Independent Schools in East Sussex

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.

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.

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.

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.