2025 HIGHLIGHTS
“Tradition intertwined with modernity at this forward-thinking all-rounder gem”
The Good Schools Guide
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EXTRAORDINARY STARTS WITH EASTBOURNE
At Eastbourne College, we put all our energy into helping every child unlock their extraordinary . It is our belief that their potential has no limit. So, it gives me great pleasure to see so many of our children achieving such wonderful things within and beyond the classroom. Tom Lawson, Headmaster
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HELPING PUPILS FIND THEIR OWN SUPERB Our ambition is to inspire modern minds with our healthy, balanced learning approach and our passion for innovation.
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OUR VALUES ARE TIMELESS
Our school was founded by ordinary people who believed in the power of education not only to deliver academic quality, but also encourage good health and breadth of character. Many generations later, we still live by the same values: our pupils are ambitious and confident, but also grounded. Put simply, they are good people who others want to be with.
A HOLISTIC APPROACH TO LEARNING
Our diverse academic syllabus is complemented by exceptional co- curricular opportunities. This approach helps young people
nurture and grow their individual talents. Ultimately we develop happy, successful pupils who often achieve far beyond their expectations. SUCCESS OF THE INDIVIDUAL There is no such thing as a typical Eastbourne pupil. Every individual is cherished for who they are and encouraged to be inquisitive, open- minded and find inspiration in everything they do. Tutor groups are small, offering highly personalised pastoral support, our modern facilities offer greater opportunities and our co-curricular activities are as rich and diverse as our unique surroundings. HEALTHY LEARNING FOR THE LONG TERM Enjoying the outdoors is a big part of our commitment to our whole-of-learning approach. As a blue-health school, we want our pupils to grow up in an active environment that is busy and purposeful, where our idyllic coastal location and state-of-the-art campus promote healthy, social and happy lives.
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CONTINUAL IMPROVEMENT AND SUCCESS
We’re proud of our heritage, but always looking forward, empowering our pupils to question the answers and find their own path in life. Recognition of our achievements and commitment are testament to our absolute focus on our pupils’ wellbeing and development.
NATIONAL WELLBEING AWARD Eastbourne College and St Andrew’s Prep both hold the Wellbeing Award for Schools from the National Children’s Bureau and Osiris Education, recognising the quality of pastoral care across both schools. NATIONAL SPORTS COACHING AWARD Eastbourne College won the national Talk Education Award for Innovation in Education for its inspiring approach to coaching sport at every level.
NATIONAL CREATIVITY AWARD Eastbourne College holds the highly prestigious Platinum Artsmark by the Arts Council for its outstanding work in creative and performing arts, the only school of its type in the South East to receive this top award. OTHER RECOGNITION Eastbourne College was a finalist for the School Trips category in the Independent School of the Year Awards and Highly Commended in the Muddy’s Best School Awards for our Preparation for Life.
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COMMITTED TO ACHIEVING ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE Year on year, the College is typically ranked in the top 4% of schools in the country on the basis of ‘value added’ (how much the pupils achieve above and beyond their expected grades).
GCSE
52 %
of exams awarded grades 7–9 (A-A*)
18 PUPILS achieving a clean sweep of grades 7–9 (A-A*) 55 grades 8 or 9
achieved by our top five performers
MORE THAN 620 grades 8 or 9 across the cohort
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80 % A*–B in
A-LEVEL
STEM subjects
32 A*s achieved among the top ten performers
93 %
A*–B in creative subjects
74 %
A*–B
1 IN 5 pupils achieved straight A*/A grades
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ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE
This academic year was marked by distinction across every discipline. Pupils earned national prizes, Oxbridge places and competitive scholarships, while also contributing to public debate and even curriculum reform.
BUSINESS AND ECONOMICS Pupils engaged with national economic policy debates through the IEA’s Budget Challenge 2025 , submitting detailed proposals in response to the Chancellor’s spring statement. Notable contributions came from Rowan Bell , Billy Hart , Tom Hoskinson , Kiki Su , Will Travers , Xinyue Zhao and Hanhan Zhu whose work showed strong awareness
CLASSICS Pupils studying classical subjects demonstrated thoughtful scholarship and confident communication, with James Dunlop giving a well- received presentation on the Greek poet Hesiod at the Benenden Classics Symposium , while Neffion Myles Hall achieved second place in the Reimagining Classics Competition .
