Independent Boarding 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.

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 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.

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.

Frewen College is an independent, co-educational day and boarding school situated in Northiam, Rye, East Sussex. The school caters to students aged 7-19 with Specific Learning Difficulties, including dyslexia, dyspraxia, and dyscalculia. It is set within the grounds of a Grade I listed Jacobean mansion, encompassing 60 acres of parkland and gardens, with additional access to 100 acres of ancient deer park. The school claims to focus on individualized learning, developing strengths, and building self-confidence. Small class sizes are a feature of its educational approach.

Situated in a coastal setting in Brighton, East Sussex, Roedean School is an independent day and boarding school for girls. Established in 1885 by the Lawrence sisters, the school claims to provide a thorough physical, intellectual, and moral education. The campus occupies a site overlooking the English Channel. Its ethos focuses on academic excellence, personal independence, and a broad co-curricular programme including sport, culture, and the arts. The school aims to provide a high-quality, all-round education within a supportive community, utilising its expansive grounds for diverse activities.

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.

Buckswood School is a co-educational day and boarding school situated on a 40-acre country estate in Guestling, East Sussex. Occupying Broomham Hall, which features a 15th-century main house, the school provides a rural setting described as a "global school in the heart of the British countryside." The curriculum includes GCSEs, A Levels, and the International Baccalaureate. Guided by its "12 Pillars" ethos, the school claims to focus on internationalism and personal development. Notable campus facilities include a specialist football academy, riding stables, a vineyard, and a woodland activity centre.