Without making much fuss about itself, this boarding school on England’s south coast shapes healthy and happy young personalities. Bathed in fresh sea air, both British and international students can explore their creativity here.
On the edge of Eastbourne — Britain’s sunniest town — lies the eponymous college, right by the beach. Pupils at this down-to-earth school benefit from the healthy sea breeze and the town’s amenities, all within walking distance. In sport, art and music, the college aspires to excellence, just as it does academically. We particularly admire the dance programme and the impressive creative facilities. Above all, the focus on healthy, sustainable learning stands out — the students are prepared for life.
Akademis makes history – A Triple Award-Winning Consultancy (2023, 2024 & 2025) 🏆
Akademis has been recognised three years in a row by StudyTravel for excellence in the education sector:
2025 & 2024: Winners of the StudyTravel Secondary School Award (Best Western European Agency)
2023: Winner of the StudyTravel Star Award
(Best Western European Agency)
The StudyTravel Awards are among the most prestigious honours in international education, recognising outstanding quality, client focus and trusted partnerships. Being the first consultancy ever to win for three consecutive years is something we are deeply proud of. For us, these awards highlight our commitment to offering the very best guidance, personal service and long-term support for families embarking on this exciting journey.
Quick Overview
Total number of students: 640
International students: 120
Boarding students: 290
Students in the Sixth Form: 300
Boarding fees for senior school per term: £17,927
The most important sports on offer in addition to traditional team sports: water sports, athletics, cricket, football, hockey, netball, tennis
Nearest airports: London Gatwick 75 km (50 min by train), London Heathrow 133 km
https://www.eastbourne-college.co.uk
Key Strengths at a Glance
Seaside location
Around 90% of students represent the school in sports competitions
Academically strong despite being non-selective
Recording studio and ballet studio
Eastbourne College – Photo Highlights
Eastbourne College in Detail
Creative Arts
Eastbourne College’s arts facilities are remarkable: an art school, textile department, studios for ceramics, photography, painting and digital arts, plus a three-storey design and technology centre equipped for product and industrial design. In the purpose-built Birley Centre, musicians take instrumental lessons, sing in the choir, rehearse with the concert band or perform in the singer-songwriter club. Dance is also big here — ballet, jazz, modern, choreography and fitness training all feature in the wide-ranging offer. Team spirit runs through the theatre department too: during the Year 9 House Festival, sixth formers direct and all the new pupils take to the stage. Creative theatre workshops and productions such as Dracula, Macbeth and The Three Musketeers are equally impressive.
Sport
Everyone is encouraged to join in sport, whether competing seriously or simply for fun. The department aims high but also prioritises enjoyment, health and well-being. Competition is part of the culture — around 90% of pupils represent the school in matches and tournaments, which is impressive! Disciplines include athletics, biathlon, cross-country, cycling, dance, riding, fencing, rugby fives, football, golf, sailing, triathlon, water polo, rowing and swimming. Facilities include a new sports hall, swimming pool, fitness suite, dance studio and two astroturf pitches. The co-curricular programme adds even more choice, with basketball, Zumba, windsurfing, table tennis, shooting and cricket on offer.
Academics
Flexible timetables, highly qualified staff and a lively yet focused atmosphere characterise teaching at Eastbourne College. The curriculum includes classics like Latin, Greek and Classical Civilisation, but also dance, textiles, business and politics. Self-study language courses are particularly popular, covering Arabic, Chinese, Portuguese and Japanese. Academic results were praised in a recent inspection: in 2022, 55% of pupils achieved A*-A grades at A-level. There are also special courses for pre-medicine and fundamentals of financial services. A unique online pass covers practical skills like cooking, driving, teamwork, charity work and resilience.
Enrichment
The school ethos sees extracurricular life as a vital contributor to academic success. Pupils develop confidence and camaraderie through activities that challenge and inspire them — and these qualities also shine in the classroom. The Combined Cadet Force, Duke of Edinburgh Award and community service all offer adventure and responsibility. Pupils can also choose from yoga, creative writing, photography, self-defence, programming, Model United Nations, interview skills workshops and much more. Cultural evenings — with films, quizzes, talks and themed cuisine — help pupils discover languages and cultures from around the world.
This is Eastbourne College
Eastbourne College Fees
At Eastbourne College, fees for sixth form boarders are £17,927 per term, or £53,781 per year.
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Conclusion Eastbourne College
Eastbourne College is a strong academic school with outstanding creative opportunities.
However, it is far from the only school in Britain that could be a great match for you. We warmly encourage you to take advantage of our free consultation to discuss your particular wishes and expectations. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch — thanks to years of direct contact with schools, we understand their unique qualities and can give you honest, insightful guidance.
We’ve already placed many German students in creative boarding schools, and they have all been very happy with their experience. Many of them are happy to share their stories too, so you can gain an authentic first impression of boarding life.
We’re also happy to advise you on other schools in England. You’ll find an overview on our “Boarding Schools in England” page.
Benefit from:
- authentic insights from first-hand experience
- our excellent relationships with admissions offices
- years of expertise in placing students
- help with any questions about visas
What Makes Akademis Stand Out?
- We remain your trusted contact throughout your child’s stay, well beyond the placement process.
- We provide support with guardianship, visa applications and recognition of qualifications within the German school system.
- We offer fully tailored advice. Our school recommendations are unique to each child and can run to 40 pages in length.
- Families receive our 30+ page boarding school guide, packed with practical tips and insights.
- We prepare your child thoroughly for entrance exams and interviews to maximise their chances of success.
- We arrange school visits, ensuring you have the opportunity to experience each school first-hand.
Every boarding school has its own character and ethos. Having personally visited more than 100 schools, we understand these nuances. We also work with schools that do not pay commission, ensuring that our advice remains independent and always in the best interest of your child.
Our roots lie in the UK. For years, we have placed 200–300 families annually into British boarding schools. While our portfolio now includes schools beyond Britain, the UK remains at the heart of what we do.
Our tailored approach results in exceptional acceptance rates. For example, in 2022/23, all seven students we placed at the highly selective Malvern College received offers – a 100% success rate.
We arrange for prospective families to speak with our current students to hear first-hand accounts of life at a UK boarding school.