ENGLISH The English department continued to champion both critical and creative thinking. Frank Liu won the Year 9 Declamation Prize with a powerful original poem. Ava Williams was awarded the Newton Critical Reading Prize in Year 10 for a considered response to an extract from Great Expectations . At A-level, Emma Birch won the Vernon Dobtcheff Prize with an imaginative recreation of Ophelia’s Diary , incorporating sketches, poetry and artwork. Wilf Medlycott was highly commended for his poetic response to Pink Mist . Trips to Stratford-upon-Avon and London gave sixth formers the chance to see Hamlet and Tom Stoppard’s The Real Thing , while guest speakers including Dr Lewis Todd and Holly Dawson enriched the department’s Literature Society programme.
of fiscal policy trade-offs and macroeconomic priorities.
Business and economics pupils also took part in the College’s CISI (Chartered Institute of Securities and Investment) programme to study for their Level 2 qualification in Fundamentals of Financial Services , gaining early exposure to concepts in finance, investment analysis and ethical governance.
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GEOGRAPHY Fieldwork took sixth form geographers across London and the South East , complemented by academic lectures at Brighton University . A particular highlight was Alice Osborne’s highly commended entry in the Royal Geographical Society’s national essay competition . The College also contributed directly to the development of the new natural history GCSE . Working with OCR and schools from the Coastal Schools Partnership , the College hosted strategy workshops and shared subject insight that will help shape the final qualification, due for national launch in 2026.
HISTORY AND POLITICS Three pupils from the faculty secured offers from Oxford or Cambridge this year: Xanthe Lawson gained an offer to read History and German at University College, Oxford ; Melanya Freeston received an offer to read Law at Jesus College, Oxford ; and Nellie Yarrow-Davies was awarded an unconditional offer to study Human, Social and Political Sciences at Downing College, Cambridge . These follow the success of last year’s leavers, including Henry Tang , who has just completed his first year at Oriel College, Oxford , reading History and Economics . During the year, pupils attended a major political conference at Methodist Central Hall, Westminster , hearing from senior figures including Diane Abbott , Nigel Farage , Michael Gove and Jacob Rees-Mogg . A separate trip to Washington DC gave 36 sixth formers a remarkable insight into American democracy, including visits to the Capitol , Supreme Court and Gettysburg .
MODERN LANGUAGES Pupils distinguished themselves in a range of language-based competitions this year. Xanthe Lawson received a commendation in the Stephen Spender Prize for her German translation, while Eleftherios Ioannidis was recognised in the Anthea Bell Translation Prize , run by Queen’s College, Oxford . In the UK Linguistics Olympiad , Ian Tam earned a bronze award at advanced level, with Herbert Phillips , Anjali Pal and William Lambert also winning bronze at intermediate and foundation levels. Year 10 pupils took part in a successful exchange with Collège St Jean in St Jean de Luz , building fluency and
confidence through immersion in French school and family life.
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STEM HIGHLIGHTS
ENGINEERING Oliver Edmead , 2024 leaver and previous holder of an Arkwright Scholarship , was awarded a prestigious QUEST scholarship by the Institution of Civil Engineers , supported by Skanska , recognising his potential as a future leader in engineering and the built environment. Oliver is currently studying for a Masters in Civil Engineering at the University of Bath . MATHEMATICS Pupils performed strongly across all levels of mathematics enrichment and national competition. Seven Year 10 pupils, led by Jocelyn Hou , entered the M.E.I. Ritangle Competition - a national challenge aimed at sixth formers, at least two years older. They solved 18 out of 20 advanced problems, with Jocelyn commended for her initiative and team leadership. Earlier in the academic year, two pupils achieved top national honours. Dean Zhang , in Year 11, and Viola Han , in Year 10, were both placed in the top 100 nationally in the Maclaurin and Hamilton Olympiads respectively, each earning a bronze medal and prize. Further success followed in the Mathematical Olympiad for Girls , where Tilly Chapman , Viola Han and Xinyue Zhao represented the College with distinction. Viola Han , Oliver Rivett and Dean Zhang took part in the Senior Mathematical Challenge , while Atom Tian qualified for the follow-on Senior Kangaroo round .
SCIENCES Pupils in all three sciences achieved success in nationally benchmarked Olympiads and regional competitions, reinforcing the College’s reputation for academic strength in STEM. In physics, Dean Zhang achieved a gold award in the British Physics Olympiad , a competition known for its rigorous problem-solving. Zephaniah Andal received silver , and Tilly Chapman secured bronze . In chemistry, a team of Darina Bodnar-Dybash , Lottie Hecks , Herbert Phillips and Freddie Timlin were awarded bronze in the regional Royal Society of Chemistry Top of the Bench Competition . Biologists also performed well in national assessment. Millie Davidson-Houston was awarded silver in the Intermediate Biology Olympiad , with Yan Kiu Lee and Teifi Wolstenholme earning bronze and several others being highly commended .
