What is Bede's Prep like?

Bede’s Prep School, founded in 1895, is situated in Eastbourne, on the South Coast with spectacular views of the sea. It only takes a couple of minutes to reach the beach from the school and the principal playing fields are in a wide natural hollow nestling in the South Downs.

Bede’s Prep has 336 pupils: 219 Prep, 30 Pre-Prep, 87 Nursery and 24 boarding pupils. Bede’s offers academic, sport, music, dance, art and drama scholarships and bursaries for children from the ages of 7 to 12 years.  

The curriculum for each year group at Bede’s Prep School focuses on promoting learning, personal growth and development. They provide pupils with a curriculum that is broad, stimulating and designed to facilitate the highest possible levels of attainment by those who follow it - programmes of study that imbue children with a wealth of skills, a depth of knowledge and an irrepressible curiosity.

There is a Learning Enhancement department staffed by qualified learning support staff which can cater for pupils who require additional or particular support. The school also has an EAL centre which is run by highly trained and experienced staff. Gifted children are placed on a Curriculum Enhancement Programme to maximise their potential.

Few Prep Schools can offer the calibre of sports coaching found at Bede’s Prep and these opportunities deepen year on year, exposing pupils to an expansive training and fixtures programme. Boys play football, rugby, hockey, cricket, tennis and athletics and the major sports for girls are netball, hockey, rounders, athletics, cricket and tennis. Pupils take advantage of the modern, market-leading facilities both at the Prep School and the Senior School including impressive courts, pitches and astros.

Bede’s Prep operates a comprehensive co-curricular activities programme, where children are encouraged to participate in a unique variety of activities such as fencing, cookery and gardening.

The school runs a comprehensive coach and minibus service locally and transport to and from Gatwick and Heathrow airports is arranged by the transport department.

What sort of child would thrive at Bede’s?

Bede's Prep is a school that enriches young people so that they may become confident members of their communities. Pupils enjoy a broad range of opportunity, whatever their interests. Every child is encouraged to find and develop their passions, seek new horizons, develop lasting friendships and achieve their potential. All pupils are valued as individuals at Bede’s.

How can I apply to Bede's Prep?

In the first instance, parents who are considering Bede’s Prep School for their child can arrange to visit the School on an open day or on a private visit to the school. Admissions decisions are made on the basis of a child’s school reports, informal assessments which include reading, writing, arithmetic and non-verbal reasoning and, where possible, successful completion of a taster day.

To discuss your child’s suitability for the school please submit and enquiry or call us on 01622 813870