Independent Schools in East Sussex

Situated in Eastbourne on the East Sussex coast, Eastbourne College is a co-educational day and boarding school for pupils aged 13 to 18. Established in 1867, the school is located between the beach and the South Downs, describing itself as a ‘blue health school’ that promotes well-being through its maritime environment. The campus features the Birley Centre and the Winn Building, offering a mix of modern and traditional facilities. The school claims to focus on a holistic education underpinned by its core values of excellence, integrity, participation, and kindness.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Situated in the Kemptown area of Brighton, East Sussex, Brighton College is an independent co-educational day and boarding school for pupils aged 3 to 18. Its campus combines historic Gothic Revival buildings with contemporary architecture, including the award-winning School of Science and Sport. The school claims to focus on an ethos of kindness, guided by the Greek motto, 'Let right prevail'. Facilities include 18 university-standard laboratories, a 400-seat theatre, and a 25-metre swimming pool, all located within walking distance of the seafront and the South Downs.

Situated in the Sussex countryside in Upper Dicker, near Hailsham, Bede’s Senior School is a co-educational day and boarding school for pupils aged 13 to 18. The school claims to offer a holistic education that prioritises individual interests, combining academic study with traditions in the performing arts and sport. Notable facilities include an on-site zoo housing over 70 species and the Legat School of Dance. Its ethos focuses on cultivating curiosity and ambition within an inclusive community that values personal growth and both creative and academic achievement.

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.

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.

Situated in the village of Mayfield, East Sussex, Mayfield School is an independent Catholic boarding and day school for girls aged 11 to 18. Occupying the historic Old Palace of the Archbishops of Canterbury, the school features 14th-century buildings and a medieval chapel. It claims to follow a "Cornelian" ethos, focusing on intellectual curiosity, integrity, and compassion. Set within rural grounds, the school offers over 80 co-curricular activities and supports a diverse community of more than 20 nationalities. The school aims to nurture the whole person, balancing academic standards with spiritual and emotional resilience.

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.