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DEBATING AND GENERAL KNOWLEDGE The College’s general knowledge and debating teams continued to impress on the national stage. In the Schools Challenge Quiz , the senior team of Humreen Ellens , Kitty Hill , Reuben Mace and Ian Tam defeated King’s Canterbury by 80 points to progress through the regional rounds. The junior team also performed strongly, qualifying for the plate competition. In debating, pupils reached the Cambridge Finals Day of the Oxford and Cambridge Debating Competition and advanced to the final stages of both the Handcross Park and Manchester International Schools contests. The Hayman Society debate in the summer term brought together sixth form pupils and external speakers, including OE and MP Alison Griffiths , to argue the motion that schools should prioritise character development over academic excellence. Year 9 and Year 10 pupils served as adjudicators.
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SPORTING HIGHLIGHTS
This year saw Eastbourne College teams and individuals excel across a broad range of sports. From national titles in the pool and on the tennis court to county medals on the track and hard-fought fixtures across the country, this was a year defined by ambition, effort and achievement.
ATHLETICS In the Sussex Schools Diamond League , Eastbourne College pupils won 3 gold , 6 silver and 6 bronze medals , with girls captain, Nelly Bathard-Smith , breaking the senior girls long jump record for the league. Sixteen pupils qualified for the Sussex County Championships , with three going on to national finals , and two others selected to represent Sussex at the English Schools Championships . BADMINTON Badminton fixtures expanded this year to include the first-ever all- girls match , against Roedean, while a highlight for the boys was a close-fought 10–8 victory over Sevenoaks. BASKETBALL Basketball players represented the College in regional cup final league games and the Sussex Schools Tournament . The team also travelled on the Dubai multi-sport tour , training with the Beyond Basketball Academy and playing matches at world-class venues.
CRICKET The 1st XI girls enjoyed a strong season, beating Bede’s, King’s, Mayfield and Lancing and the U15 girls won six out of eight matches , including cup fixtures. History was made again this year in girls cricket as the College hosted its first Women’s MCC match on the iconic College Field. The 1st XI boys defeated King’s, Bede’s, Hurst, and the MCC . A highlight was Charl Spies’ remarkable return of 8 for 31 off 11.2 overs against the MCC. The U15As had a good run of wins including beating Bede’s twice, Brighton College and King’s. The College was included for the ninth consecutive year as a Top 100 UK Senior School for Cricket in The Cricketer Schools Guide. Special mention must go to the continuing success of the College’s Director of Cricket, Matilda Callaghan , who was recognised with three awards at the Annual Essex County Cricket Club Gala Dinner Awards . OE Tawanda Muyeye delivered a maiden double century for Kent County Cricket Club against Worcestershire in the County Championship.
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SWIMMING SUPER LEAGUE SUCCESS Eastbourne College was the runaway winner of the South East Schools Swimming Super League in 2025 – just one example of the extraordinary strength and success our team had in the pool this year.
PLACE
SCHOOL
GALA POINTS
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
1029 998 993 989 979 982 945 904 783 799
CARDINAL NEWMAN ARDINGLY COLLEGE ACS COBHAM
FIVES Both boys and girls teams competed in the South-East regional competitions. The girls qualified for the national finals , where they produced cup and plate winners and runners-up in singles and doubles events, continuing a decades- long national standard in this sport.
EQUESTRIAN The College qualified for the National Equestrian Finals for the ninth consecutive year . At the county qualifiers at Felbridge, Darcy Dumas placed 3rd in the 80–85cm class, qualifying for the RPL at Hickstead , and the overall team secured fourth place.
ST JOHN’S
HURST COLLEGE EPSOM COLLEGE
CRANLEIGH
BRIGHTON COLLEGE
BEDE’S
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OLD EASTBOURNIAN
ANNUAL INTERHOUSE COMPETITIONS STEEPLECHASE Pupils from every house and year group ran a course on the nearby South Downs, ending at the Wish Tower on the seafront.
FOOTBALL The 1st XI boys progressed through to the fourth round of the national plate. In regular fixtures, the four senior teams scored 53 goals between them with the 3rd XI scoring 23 and the 4th XI going unbeaten with 3 wins and a draw.
HOCKEY Over 150 girls played in 10 teams, contesting more than 70 fixtures. The 1st XI girls reached the quarter- finals of the national plate , and the U15As progressed to Round 4 . The 2nd XI finished with 3 wins and 2 draws from 7 matches. The 1st XI boys averaged an extraordinary 6.5 goals per game and played in the national cups to the latter rounds including reaching the cup semi-final of the 28 school St George’s Sixes before beating Hurst 7-4 the next day. The U14s and U15s amassed an incredible 150 goals and the U15As reached the national plate quarter final in Nottingham. The boys indoor U16 and U18 teams also won through to the south-east regional rounds with the U18s reaching the semi-final , narrowly losing to the national finalists. The boys and, for the first time, the girls 1st XI hockey squads entered the Bath Hockey Festival with numerous notable wins. Special mention must go to Sam Bordass who beat his own 1st XI top goal scorer’s record from last year of 31 goals, by setting a new record of 33 goals across the season, in only 15 matches.
