Education with a Difference
Bede’s is the place where every pupil finds joy in their pursuit of brilliance. An independent, co-educational school in Sussex, Bede’s Prep School is set on the stunning coastline in Eastbourne and the Senior School positioned in the heart of the idyllic Sussex countryside in the pretty village of Upper Dicker. At Bede’s, every pupil from the age of three months to eighteen years is provided with opportunities to learn both inside and outside the classroom to unlock their individual talents and foster their passions. Bede’s offers an all-encompassing education that nurtures pupils’ inquisitive minds, and in combination with the opportunities that our campuses provide, creates unforgettable memories and a lifelong love of learning.
Bede’s Prep School, set on the foot of the South Downs, boasts spectacular views of the sea at the foot of the South Downs National Park. Our Prep School and Nursery pupils regularly take advantage of its close proximity, and take their learning outdoors and connect with nature. Our beach school provides the perfect setting for pupils to gain practical experiences to apply to their learning.
Both the Prep and Senior Schools are within an hour of London Gatwick Airport. The Prep School offers both day and boarding places, with the same options available in the Senior School as well as weekly boarding places.
Bede’s takes a holistic approach to education, where pupils are encouraged to explore and develop their interests with an outstanding academic programme developed to challenge and broaden their horizons. Pupils are met with an academic curriculum that aims to excite and inspire throughout their Bede’s journey. They not only achieve outstanding academic results, but also develop essential life skills, resilience, and a sense of social responsibility.
Bede’s believes that education goes beyond textbooks. State-of-the-art facilities provide a platform for pupils to excel in sports, drama, music, dance and more. In addition to the academic curriculum, all pupils enjoy an extensive co-curricular programme. From Outdoor Pursuits to Zoological Society at our very own on-site zoo; home to over 70 species of mammal, reptile, amphibian and bird — there is an activity for every pupil.
Bede’s is home to outstanding Performing and Creative Arts Faculties. Alongside drama, music, art, ceramics and the usual subjects you would expect, Bede’s is the only independent school to offer BTEC Production Arts, worth 1.5 A levels. This course covers in-depth study of the Production Arts industry: learning key skills in lighting, sound, set and prop design for those who have a passion for drama and theatre, but whose passions lie backstage.
Bede’s is also home to the award winning Legat Dance Academy which offers professional dance training alongside a full academic programme with many dancers gaining access to top level dance schools as well as achieving a full suite of academic credentials.
Bede’s leads the way for Sport in an independent school setting and offers year round programmes in a wide range of sports. Whether pursuing it as a career or a hobby, pupils are encouraged to exceed all expectations, grow in confidence and develop a lifelong passion for health and fitness. The School is dedicated to providing the very best coaching for pupils of all abilities to give them the chance to grow in confidence, capacity and accomplishment year on year. We are incredibly proud to have a number of successful sporting alumni who have been awarded professional contracts including Solly Marsh and Ollie Hobden (football), Shai Hope, Freya Kemp, Alice Capsey, Delray Rawlins, Ali Orr, Luke Wells (cricket) to name a few.
Life at Bede’s is epitomised by Upper Sixth pupil Mitra, who says, “There is a genuine sense of belonging at Bede’s which is created by the people here. In addition to a varied curriculum, the conversations that you have with peers and members of staff are what make Bede’s special. Even during my initial interview, there was a light and comfortable energy that I had never experienced before and I knew Bede’s was the place for me.”