Frewen College

Frewen College is dedicated to empowering students to 'Aspire, Believe and Achieve' within a nurturing, high-quality environment. As the world's oldest specialist dyslexia school, it employs evidence-based, multi-sensory teaching methods to support unique learning profiles. The school prioritises small class sizes to ensure every student is known, supported, and encouraged to discover their individual strengths.

The school follows the National Curriculum for students aged 11–16 in the Senior School, leading to GCSE and vocational qualifications. The Sixth Form (ages 16–19) offers a range of A-level and vocational options, often in collaboration with partner colleges, supplemented by additional Frewen courses and support. Teaching is characterised by multi-sensory approaches and the use of assistive technologies.

Students achieve success in academic and vocational qualifications, including GCSEs and A-levels, with many progressing to further education. The school focuses on building self-confidence, resilience, and independence, with students often showing significant personal and social progress. The curriculum is designed to enable students to overcome learning challenges and reach their full potential.

The school provides intensive, evidence-based literacy and numeracy support, alongside one-to-one or small-group therapy sessions for speech and language, occupational therapy, and physiotherapy. Specialist support is tailored to individual needs, often guided by an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP). The school also employs specialist staff, including qualified therapists and teachers trained in Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLD).

The school admits boys and girls aged 11–19 with dyslexia and associated needs, such as dyscalculia, dyspraxia, and speech, language, or sensory integration disorders. The admissions process involves an initial enquiry, submission of reports (including educational psychologist reports and EHCPs), an Open Morning visit, and a mandatory three-day evaluation (with two nights on-site for boarders). The school does not admit children with emotional, behavioural, or social disorders. Places are limited in certain year groups, and entry is not permitted into Year 11 or part-way through Year 10 or 12.

The school operates on a three-term academic year. Terms typically begin in early September, early January, and mid-April, with breaks for half-terms and exeats throughout the year. The school year concludes in early July.

Located on the historic Brickwall estate in the East Sussex countryside, the campus includes boarding houses, classrooms, and specialist facilities. These feature design and technology workshops with laser cutters, science labs, and music rooms. The school also provides catering services and maintains grounds for outdoor activities and sports.

Students participate in a variety of activities, including outdoor education, bushcraft, archery, and sports such as rugby and cricket. The school hosts events like Activities Week and offers after-school clubs, music lessons (piano, violin, singing, drums, wind, and guitar), and Duke of Edinburgh expeditions. Boarding students benefit from a programme of weekend activities, which are included in the boarding fees.