RUGBY Over 200 boys competed in the 70 rugby fixtures this year, with half the games won. The 1st XV impressed, winning eight from 12. In knockout competitions, the team finished an impressive second in the Churcher’s tournament and went on to win a very competitive Eltham Tournament by fine margins and without conceding a try. The 1st XV, U16s and U14s all competed at the Rosslyn Park 7s with the 1st team winning their group . SAILING The College sailing team entered its first ever National Schools Sailing Association Regatta at Chew Valley lake in Bristol, achieving third in the silver fleet - a huge achievement given it was their first team-racing event.
Swiming Squad National Champions
Girls Tennis National Champions
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90
900+ FIXTURES
%
of pupils competed in fixtures
11 sports compete at county, regional or national level
100+ TEAMS
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SWIMMING The College’s swimmers made history at the Olympic Pool in London with back-to-back double victories in the freestyle and medley relays at the Bath Cup . The boys team retained both the Aldenham Cup and the Dunelm Cup , setting two new national record times and securing the medley title on the final touch. They became only the second school in 40 years to achieve this. The girls team delivered their own success, taking double silver and significantly improving on last year’s performance. The team also amassed 11 gold , 6 silver and 9 bronze medals at the Independent Schools Individual National Finals , while the boys relay team clinched the medley and freestyle relay titles at the Independent Small Schools Championships . At the ESSA Individual Finals , Eastbourne swimmers earned two gold , three silver , and four bronze medals . The College won its category in the Schools Swimming Super League by a comfortable margin. Individual successes included Matt Clark qualifying again for the British Championships , and Amelie Hunt and Hattie Stone reaching national finals .
TENNIS The girls team retained their title in the LTA Winter Schools competition , winning the regional finals to become one of four national winners . It marked the third time the College has won the competition. The squad of Daisy Barrow , Emma Grantham , Gaby Pacheco-Lagoda and Emma Valks led the team to success. In the summer season, the girls retained their Sussex U18 County title , reaching the final regional round of the national competition. The U15 girls were county finalists in the LTA League . At the Tunbridge Wells Grade 3 regional tournament , Gaby Pacheco-Lagoda won the U18 singles and Katie Rennie took the U14 singles title . The boys 1st team reached the last regional round of the National Championships and finished runners up in the County Cup and Independent Schools League .
SPORTING ETHOS Across all sports, pupils displayed the values that define Eastbourne College teams: humility in victory, dignity in defeat and an enduring commitment to their teammates. Whether representing the school on national stages or contributing to block fixtures and house competitions, their spirit and effort were unwavering. Particular recognition must go to the College’s four triple full colours (known as Triple Stags) recipients: Sophie Fellows (Hockey, Netball, Tennis, Fives), Tiggy Tutt (Hockey, Netball, Tennis), Izzy Steed (Hockey, Netball, Fives), and Nelly Bathard-Smith (Hockey, Athletics, Fives) – a reflection of both sporting breadth and commitment.
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CREATIVE AND PERFORMING ARTS HIGHLIGHTS
This was a year of vibrant celebration of creativity at the College, with pupils across all year groups excelling in art, music, drama, dance, design and technology and creative leadership. We were delighted that, during the year, the ISI inspectors recognised our “significant strength” across many of these areas.
ARTS AWARD This was a record-breaking year for the Gold Arts Award , with 14 Upper Sixth pupils successfully completing the qualification. Their showcase in March featured original films, workshops, exhibitions and performances, curated and delivered entirely by the pupils. Highlights included films by Dexter Bell , Olly Beatton and Mary Keast- Butler , with Jossi Pears as Director of Photography; workshops by Charlie Goffin and Nao Kobayashi ; a sewing bee competition run by Freya Parker and Lola Woollard ; a photo booth by Flora Liu and Mandy Luo ; a directing project by Noah Gould ; and showcase curation by Martha Lillicrap , with design by Alexander Maclaurin . In the summer term, Layla Clusky El Jishi directed Waiting for Godot. Year 12 pupils made a strong start to their own Arts Award journeys, engaging in workshops on printing, portraiture, and music production, and attending a portfolio masterclass with UAL’s John Gianinni .
