DirectoryBrighton and HoveAll ThroughBrighton College
All Through school

Brighton College

Brighton College is a co-educational independent school for pupils aged 3 to 18, offering day and boarding options with a strong commitment to individual development and academic excellence.

Brighton and HoveAll ThroughCo Ed, becoming co-educationalAges 3–18Both1,272 pupils
Day fees
£4,761
How competitive entry is
School Exam + Verbal ReasoningCompetitive entry
Pupils
1,272
Founded
1845
Next deadline
No dates published
Verified 1 month agosource
Houseroom Index 2026
80.0/100· ranked #31 of UK independents
78% data confidence·v2026.4.0·-29 vs Parent Power
How is this calculated? →
Pillar breakdown
Academic outcomes82
Destinations & outcomes85
Future-readiness55
Pastoral & wellbeing95
Pupil flourishing65
Value-add74
Access & breadth75
Parent sentiment70
External consensus95

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Our take

Independent co-ed all-through school in Brighton and Hove for ages 3–18, day or boarding. Selective entry, top-tier London fees.

Best for
Who thrives here
  • Families wanting one school across the whole journey (ages 3–18) rather than separate prep + senior.
  • Families who prefer a co-educational setting over single-sex.
  • Families weighing day vs boarding — both are offered.
  • Children who can demonstrate strong academics at entry assessment — this is a selective school.
  • Families comfortable with top-tier London independent fees in exchange for the level of provision.
Watch-outs
Know before applying
  • Fees sit at the top of the London market. Factor in extras (uniform, trips, lunches, music tuition) before committing.
  • Selective entry — assume some form of assessment at the relevant entry point. Plan tutoring or familiarisation early if needed.
  • SEND provision isn't documented in our profile. If your child has an EHCP or specific learning needs, ask admissions about case-by-case capacity before applying.
AI-generated guidance

About the head

Richard Cairns served as Head Master before transitioning to Principal of all 11 Brighton College schools. Under his leadership since 2005, Brighton College rose from 157th position to become the top co-educational school in England.

Brighton College provides children with a happy and caring community in which to grow and learn by the seaside. Curiosity thrives in a vibrant and forward-thinking co-educational environment.

kindnessacademic ambitionindividualitybreadthcharacter

Distinctive features

Located on the south coast with easy access to countryside and sea

Award-winning modern campus

Outstanding academic results

Extensive bus network covering surrounding counties

Wide range of scholarships and bursaries

Strong university destinations including Oxbridge and global top 30

Activities & co-curricular

sport

Crazy GolfSwimmingVolleyballRugbyAthleticsFootballFencingKarateCricketNetballTennisHockeyPhysical Education and GamesDancePE and GamesTag Rugby ClubYogaSpin ClassesBeach VolleyballBadmintonBasketballCircuit TrainingZumbaTable Tennis TournamentsSport (cricket, football, hockey, netball, rugby)Ski Trip

music

Swing BandmusicChapel ChoirChamber ChoirChoralClassical MusicMusic / ChoralChoirMusic Ensembles - orchestras, rock bands, percussion groups, swing bands

drama

Open Mic NightsDanceDramadramaBoarders Got TalentDrama and Theatre productionsStand-Up Comedy Club

academic club

researchDebating SocietyChess ClubBlack Hole ClubCodingThe Human Story critical thinking programmeComputing and ICTCatalysts lecture seriesExtended Project Qualification (EPQ)Brigh10 lecture seriesindependent studyDebatingclubsA-level gradesactivitiesreadingChessComputingRoboticsScuba PhysicsDissection ClubBook Clubs

service

Green TeamCCF - Combined Cadet Force (Army, Navy, RAF)Three Peaks ChallengeGardening ClubDuke of Edinburgh's Award (Bronze, Silver, Gold)Community outreach / turtle conservation / library building

other

artdanceArt and PhotographyPilatesDesign and TechnologyacademiaCookery ClassessportJazz KnittingSketchingCake Decorating ClubCookeryOrigamiHarry Potter Club

