MixedIndependentBoarding

Bede's Preparatory School

Eastbourne, East Sussex, South East · BN20 7XL

Tracing its origins to 1895, Bede's Preparatory School is a small, mixed independent school in Eastbourne, East Sussex, with around 295 pupils across an unusually wide age range that begins in the earliest years and runs to 14. The school offers boarding alongside day places, and its most recent ISI inspection rated it excellent for both education and personal development, with all compliance standards met. With a roll of this size, the atmosphere is intimate rather than institutional. Notably, more than a quarter of pupils receive some form of SEN support, suggesting a setting accustomed to helping children with a range of learning needs.

295

Pupils

excellent

ISI

£24,480

Day fees / yr

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Overview & data

Gender
Mixed
Type
independent (fee-paying) school
Age range
0-14
Pupils
295
Location
Eastbourne, East Sussex, South East
Website
https://www.bedes.org/
Telephone
01323 734222

Headteacher

Head Mrs Leigh-Anne Morris

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Teaching & academics

The ISI's top judgement of excellent reflects strong outcomes for pupils across the school. A relatively high proportion receiving SEN support indicates that individual needs are identified and responded to rather than overlooked. Academic scholarships are available for capable pupils, and the structured progression to age 14 gives children time to build firm foundations before moving on.

Learning support & SEN

SEN support
27.46%
EHC plans
0%

Arts & extracurricular

Scholarships

AcademicSportDramaDanceArtMusic

Beyond the classroom

Breadth beyond the classroom is signalled by the range of scholarships on offer, spanning sport, drama, dance, art and music. This suggests a school that takes performance, creative and sporting talent seriously and rewards it.

Ethos & heritage

Founded
1895
Boarding
Yes

Mobile phone policy

Pupils have to hand mobiles in on arrival at school if they bring one in with them.

Money matters

Day fees (per year)
£13,830 - £24,480

Inspection reports

ISI rating
excellent
ISI personal development
excellent
Last inspected
4 June 2024
Read the full inspection report ↗

The last word

A small, inspection-praised prep school where day and boarding families find a wide age span and genuine strength in the arts and sport. Worth a look for parents seeking attentive, individual provision.

The Passmate verdict

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Bede's Preparatory School 11+: frequently asked questions

Where is Bede's Preparatory School located?

Bede's Preparatory School is located at Duke’s Drive, Eastbourne, Eastbourne, BN20 7XL.

What type of school is Bede's Preparatory School?

Bede's Preparatory School is an independent (fee-paying) school in South East.

How many pupils attend Bede's Preparatory School?

Bede's Preparatory School has approximately 295 pupils on roll.

What is Bede's Preparatory School's inspection rating?

Bede's Preparatory School is inspected by the ISI and was judged "excellent" at its inspection on 4 June 2024.

Compiled from public data. Last checked June 2026.