ART, PHOTOGRAPHY AND TEXTILES The Casson Art School was a hub of activity throughout the year, culminating in a summer exhibition that showcased exceptional work across art, photography and textiles. The exhibition featured beautifully curated pieces from pupils in all year groups, with many Year 13 leavers pursuing creative pathways. Among them, Florence Garvey submitted her UAL EPQ project to the Origins Creatives exhibition in London, following her immersive installation on AI and gendered marketing, which transformed the studio into a sensory experience. Brooke Haycock , a Year 12 photographer, exhibited his wildlife photography as part of his EPQ on storytelling, while also engaging with artist and parent Kathryn Martin to discuss her published photobook and share his own work.
Pupils across the school visited leading cultural institutions including the V&A Museum , Naomi Campbell exhibition , Charleston House , and the Fashion and Textile Museum , drawing inspiration for their coursework and creative development. Year 9 pupils took part in a Future Makers workshop and creative futures event at the Towner Art Gallery , while the annual Open Studio event offered a behind-the-scenes look at creative work in progress. In textiles, pupils from Years 9 to 13 demonstrated outstanding creativity and technical skill. Amelia Williams showcased her intricate designs at the Arts Award Showcase, and Isabella Banks and Evie Ginbey presented work from their Dance and Vocal Showcases.
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ARTSMARK PLATINUM AWARD The Platinum Artsmark is the top award for creative quality in education, accredited by Arts Council England. Eastbourne College is the only school of its type to receive this level of award in the South East.
DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY
DANCE Dance continued to thrive, with pupils from Years 9 to 13 working towards ballet, modern and tap grades. The annual Dance Showcase featured iconic numbers from Cabaret and Sweet Charity , and a workshop with Daniel Hay-Gordon , co-director of the renowned LGBTQ+ dance company Thick & Tight , brought professional insight to the studio. Year 10 dancers performed in a short production devised by Motionhouse Dance Company following a three- day Coastal Schools Partnership residency, while Year 11–13 pupils took part in a street and hip-hop fusion workshop. Year 12 dancers supported younger pupils in choreography and technique, contributing to their Gold Arts Awards and EPQs.
Pupils undertook ambitious projects throughout the year. Scholars Dan Clark and Julian Hannay completed advanced projects - a prototype folding table and a garden bench, respectively
- with Dan’s work supported by the Worshipful Company of Joiners and Ceilers . Izzy
Fogg , Darcey Lewis and Briony Rollinshaw progressed to the next stage of the national Samsung ‘Design for Tomorrow’ competition, attending a seminar and workshop in London.
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MUSIC Music was again at the heart of College life, with over 40 events throughout the year . The Remembrance Concert, House Singing and A Capella competitions, the Summer Concert, and the Bandstand finale all showcased the depth of musical talent across the school. The Vocal and Young Musician of the Year competitions saw Harry Shouksmith win the vocal title for the fourth consecutive year, and Hanhan Zhu awarded the Philip Broadley Trophy . Alice Caroe and Harry Shouksmith were finalists in the Ashburnham English Song Award , with Harry winning the Audience Prize, and both were selected for the National Youth Choir . The Jazz Band performed at the Eastbournian Society Dinner , Children in Need , and Giving Day , where they joined forces with the Durham University Jazz Orchestra , led by OE James Grout . Other highlights included a trip to the world premiere of Jonathan Dove’s Uprising featuring Sophia Sneddon in the Glyndebourne Youth Opera , the return of Battle of the Bands (won by Gifthorse ), and the Composers Concert, which included a reimagined Mozart Serenade .
DRAMA The drama department enjoyed a rich and varied year. The Michaelmas term concluded with a powerful production of Blue Stockings , brought to life by a 50-strong team of actors, designers and technicians. Earlier in the term, Year 10 scholars staged Menace in the Silence , a collection of scenes by Harold Pinter . In the Lent term, Year 9 scholars Teo Bailey , Ruth Boothby , Lana Constable , Erin Hillyer , Emelia Johnson and Poppy Ward performed Two by Jim Cartwright . LAMDA results were excellent, and theatre trips to Wicked and Dear Evan Hansen inspired pupils further. Notably, Harry Evans joined the National Youth Music Theatre , and Old Eastbournians Jack Evans and Ben Young began their studies at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama . A special mention goes to OE Fin Tomlinson , who was cast in the chorus of Dirty Rotten Scoundrels at the London Palladium , performing alongside Ramin Karimloo and Hadley Fraser . Good news also came for OE Leticia Nare who received offers from both The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama for acting courses.
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SERVICE HIGHLIGHTS
The last academic year saw College pupils continue to make a meaningful difference through charitable giving, community engagement and personal development. From raising thousands for local and international causes to supporting younger learners and vulnerable adults, pupils demonstrated compassion, initiative and leadership.
