East Sussex’s Premier Prep School on the ‘Sunshine Coast’
St Andrew’s Prep has been recognised as one of the best private day and boarding prep schools in the country, offering an exceptional educational experience for boys and girls aged 9 months to thirteen years. The school has close links with Eastbourne College therefore providing a smooth path and transition on to one of the best senior schools in the UK.
Why Choose St Andrew’s Prep?
Enviably positioned in the beautiful coastal town of Eastbourne and nestled at the foot of the South Downs National Park with its beautiful rolling countryside, St Andrew’s Prep delivers an outstanding nurturing education for all children, from Nursery to Prep school. Frequently recognised in awards by leading sector experts, associations and publications, we are committed to academic excellence, small class sizes, and a pupil-centred approach to ensure that every child receives the personalised care and attention they need to thrive.
Exceptional Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Provision
Our experienced staff deliver gold-standard care, focusing on the holistic development of every child. We are committed to giving each pupil the best possible start by fostering an environment where learning and play are seamlessly intertwined. As part of a larger school, the Nursery benefits from exceptional facilities, including a swimming pool, a sports hall and dance studio, 12 acres of lovingly tended playing fields, a woodland classroom, a pavilion, and a resource centre. The seafront and family-friendly beach is just a five-minute stroll away.
Outstanding Academic and Extracurricular Opportunities
As an independent prep school, we provide a well-rounded education, offering a wide range of opportunities that extend beyond the classroom. In addition to our timetabled classes in art, dance, DT, drama, music, and sport, our extra-curricular activities programme offers a variety of sessions before, during, and after school. These activities include archery, art, boxercise, choir, coding, fencing, fives, golf, Italian, mini-cadets, musical theatre, orchestra, patchwork, sailing, table tennis, and water polo.
Pastoral Care at the Heart of Every Child’s Journey
At St Andrew’s Prep, we understand the challenges some children face. Our inclusive environment, small classes, and dedicated support for special educational needs (SEN) ensure that every child receives the pastoral care and attention they need to succeed.
Superb Boarding Options Offering a Home Away from Home
St Andrew’s Prep offers boarding opportunities for children from Year 3 (age 7), ideal for families seeking a top-tier prep school education with full, weekly or flexi-boarding options. The recently refurbished boarding house is safe, fun and friendly, catering for children of all nationalities, alongside many local children, so there is a healthy balance. Overseas pupils improve their English with specialist EAL teaching and all benefit from the mix of cultures within the school.
A Prestigious School with a Strong Community
St Andrew’s Prep is not just a school but a community. We pride ourselves on our strong parental engagement, active alumni network, and commitment to developing global citizenship and environmental sustainability. Our outdoor education and charity initiatives ensure that our pupils grow into well-rounded individuals ready to make a positive impact on the world.
Join Us for an Open Morning
Choosing the right school for your child is one of the most important decisions you will make. We invite you to visit St Andrew’s Prep to see firsthand why many people consider us to be the top private school in Eastbourne. Join us for an Open Morning or request a personal tour to meet our experienced staff, and discover the opportunities that await your child at St Andrew’s Prep.
Admissions
Our admissions process is designed to be straightforward and welcoming. Whether you are considering our nursery, pre-prep, or prep school, we are here to guide you every step of the way. Discover how your child can benefit from a St Andrew’s education – and Unlock their Extraordinary.
Don’t take our word for it:
A school that values kindness and nurtures loyalty, pride and character. Where children grow up at their own pace in a safe inspiring environment by the sea.
Explore Eastbourne College
We invite you to discover what makes St Andrew’s Prep a leading independent school. Join us for an open day, schedule a visit, or contact our admissions team to learn more about how we can help your child excel.
1. Initial Inquiry and Visit:
Start by exploring the St Andrew’s Prep website or contacting the admissions team.
Families are encouraged to visit the site during open days or arrange a personal tour.
2. Registration:
Complete the online registration form and pay the registration fee. This step should be done well in advance of the desired entry year. Registering a child does not constitute any parental commitment to taking up a place.
3. Entrance Procedure:
Our entry procedures are intended to identify applicants who will thrive at St Andrew’s Prep. The College selects pupils primarily based on their underlying academic ability and personal character. There are several points of entry and subject to a successful application, places are allocated on a first come first served basis.
4. Offer and Acceptance:
To accept the offer, parents need to sign and return the guaranteed place form along with a deposit.
5. Final Preparations:
Upon acceptance, the school will provide further details on preparing for the start of
school, including uniform requirements, term dates, and boarding arrangements (if applicable).
For detailed information, including key dates please visit the St Andrew’s Prep website.
Join us for our forthcoming Open Mornings.