Founded 1912 as a co-educational school, it has a semi-rural site in the seaside town of Bexhill. Facilities include a large playing field, all-weather astroturf pitch and its own heated indoor swimming pool. It is a small school with a family atmosphere, which places great importance on a healthy lifestyle, social skills, consideration for other people and mutual respect. There is a range of extra-curricular activities and the school is particularly successful in swimming. The nursery school is very close by and the senior school a few miles away at Battle; so the three schools together provide education from age 2 to 18. Almost all pupils at the prep school go on to Battle Abbey senior school, where a place is guaranteed subject to satisfactory academic achievement.
Pupils: Age range 4–11, 89 day pupils (40 boys, 49 girls). Entrance: Main entry ages 3, 5, 7; the majority of pupils come from own nursery. Own entry tests and discussion with parents. 1 class throughout (of approx 14). No special skills or religious requirements.
Variable number of scholarships, usually academic or sport. Some bursaries may be available.
Some 15+% of parents in industry and commerce; 15+% in creative industries; many own their own businesses. Over 80% live within 30 miles.
Headteacher: Judy Clark, in post since 1999. Teaching staff: 12 full-time, 3 part-time. Annual turnover 0%. Average age 45.
Nearly all pupils go on to Battle Abbey senior school; progress dependent on academic achievement.
All National Curriculum subjects taught; also enrichment programme and extra-curricular activities. PSHE and citizenship taught as a separate subject, through other subjects and as assembly topics. Special provision: Dedicated SEN department, routine evaluation and one-to-one and mentoring; current pupils include a number with mild to moderate issues eg dyslexia. Languages: French taught from age 5. ICT: Taught both as a discrete subject and across the curriculum. Computers and interactive smartboards in every room; pupils use PC applications from age 4.
Up to 50% of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams may be taken. Musical groups include choirs. All pupils involved in school drama productions. Dedicated art room and specialist teachers. Music, drama, dance and art all offered as extra-curricular activities.
Compulsory sports: swimming, netball, hockey, football, tennis, cricket, rounders, athletics and gymnastics. Optional: golf. Sports facilities on site include playing fields, astroturf pitch and 25-metre heated swimming pool. Holds swimming gala and annual netball tournament and plays regular matches against local schools. Regular local and national success in swimming. Activities: Up to 30 clubs and activities including woodwork, speech and drama, art and craft, chess, ICT and various sports teams (netball, football, hockey, golf, tennis).
Uniform: School uniform worn. Houses: Competitive houses; Year 6 can act as heads of house. Religion: Christian. No compulsory attendance at religious worship. Social: Swimming gala, sports competitions with other schools. Annual trip to France. Meals cafeteria-style and compulsory; pupils' own food allowed only for special dietary reasons. Most pupils travel to school by school bus or car. School bus operates over 20-mile radius; occasionally available for eg matches, after-school activities. Supervision available before and after school (breakfast from 7.30am, up to 5.30pm).
Any pupil failing to produce homework on time would receive negative house points. More serious problems would be discussed with parents.
Run by Monica Steward c/o the school.
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