Inaugural Giving Day, 2025
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CHARITY AND FUNDRASING This year’s Chapel Charity was
the Midlands Orphanage & Care Centre in Colenso, South Africa , for which well over £3,500 was raised to help purchase water treatment equipment. Alongside this, the College community rallied behind the Blue Sky Bursaries Appeal , which aims to fund up to 40 fully-funded, means- tested bursary places by 2028. The inaugural Giving Day was a major success, featuring mascot creations, House chants, tug-of-war and an evening jazz concert. Thanks to the efforts of pupils, staff, ambassadors and donors, the campaign raised around £400,000 . Throughout the year, Houses supported a wide range of causes. Reeves raised funds for Prostate Cancer UK , Wargrave raised over £7,500 for the RNLI Eastbourne through their 24-hour Rowathon and House Concert, and Blackwater supported St Project through a Colour Run, and a similar amount again for the Chaseley Trust through their Revue and Cake Sale. Nugent cycled 436km in a 24- hour Bikathon for the Little Princess Trust , Pennell supported Oddballs , a testicular cancer charity, and Powell raised funds for the CoCo’s Foundation , supporting orphans in South Africa and Uganda. School House completed 6 full Ironmans to raise £2,861 for African Orphans and art4kids , while Gonville supported the Red Cross in Ukraine . Individual efforts were also notable. Dexter Bell led a team raising money for SUDC (Sudden Unexpected Death in Children) , and Steve Townsend , the College’s Head Porter, organised a Line Dancing fundraiser for the Kent, Surrey and Sussex Air Ambulance . Wilfrid’s Hospice with a Christmas Revue and Candy Cane fundraiser. Watt raised over £1,700 for the JPK
COMMUNITY ENGAGMENT AND S@S Over 100 members of the Lower Sixth and more than 20 pupils from Year 11 took part in the College’s Service at School (S@S) programme each term. Pupils supported the Coastal Schools Partnership by mentoring younger pupils in maths, French and literacy, helping them prepare for GCSEs. Others worked with residents at the Chaseley Trust , engaging in social and craft activities and physiotherapy programmes. The Wednesday Club continued to welcome local elderly residents for bingo, quizzes and afternoon tea, while the Green Team carried out beach cleans and expanded the College’s recycling programme. A new cricket service initiative saw Year 11 and 12 pupils develop coaching skills by creating training videos and leading sessions for Year 7 and 8 girls at Willingdon School , helping to inspire the next generation of local cricketers.
DUKE OF EDINBURGH’S AWARD The DofE programme continued to thrive, with over 2,497 hours of volunteering recorded this year - a Silver , and 1 Bronze . Several pupils attended the Buckingham Palace Garden Party to receive their awards and meet the Duke of Edinburgh . Emilia Dixon and Harinee Satish were selected for the DofE Young Leaders Programme . Expeditions took pupils across the Ashdown Forest , Wootton Bassett and the Brecon Beacons and the College was also honoured to welcome Martin Houghton-Brown , Secretary General of the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Foundation , to the Headmaster’s Garden Barbecue. social value equivalent of more than £22,000 . Seventy pupils completed awards: 22 Gold , 47
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COMBINED CADET FORCE With nearly 200 cadets across the Army, Royal Navy and RAF sections, the CCF remains one of the largest and most active contingents in the south-east.This year, cadets embraced a wide range of opportunities, from leadership training and field exercises to air experience flights and naval visits.
A LEGACY OF LEADERSHIP A highlight of the year was the appointment of Old
Eastbournian General The Lord Richards of Herstmonceux to the honorary rank of Field Marshal - the highest in the British Army. A former Chief of the Defence Staff , Lord Richards credited his time at Eastbourne College and in the CCF as having “a formative role in shaping the values and leadership principles that have guided me throughout my career.” Remarking also that he remains “deeply proud to be an Old Eastbournian.”
RAF SECTION The RAF section marked a successful year with powered flights, gliding and leadership awards. Year 10 cadets earned the Blue Leadership Award , while Year 11 completed their Leading Cadet and Methods of Instruction courses. Edward Duncumb was recognised for top activity scores, Corporal Ian Tam received the Instructor Cadet Award and Sergeant Gabi Dixon was praised for her leadership. Summer camp included visits to the RAF Museum , high ropes, shooting and orienteering. Only a year earlier, he hosted a special dinner at the House of Lords to mark 75 years of the College’s CCF, celebrating the camaraderie, spirit and achievements of one of the largest contingents in the south-east. Lord Richards’ promotion is a rare and fitting recognition of a lifetime of service and leadership, and he continues to inspire generations of Eastbournians through both his achievements and his enduring support of the College.
