Eastbourne College

An Independent Co-educational Boarding and Day School for ages 13 to 18, 613+ pupils, County of East Sussex

About the College
The College was founded by the Seventh Duke of Devonshire and other prominent Eastbourne citizens in 1867. For a hundred years, as a school for boys, it was proud to educate, amongst many successful old pupils, two VCs, a Nobel prize-winner, a President of the Royal Academy, and a Lord Mayor of London. In 1969 it was one of the first HMC schools to welcome girls into the sixth form. Now girls of all ages make up over 40% of the school. The seaside town of Eastbourne is an ideal location for a boarding school, offering as it does a wide range of attractions. The College is situated on the western tip of the town, a block or two from the sea and ten minutes' walk from the town centre, with its main-line trains to London Victoria, and from the Downs. The College Chapel was built in 1870 and today plays an important part in the community. There is a full-time chaplain who plays a significant part in both the teaching and pastoral sides of school life. The choir has a serious musical reputation and sings regularly, not only at chapel services but also annually at Chichester and Winchester cathedrals.

Admission
As a general rule, pupils start in the Michaelmas Term in Y9, aged 13, or they join the Lower 6th (Y12), aged 16, although other times are considered in exceptional circumstances. Entry: mainly in Y9 & Y12, but also in Y10. September entry only, but exceptions are possible, 1 year minimum stay. Proportion of overseas pupils is approximately 10%. Eastbourne College welcomes pupils from all over the world as they enrich life at Eastbourne, but restricts large numbers from any one country. The College typically have 15 pupils from Europe and 45 from the rest of the world. Admissions will normally ask for a level of English that is generally classified as Upper Intermediate at age 13 years or a slightly higher level for 6th Form at 16 years. This is so that the pupil can truly benefit from the education Eastbourne College offers in all subjects and play a full part in the life of the school. Applicants will be normally asked to sit test in English and Maths. 

Boarding
Pupils' lives at Eastbourne are centred on their houses. Here boys and girls find themselves part of a house community. It is in their houses that pupils, both boarding and day, will make their closest friends, will receive the unstinting support of a housemaster or housemistress and will naturally gravitate between classes, meals, activities, recreational arts, sport, town leave and other social events. Each house has features that are common to all houses but equally each house has its own individual atmosphere. There are ten houses at the College. One of the real strengths of the College as a boarding school is that day pupils, like boarders, are based in proper houses and looked after by a housemaster or housemistress, with whom they quickly build a strong rapport.

English as an Additional Language
English as an Additional Language Department provides compulsory extra tuition where relevant to enable students to continue to improve their English. Pupil support is tailored to the needs of the individual and is provided, in the academic context, by timetabled EAL lessons, either for small groups or on a one to one basis, depending on the needs of each pupil. The EAL department has a professional approach which reflects the ethos of the College and the subject departments: high standards of academic progress, punctuality, behaviour, presentation of class work and preparation are required. Eastbourne College welcomes pupils for whom English is an additional language so long as they have the aptitude and ability to cope with being taught in English. Specialist teachers offer an EAL course to enable pupils to become stronger in English so that they can make full use of all the educational opportunities on offer at the College. All international pupils are asked to write an EAL entrance test. The entrance test will determine if the pupil will need EAL tuition. Applicants are asked for a level of English usage that is generally classified as Intermediate/Upper Intermediate for Y9 and Y10 and Upper Intermediate/Advanced for Y12 and Y13. Extra tuition is compulsory for all EAL pupils.

Sports, Music and Drama
There is a full programme of extra-curricular activity in Art, Drama & Music, which takes place in addition to the academic timetable. Art is part of the fabric of everyday life in the College- literally so in the case of the dining hall, where pupils' work is always on display. In addition there are many opportunities for the interested student to explore new skills. The Art School is open for recreational activities in the weekday afternoons and evenings. The College has enjoyed a long and distinguished reputation for drama productions, which involve students from all year groups and Houses. All pupils in their 1st term at the school have the opportunity to be involved with a major production, and these challenges continue for the many enthusiasts throughout their time here. At Eastbourne students are fortunate in school facilities, having a fully equipped 284-seater theatre with a raked auditorium and an adaptable space, as well as a new 120 seat studio theatre. Music is an important part of life at Eastbourne: a high proportion of pupils study an instrument and there are opportunities for all to get involved in a wide range of activities.

Location
By air - Gatwick and Heathrow airports are within easy reach by road, Gatwick is just over 75 minutes away, and Heathrow is over one and a half hours away. By rail – Gatwick & Heathrow airports are within easy reach by rail, there is direct train to Gatwick, and journey will take approximately 45 minutes. Railway station is 10 minutes walk from the College, and the direct journey to London Victoria by train from Eastbourne station takes just 85 minutes.

Visit the Eastbourne College website.