

Eastbourne College
Secular
Updated July 2026
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Eastbourne College is a leading independent co-educational day and boarding school located on the UK coast, known for its balanced approach to academic excellence and pupil wellbeing. It serves a wide ability range, aiming to challenge and develop every individual within a supportive, family-like community.
Curriculum
Teaching approach
The school promotes 'healthy learning for the long term,' balancing academic excellence with cultural engagement and sport. Its core values are participation, the pursuit of excellence, integrity, courtesy, and kindness. The school emphasizes pastoral care and the development of emotional intelligence, creativity, and resilience to prepare pupils for a changing world.
Programmes
The academic curriculum covers a wide range of subjects including Biology, Business and Economics, Chemistry, Classics, Computing, Drama and Theatre Studies, English, Geography, History, Mathematics and Further Mathematics, Modern Foreign Languages, Music, Physics, Physical Education, Politics, and Philosophy and Theology. The school also offers an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), PSHE, and Life Studies, alongside specialized programmes for STEM and Oxbridge preparation.
Outcomes
Pupils achieve consistently strong academic results, often exceeding those of more selective schools. The school prepares students for diverse university destinations and career pathways, supported by an Oxbridge programme and a dedicated careers programme. Alumni include notable figures such as Nobel prize-winners and leaders in various professional fields.
Student support
Learning support
The school provides learning enrichment to support pupils' individual needs. Small class sizes and an extended school day, which includes additional support and enrichment sessions on Saturdays, allow teachers to provide tailored stretch and support for pupils across a wide ability range.
Frequently asked questions(4)
- How much is tuition at Eastbourne College?
- Annual tuition at Eastbourne College is £37.4K–£57.8K. Fees vary by year group — confirm the current schedule with the school.
- Is Eastbourne College a day or boarding school?
- Eastbourne College is a day school.
- Is Eastbourne College co-educational?
- Eastbourne College is a co-ed school.
- Where is Eastbourne College located?
- Eastbourne College is an international school in Eastbourne, United Kingdom.
Tuition & fees
Annual tuition by grade
2026-27| Grade | Ages | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Years 9-11 Day | 13–16 | £37.4K |
| Years 9-11 Day+ | 13–16 | £39.2K |
| Years 9-11 Flexi3 | 13–16 | £46.9K |
| Years 9-11 Boarding | 13–16 | £56.9K |
| Sixth Form Day | 16–18 | £38.1K |
| Sixth Form Day+ | 16–18 | £39.9K |
| Sixth Form Flexi3 | 16–18 | £47.8K |
| Sixth Form Boarding | 16–18 | £57.8K |
Other fees(1)
| Registration fee· The first stage of the admissions process for Year 9 or sixth form entry is registration. | — |
|---|
Discounts
- Full-payment discount: 5%
Admissions
The admissions process begins with registration, which can occur at any age, though for Year 9 entry, it is recommended that families register during Year 5 or Year 6. Prospective Sixth Form (Year 12) candidates are encouraged to contact the admissions department by the end of Year 10 or the first term of Year 11 to arrange a visit, tour, and meeting with the headmaster. The school hosts open events and personalised visits for prospective families.
Calendar
The school operates on a three-term structure: Michaelmas, Lent, and Summer. Each term includes scheduled exeats and half-term breaks where boarders may leave campus. The academic year typically begins in early September and concludes in early July.
Facilities
About the campus
The campus features state-of-the-art facilities, notably the Winn Building, which houses modern classrooms, a dance studio, a fitness suite, a five-court sports hall, squash courts, and a 25m swimming pool. The site also includes a large dining hall, flexible function rooms, and a dedicated Design and Technology Centre. The school leverages its coastal location for 'blue health' activities, including beach runs and sea swims.
Co-curriculars
The school offers a broad range of co-curricular activities, including Art, CCF, clubs and societies, Dance, Drama, Design and Technology, Equestrian, Music, and Textile Design. Pupils also participate in the Duke of Edinburgh's Award, various trips and expeditions, and a service-at-school programme. Sport is a significant component of the curriculum, with facilities supporting activities such as hockey, cricket, rugby, and swimming.






Tom LawsonHeadmasterTom Lawson is the Headmaster of Eastbourne College. He is an MA (Oxon) graduate and has spent his entire working life living in schools, with a strong focus on pupil wellbeing and healthy, balanced learning.