The College was founded in 1884 at Seaford in East Sussex and moved to Lavington Park at the foot of the South Downs in West Sussex in 1946. The picturesque grounds cover over 400 acres with Prep School (see IAPS entry), outstanding Performing Arts Centre, extensive sports facilities, a superb Art and Design hub, a modern Sixth Form Centre, purpose-built boarding houses, a state-of-the-art Mathematics, Science and Music School. Seaford is controlled by an independent non-profit-making Charitable Trust approved by the Department for Education and the Charity Commissioners, and is administered by the College Board of Governors.
Students. Day and boarding facilities, with options of full, weekly and flexi boarding. Over 950 students of which 265 in the Sixth Form. Two boys’ houses, a girls’ house, a junior house and two Sixth Form boarding houses.
Aims. Seaford College’s aim is to bring out the best in each individual, by helping every pupil to reach their full potential and to achieve personal bests both inside and outside the classroom. The aim is to enable students to leave the College feeling confident in their own abilities and able to contribute in the external world.
Academic. The Prep School (Years 1–8) offers a wide-ranging curriculum, which includes the core subjects of English, Mathematics, Science, Spanish, French and Information Technology, as well as Geography, History, Art, Music, DT, Sport, Forest School and PSHCE.
Years 9, 10 and 11 lead up to the GCSE examinations. Students study the core subjects of English Literature, English Language, Mathematics and Science and then choose four other syllabuses to follow from a comprehensive list of subjects, which include: Art, Business Studies, Computer Science, Dance, Design and Technology, Drama, Fine Art, Food Prep/Nutrition, French, Geography, History, Music, Physical Education, Religious Studies, Spanish and Textile Design.
The A Level subject list is comprehensive and students choose three subjects to study. In their first year of Sixth Form, students may undertake The Duke of Edinburgh’s Silver/Gold Award or start an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ).
Music. An important part of life at Seaford, with the Music School offering the latest in recording and performing facilities. The College boasts an internationally renowned College Chapel Choir, who have sung on tour with Gary Barlow and have performed many concerts for charity. The College also has an orchestra and offers lessons for all instruments. Music can be studied at GCSE and A Level.
Sports. With superb facilities available in the grounds; staff have coached and played at international level, the college has a reputation for sporting excellence. Facilities include: eight rugby pitches, eight tennis courts, five cricket pitches, a water-based all-weather hockey pitch, enclosed swimming pool, a large indoor sports hall that allows tennis, netball and hockey to be played all year round, and a 9-hole golf course and driving range.
Art. The Art department’s excellent reputation allows students to exercise their talents to the fullest in every aspect of art and design, whether it is ceramics, textiles, fine art, animation, or any other medium they wish to use. Many students go on to study at design school, work for design and fashion houses or advertising companies. Students’ work is displayed throughout the year in the department’s large gallery.
Combined Cadet Force. Strong ties with the military shown in a very well-supported Combined Cadet Force (CCF) with each wing of the armed forces represented. Weekend exercises and training include canoeing, climbing, sailing, adventure training and camping.
Admission. Entry at age 6 consists of a visit to the school, reports and references from current school. Entry at age 10 and 11 consists of reports, references and cognitive ability testing. 13+ students sit the ISEB pre-test in Year 6, a school visit, reports and references. Offers are made in the January of Year 6 and are unconditional and deferred until Year 9. Sixth Form entry is dependent upon GCSE results, informal school visit, reports and references, and a conditional offer is made in the year of entry based on a minimum point system at GCSEs and including English and Mathematics. Overseas students are required to take a written examination to determine the level of comprehension in English.
Scholarships and bursaries. Academic, Music, Drama, Dance, Art, Design Technology and Sports scholarships may be awarded to girls and boys entering the Prep and Senior School at 11+, 13+ and 16+, with the exception of DT which is only available at 13+ and 16+. These scholarships offer up to 10% discount on fees per annum at the discretion of the Scholarship committee.
Bursaries are available on a means-tested basis. A potential scholarship recipient in need of further financial assistance may apply for a means-tested bursary.
Sibling and Forces discounts are also available. Please contact our Admissions team for details.
Fees per term (2023-2024). Years 9–13: £12,690 (Full Boarding), £11,115 (Weekly Boarding), £8,210 (Day). Years 7 & 8: £8,735 (4-Day Monday–Thursday Boarding), £6,570 (Day). Year 6: £8,245 (4-Day Monday–Thursday Boarding). Years 3–6: £3,960–£6,045 (Day).
Extras. Drama, Clay Pigeon Shooting, Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, Golf, Sailing, Kayaking, Museum & Theatre trips, Creative Writing, Debating Club, Rock Climbing, Martial Arts, Chess, etc.
Charitable status. Registered Charity, number 277439. To provide education for children.
Governors & Staff:
Governing Body:
R Venables Kyrke (Chairman)
J Cooper
Mrs G Gordon-Thomson
Mrs J Hall
A Hayes
N Karonias
R Norton
Mrs V Padgham
H A Phillips
J Scrase
Dr J Slater
Headmaster: J P Green, BA Hons, PGCE
Senior Deputy Head: W Yates, BSc Ed
Deputy Head: A Arya, BEng Hons
Deputy Head: S D’Agar, BSc Hons
Assistant Head: Mrs S Butler, BA, MA
Assistant Head: Mrs J Forman, BA
Prep School Head: A Brown, BEd
Deputy Head Prep School: J Harte, BSc