Bede's Senior School
Nr Hailsham, East Sussex, South East · BN27 3QH
Set near Hailsham in East Sussex, Bede's Senior School has grown since its 1978 founding into a co-educational boarding and day school of around 811 pupils, taking children from age 13 through to the sixth form. The Independent Schools Inspectorate awarded the school its top rating of "excellent" for both education quality and personal development, with all compliance standards met. A sizeable sixth form of 290 pupils gives the upper school real momentum. The breadth of qualifications on offer, spanning GCSE, A-level, BTEC and the EPQ, signals a school willing to find the right route for different kinds of learner.
811
Pupils
excellent
ISI
£33,570
Day fees / yr
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Open in Google Maps ↗Overview & data
- Gender
- Mixed
- Type
- independent (fee-paying) school
- Age range
- 13-18
- Pupils
- 811
- Location
- Nr Hailsham, East Sussex, South East
- Website
- https://www.bedes.org/
- Telephone
- 01323 843252
Headteacher
Headmaster Peter Goodyer
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Latest results
GCSE grade 9-7
45%
A-level A*-A
62%
A-level A*-B
81%
Teaching & academics
Results sit comfortably in the upper tier: 62 per cent of A-level entries reached A*-A and 81 per cent A*-B, while 45 per cent of GCSE grades fell in the 9-7 band. Academic strengths range widely, from sciences and languages to the creative and humanities subjects, with Psychology, Physics, History and English Literature among the most popular at A-level. The presence of BTEC and EPQ options alongside traditional courses suggests a curriculum that values both rigour and varied talents. With around 15.6 per cent of pupils receiving SEN support, the school clearly accommodates a spread of learning needs.
Sixth form
- Sixth-form pupils
- 290
Popular A-level subjects
Qualifications offered
Learning support & SEN
- SEN support
- 15.59%
- EHC plans
- 0.37%
Arts & extracurricular
Scholarships
Languages
Popular GCSE subjects
Beyond the classroom
Creative and sporting life appears central to the school's identity, reflected in scholarships spanning Art, Sport, Design Technology, Swimming and Exhibition awards as well as academics. Drama, photography and design feature prominently among popular subject choices, hinting at strong provision in the arts.
Ethos & heritage
- Founded
- 1978
- Boarding
- Yes
Mobile phone policy
In year 9-11, phones are not permitted to be seen or used throughout the school day (including in house, between lessons, lunch, breaks etc). In the sixth form, pupils are allowed to use them in the sixth form common room or in house, but are not permitted to use them elsewhere around the campus. In boarding houses, pupils give in technology before bedtime.
Money matters
- Day fees (per year)
- £33,570
- Boarding fees (per year)
- £49,485 - £52,575
- Bursaries up to
- 50% of fees
Bursaries offered, usually up to maximum of 50 per cent. Two means-tested sixth form bursaries available.
Inspection reports
- ISI rating
- excellent
- ISI personal development
- excellent
- Last inspected
- 27 February 2024
The last word
A medium-sized, top-rated co-ed offering academic and creative breadth, with bursaries of up to 50 per cent helping widen access. Best suited to families wanting boarding or day options and a route that need not be purely traditional.
The Passmate verdict
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Bede's Senior School 11+: frequently asked questions
Where is Bede's Senior School located?
Bede's Senior School is located at The Dicker, Upper Dicker, Hailsham, Nr Hailsham, BN27 3QH.
What type of school is Bede's Senior School?
Bede's Senior School is an independent (fee-paying) school in South East.
How many pupils attend Bede's Senior School?
Bede's Senior School has approximately 811 pupils on roll.
What is Bede's Senior School's inspection rating?
Bede's Senior School is inspected by the ISI and was judged "excellent" at its inspection on 27 February 2024.
Compiled from public data. Last checked June 2026.