Best Secondary Schools in East Sussex

Bowden House School is a welcoming and secure boarding school for boys aged 9-18. With a student-teacher ratio of 2:1, our dedicated staff provide exceptional support to meet the individual, holistic needs of our pupils. We have maintained a good quality of education with a broad curriculum and strengths in art and expressive arts. Our well-behaved pupils make good progress in mathematics and writing. Our effective safeguarding arrangements ensure the safety of all students.

Seaford Head School is an outstanding secondary school in Seaford, South East. Led by a dedicated headteacher, Robert Ellis, the school provides excellent support for the well-being and success of its students. With enthusiastic and knowledgeable teachers, the school has seen rising GCSE results, especially for disadvantaged pupils. The school also offers planned support for vulnerable and special needs students. With effective safeguarding arrangements and outstanding leadership, Seaford Head School ensures a safe and nurturing environment for its students.

Saxon Mount School is a secondary school located in Hastings, South East. With an outstanding leadership and management, it offers a safe and engaging curriculum. The school has exemplary behavior of pupils and provides impartial careers guidance. However, there are areas for improvement, such as inconsistent challenge in some subjects and post-16 provision plans still in infancy.

Beacon Academy is a secondary school located in Crowborough, South East. With an outstanding leadership and management, the school provides a high-quality learning environment for students aged 11-18. The school boasts excellent exam results, with 66% achieving Grade 5 or above in English & maths GCSEs and 19.60% achieving AAB or higher in A-levels. Additionally, the school offers a wide range of extra-curricular activities, ensuring a well-rounded education for its pupils.

Hove Park School and Sixth Form Centre is a co-ed secondary school located in Brighton and Hove. With a student-teacher ratio of 14:1, the school provides a supportive learning environment for students aged 11-18. The school has a strong focus on academics, with an overall grade of B and an A- in both academics and teaching. The Ofsted report highlights the good leadership, achievement of pupils, and quality of teaching. With a diverse student population, including students with special educational needs, Hove Park School and Sixth Form Centre is committed to providing a well-rounded education for all students.

Blatchington Mill School is a secondary school located in Brighton and Hove, offering education to students aged 11-16. With an excellent student-teacher ratio of 18:1, the school provides a nurturing and supportive environment for students. The school prides itself on its good overall effectiveness, outstanding behaviour and safety of pupils, and quality teaching. With a strong focus on academic achievement, 57% of students achieved Grade 5 or above in English and maths GCSEs in 2019. Blatchington Mill School is committed to providing a well-rounded education and ensuring the success and well-being of all its students.

Dorothy Stringer School is a secondary school located in Brighton and Hove. With a student-teacher ratio of 15:1, the school focuses on improving pupils' progress and achievements. It is known for its inclusive nature, positive relationships between staff and students, and effective safeguarding practices. The school has achieved good ratings in leadership, teaching quality, personal development, and outcomes for pupils. However, there is room for improvement in supporting disadvantaged pupils, developing students' skills, and ensuring regular attendance for students with special needs and disabilities. With an overall grade of B-, Dorothy Stringer School strives to provide a safe and nurturing learning environment.

Varndean School is a secondary school located in Brighton and Hove. With an outstanding rating for behaviour and attitudes, the school provides a safe and supportive environment for students aged 11-16. The dedicated staff, led by Mrs Shelley Baker, ensure a student teacher ratio of 17:1, allowing for individualized attention. The school's overall effectiveness and leadership and management are rated as outstanding by Ofsted. Varndean School focuses on the personal development of students, encouraging their academic achievements with 62% of students achieving grade 5 or above in English and maths GCSEs. With excellent resources and a commitment to inclusivity, Varndean School is a top choice for parents seeking a quality education for their children.

Willingdon Community School is a successful secondary school that prioritizes personal excellence. With strong relationships between staff and pupils, the school fosters ambition, compassion, courtesy, and honesty. Their focus on academic achievement is accompanied by the development of fundamental moral principles. The school has maintained a good Ofsted rating and outstanding behavior and safety of pupils. However, there is a need for improved outcomes for disadvantaged pupils and literacy in certain subjects. Overall, Willingdon Community School strives to provide a quality education while instilling values that will benefit students throughout their lives.

Uckfield College is a secondary school located in Uckfield, South East. With a student-teacher ratio of 15:1 and a strong focus on academic achievement, the school provides a supportive and inclusive environment. The school has a good Ofsted rating and offers a range of subjects at GCSE and A-level. Students benefit from excellent leadership and a safe learning environment, making Uckfield College an ideal choice for parents seeking quality education for their children.