pupils are in the Combined Cadet Force, one of the largest contingents outside of those at military schools. ARMY SECTION Army cadets progressed through Phase One and Two training, with Year 10 preparing for summer activities and Year 11 completing a 24-hour field exercise and
ROYAL NAVY SECTION Led by Lieutenant Lambert and Sub Lieutenant Thorpe , the Royal Navy section focused on drill, seamanship, and leadership. Cadets visited HMS Puncher at Sovereign Harbour , toured the vessel and spoke with the crew. Summer camp included sailing, paddleboarding and visits to Greenwich and Portsmouth Historic Dockyard .
instructional techniques course. A voluntary overnight exercise tested self-sufficiency and weapons handling. Special recognition went to Upper Sixth leavers Company Sergeant- Major Harry Shouksmith and Colour Sergeant Christopher Mallmann Wettern for their leadership. The section thanked Mr Dacey for organising the summer
programme and said farewell to Lieutenants Smit and Young.
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INTERNATIONAL TRIPS HIGHLIGHTS Every year, pupils take part in a rich and varied programme of international tours, gaining first- hand experience in competitive sport, cultural exploration and academic enrichment across continents.
April’s Dubai Multi-Sports Tour brought together 35 pupils across basketball, swimming, girls cricket and netball. Athletes trained at professional venues including the Trojan Sports 50m pool complex , Beyond Basketball Academy and Hurricane’s Netball Coaches at the Sevens Ground. Competitive fixtures were played in all sports, and pupils also visited the Burj Khalifa , Abu Dhabi’s Grand Mosque visited Washington DC in the week before the 2024 presidential election. Highlights included visiting the Capitol , Supreme Court , National Archives , Gettysburg battlefield and attending a lecture on constitutional law. Pupils also watched an NBA game between the Washington Wizards and Boston Celtics . During the February half-term and went on a desert safari. Thirty-six sixth form pupils break, a group of 16 pupils travelled to Fuerteventura for a week-long surf trip, where they developed their skills and enjoyed challenging Atlantic conditions under the guidance of expert instructors. At the start of the Easter break, senior tennis players headed to the Vilamoura Tennis Academy in Portugal for four days of intensive training. Benefiting from warm weather and high-quality clay courts, the group completed daily sessions of technical drills and matchplay to prepare for the summer season.
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ISI INSPECTION 2024
In November 2024, we welcomed a team from ISI for a routine inspection.We were delighted that they identified so many positive aspects of our school. Here we share some of their comments that capture the strength and ethos of an Eastbourne College education:
DEVELOPING AUTHENTIC ALL-ROUNDERS...
Pupils make good progress in their studies because of the plentiful support available
The curriculum is broad and designed to meet the needs and aptitudes of all pupils
Teaching is engaging, purposefully paced, well-planned, with lessons that challenge pupils to raise their attainment
The art, dance, drama, music, design technology, photography and ceramics departments represent a significant strength of the school
Pupils are well-prepared for the next stage of their lives and can make well-informed choices ...WITH A FOCUS ON THEIR HEALTH AND WELL-BEING
Pupils are well-cared for and develop self-knowledge, self-esteem, and self-confidence
The school instils tolerance and respect and pupils behave with compassion and understanding towards their peers
Staff encourage pupils to reflect on their growth, fostering a sense of self-worth
The extensive PE and sports programme ensures all pupils have access to activities that suit their interests
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THE ART, DANCE, DRAMA, MUSIC, DESIGN TECHNOLOGY, PHOTOGRAPHY AND CERAMICS DEPARTMENTS REPRESENT A SIGNIFICANT STRENGTH OF THE SCHOOL NOVEMBER 2024
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WE ARE EASTBOURNIANS The College is proud of its reputation for preparing pupils for life. Old Eastbournians (OEs) leave as confident young people equipped with the requisite values, skills and qualifications to embark on the next phase of their lives.
Eastbourne College is a hidden gem. Superlative facilities and an innovative mindset seems to be a winning formula for turning out engaging, confident and grounded young adults.
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90 % 85 % of leavers go on to university of leavers go on to their first choice of university
Recent leavers were offered places to read history and German and law at Oxford, human, social and political science at Cambridge and medicine at University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary University of London, Nottingham and Southampton. Pupils also moved on to the universities of Bath, Bristol, Birmingham, Cardiff, Durham, Edinburgh, Exeter, Glasgow, King’s College London, Leeds, Liverpool, London School of Economics, Manchester, Newcastle, Sheffield, St Andrews, UCL, Warwick and York in the UK and Boston University, McKendree University and Northeastern State University in the US.
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THE SEA INSPIRES US
Enjoying the outdoors is a big part of our commitment to our whole-of-learning approach. As a blue-health school, we want our pupils to grow up in an active environment that is busy and purposeful, where our idyllic coastal location promotes healthy, social and happy lives.
