aiming to prepare pupils for their chosen professions in a multi-cultural environment.

Situated in Wadhurst, East Sussex, Sacred Heart School is an independent Catholic school for children in Key Stages 1 and 2. A member of the Independent Schools Association and the Catholic Independent Schools’ Conference, the school claims to focus on the quality of relationships and teaching within its community. Its grounds host various activities, including a range of clubs and an after-school provision known as Busy Bees. The school also provides Parent and Toddler mornings, fostering early connections with the local community in its rural village setting.