Priory School is a secondary school in Lewes, South East, offering a high standard of education to students aged 11-16. With a student-teacher ratio of 16:1, our dedicated staff provide strong pastoral care and maintain high academic standards. Our innovative curriculum challenges high-attaining pupils and supports lower-attaining pupils, ensuring all students are well-prepared for their studies. We have a good overall effectiveness rating from Ofsted, with outstanding achievement of pupils and quality of teaching. Our focus on safeguarding and staying safe online ensures a safe and nurturing environment for all students.

St Richard's Catholic College is a secondary school located in Rother, South East. With a student-teacher ratio of 16:1, the school offers a supportive and inclusive environment for students aged 11-16. Known for its outstanding leadership and management, the school focuses on providing a Christian education that promotes personal development and good behavior. With good overall effectiveness and high academic standards, St Richard's prepares students to excel academically and grow into well-rounded members of the community.

Cardinal Newman Catholic School is a successful secondary school located in Brighton and Hove. With a strong focus on academic achievement and personal development, the school provides a warm and secure environment for all students. Supported by a dedicated team of teachers, students benefit from a wide-ranging curriculum and a variety of extracurricular activities. With consistently high exam results and a commitment to individual growth, Cardinal Newman Catholic School prepares students for future success and offers a caring community rooted in Christian values.

Longhill High School is a secondary school located in Rottingdean, South East. With a student teacher ratio of 17:1, the school provides a good level of education and strong support for students with SEN. The school has improved significantly since its last inspection, with inspirational leadership and effective teaching in most subjects. The curriculum and enrichment activities promote overall development well. Longhill High School aims to foster resilient, confident individuals who will make a positive contribution in the world.

Claverham Community College is a secondary school located in Battle, South East. With a student-teacher ratio of 17:1, the school provides a co-ed learning environment for students aged 11-16. The school's overall grade is B-, with a strong emphasis on academics and high expectations. Pupils at Claverham behave well and show respect, while disadvantaged pupils and those with special educational needs make good progress. The school offers a broad and balanced curriculum with opportunities for academic qualifications. With a focus on excellence and innovation, Claverham Community College strives to enhance children's chances for success in the local community and beyond.

Patcham High School is a secondary school in Brighton and Hove with a strong focus on improving pupils' outcomes and achievements. With a dedicated staff, the school promotes equality and respect, creating a calm and well-organized culture. With a broadened curriculum, effective teaching in key subjects, and a strong culture of safeguarding, Patcham High School prepares students for success in modern Britain. However, the school acknowledges areas for improvement, such as attendance among disadvantaged pupils and the need to provide more challenging material for boys. Overall, Patcham High School offers a good educational experience for students.

The Hastings Academy is a rapidly improving secondary school located in Hastings, South East. With exceptional leadership and a strong moral purpose, the school provides good support and challenge from the trust. Students are proud to belong and make good progress academically. With effective safeguarding procedures in place, parents can feel confident in their child's safety and welfare. Although there are small pockets of less effective teaching, overall the school offers a good learning environment. The school aims to address areas for improvement, such as boys' reading and writing skills, and ensuring all students are challenged to reach their full potential.

Portslade Aldridge Community Academy is a secondary school located in Brighton and Hove. With a student-teacher ratio of 17:1, the school provides a supportive and inclusive learning environment for students aged 11-16. The school has been rated as 'Good' by Ofsted, demonstrating its commitment to high-quality education. With a focus on personal development, behaviour, and welfare, Portslade Aldridge Community Academy aims to ensure that every student achieves their full potential. The school offers a wide range of resources and study programs, enabling students to excel academically. With a strong emphasis on safety and a dedicated team of teachers, the school provides a nurturing and conducive learning environment for all students.

Chailey School is a co-ed secondary school located in South Chailey, South East. With a student-teacher ratio of 17:1 and excellent overall grades in academics, teaching, leadership, and management, it provides a nurturing and safe environment for students aged 11-16. The school focuses on achieving good academic results with 55% of students achieving a Grade 5 or above in English and math GCSEs in 2019. With a high percentage of students eligible for free school meals, Chailey School offers inclusive support for all students, including those with SEN.

Ratton School is a secondary school located in Eastbourne. With a student-teacher ratio of 16:1, the school provides a supportive and inclusive learning environment. The school has a good overall effectiveness rating from Ofsted, with achievements in academics and quality of teaching. With a focus on safety and resources, Ratton School ensures a positive educational experience for its diverse student body.