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Condé Nast Traveller names Eastbourne as one of the top 15 seaside towns in England, highlighting the environment, architecture and culture in the town.
Its pier presents a chimerical silhouette above the water; its seafront promenade is punctuated by a much-loved bandstand; its streets are lined with grand, Victorian buildings. Eastbourne in East Sussex is the quintessential, old-fashioned seaside resort. But it also provides easy access to the glorious South Downs National Park and to intriguing and little-known art trails.
Eastbourne tops the list of Time Out’s UK Best Places to Visit.
The global media and hospitality brand which helps people explore and experience the best of the city – heralds the East Sussex town’s rising status as a creative and cultural hub, with contemporary art gallery, Towner Eastbourne, hosting the recent Turner Prize. Other events highlighted include the Screen International Film Festival and Beach Life Music Festival. The town’s live music venues and independent shops and eating spots are also singled out.
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Eastbourne College’s facilities are now some of the best in the country and the pastoral care is second to none.
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We are committed to helping our pupils unlock their individual potential and inspire their own extraordinary journey, but don’t just take our word for it.
We chose Eastbourne College for our son because of their passion and dedication to education. They have created a community that is focused on unlocking every child’s potential.
I believe the school’s greatest strength is its approach to nurturing and guiding
students to become independent thinkers.
The College is also exceptional at treating each child truly as an individual, gently pushing and supporting them to be the very best they can be. Ultimately, it is a very happy school, turning out motivated, kind and confident young adults you want to spend time with.
We cannot speak more highly of Eastbourne College and do so on a regular basis to anyone who will listen. We are hugely impressed by the manner in which the school is run: the ability to balance being slick and professional, yet caring and supportive, striving to deliver the best outcome for each individual.
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I think Eastbourne College may have a reputation for achieving success on the sports field and certainly has some of the best facilities of any senior school. However, the school is encouraging of all abilities, and, if your child hasn’t played a sport before, they will be taught how to play, and encouraged to take part rather than sit on the bench.
Thank you for the extraordinary support the College has shown me and my children. I cannot overstate how grateful we are. The opportunity for our children to be part of the Eastbourne community has been truly life-changing and we will carry the memories, values and friendships we have gained with us always.
We have been beyond delighted with the College, which, with its teachers and the Eastbournian community as a whole, offers their pupils something very special indeed.
Eastbourne has surpassed our expectations and is helping to shape our son’s outlook on the world. We are proud to be a part of the school
community and truly believe there isn’t a better school.
The greatest strengths in my view are the opportunities that all pupils have with an Eastbourne College education; pupils are given the chance to excel across several disciplines,
and the College will encourage pupils to discover themselves and achieve their maximum potential.
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TAKE THE NEXT STEP COME AND SEE FOR YOURSELF There is only so much we can convey on these pages about the unique ethos and environment that makes Eastbourne College such a special place for its pupils. Our wonderful location and facilities and the warmth of our welcome can truly be appreciated only when you visit us.We encourage any family considering our school to join one of our tremendously popular open events or to arrange a personalised visit. Touring our world-class campus, chatting with your pupil guide, engaging with housemasters / mistresses, dropping in on lessons, and meeting the headmaster is one of the most important steps in the decision-making process for you and your child.Why? Because this is the beginning of a relationship.
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OUR ENTRY PROCESS Eastbourne College welcomes applications from pupils of all backgrounds. The College has a very strong record for academic value added. This means that many pupils, regardless of ability, strongly outperform expectation compared to the national average. Our entry procedures are intended to identify applicants who will thrive at Eastbourne. The College selects pupils primarily on the basis of their underlying academic ability and personal character.
There are normally two points of entry into the College: our main intake is at the start of the Michaelmas term in Year 9 for boys and girls aged 13 plus. Offers for this entry point are largely made when pupils are in Year 6 and generally based upon references and existing academic testing information. We do not pre-test. Pupils also often join us for two-year A-level courses, commencing in the Lower Sixth (Year 12). Pupils wishing to join the College in Year 10 are considered on an individual basis.
We recognise that the selection of a senior school is very much a two-way process and we are pleased to receive enquiries from, and offer guidance to, any parents interested in their child attending the College at all points of entry. Please contact our admissions team who will be delighted to answer any questions, and to fix a time for a visit: admissions@eastbourne-college.co.uk or 01323 452323
For more information scan the QR code below.
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+44 1323 452300 reception@eastbourne-college.co.uk Old Wish Road, Eastbourne, East Sussex, BN21 4JY
©2025 Eastbourne College | Registered Charity Number 307071
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