Facilities

sports

Withdean Stadium (Athletics)Home Ground (cricket/rugby)Tennis CourtsYellowave Beach Volleyball Courts (off-site)World-class sports facilitiesNeville Abraham Sports HallJubilee Sports Ground and Pavilion (off-site)Steve Patten StudioHome GroundWithdean Stadium (used for Athletics) (off-site)Falmer Sports Complex at University of Sussex (off-site)Alexander Lido (swimming pool)Jubilee Sports GroundsSammy Woods PavilionAlexander's LidoHove Lagoon (used for Navy CCF and water activities) (off-site)Home Ground (cricket/rugby/sport)

arts

Cairns TheatreDrama StudioPhotography Studio and Dark RoomDance StudioNicola Leach Music School and Sarah Abraham Recital HallSarah Abraham Recital HallDedicated Art and Design studiosAlexander Arts CentreMusic Practice RoomsArt Room

boarding

Boarding houses

academic

Creative Learning CentreBeach School Area (off-site)Design and Technology WorkshopQuad and Library in the Prep SchoolLibraryScience Laboratories (world-class)Design Technology WorkshopLower School Common RoomChapelYeoh Building (Lower School Common Room)Science / greenhouse (SSS)University-standard science laboratoriesInnovative learning spaces

wellbeing

Blackshaw GymWellbeing centreSSS (Sixth Form Social Space)

Latest exam results

OutcomesGCSE
64
9 at GCSE
49
A* at A-level
98
A*-B at A-level

Record-breaking GCSE and A-level results; and with

85%
A-level A*–A
98%
GCSE 9–7
20%
Oxbridge offer rate
21%
Russell Group rate

Data from 2025 results

Where leavers go

19%
to Oxbridge (2025)
2025202420232021
Cohort230230230220
Oxbridge43372223
US Ivy1
Medicine20
Top universities (2025)
Cambridge28
Oxford15

Recent coverage

Triple Crown in The Sunday Times Parent Power Schools Guide 2026; record 45 Oxbridge offers in 2025.

The Sunday Times Parent Power 2026
Tatler Schools Guide 2025

Notable alumni

Stanley Baldwin (former Prime Minister)Sir Simon Russell Beale (actor)Romesh Ranganathan (comedian)
Recommended next step

Open-day dates not yet published

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Fit for your child

How well does Brighton College match?

Tell us your child's age, location, needs and entry point. We'll score commute, academics, support, budget and culture against schools in Brighton and Hove.

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Application timeline

No admissions stage dates confirmed yet. Save this school to be notified when dates are published.

Open dayNot published
Not published
Registration opensPassed
1 Sept 2025
Registration closesPassed
31 Jan 2026
Bursary deadlineNot published
Not published
AssessmentNot published
Not published
InterviewNot published
Not published
OffersNot published
Not published
Acceptance deadlineNot published
Not published
Registration windows
YearOpensClosesReply byStatus
2026-271 Sept 202531 Jan 2026TBCClosed

Open events

Open Day
Sat, 26 Sept 2026
10:00 am
Open Morning
Open Morning
Sat, 26 Sept 2026
10:00 am
The College Open Morning
Open Day
Sat, 26 Sept 2026
10:00 am – 1:00 pm|Brighton College
College Open Morning
Open Day
Sat, 26 Sept 2026
11:00 am
Open Morning - The College
Open Day
Sat, 10 Oct 2026
10:00 am
Open Morning
Open Day
Sat, 10 Oct 2026
10:00 am – 1:00 pm|Brighton College
College Open Morning
Open Morning
Sat, 10 Oct 2026
10:00 am
The College Open Morning
Open Day
Sat, 10 Oct 2026
11:00 am
Open Morning - The College
Dates to be confirmed
Year 9 Orientation DayFebruary of Year 6
Dates TBC
Interview and Activities DayJanuary of the school year before joining
Dates TBC
Year 9 Taster Day (post-offer)October of Year 7
Dates TBC
Event2026-05-09
Dates TBC
Event2026-10-10
Dates TBC
Event2026-09-26
Dates TBC

Talks & tasters

Sat, 26 Sept 2026The College Open MorningOpen Morning
Sat, 10 Oct 2026The College Open MorningOpen Morning

Fees

£14,670per year · Day · 2026-27
VAT-inclusive estimate £14,670VAT status TBCYear 7-13 projection £115,868
vs London avg (£24,000)39% below
By entry point · 2026/2027
16+£12,648
11+£9,012
Reception£4,761
Also budget for · Registration fee, deposit, uniform, lunches, trips, music tuition, exam fees. These vary by school — check with admissions for the full cost breakdown.

Bursaries & Scholarships

Excerpts

’Brighton College wants to be the cool kid among public schools, but it hangs on to its traditional values,’ a mum explained.

Pastoral care, inclusivity & discipline
Pastoral care, inclusivity & discipline

Undeniably, a cool school. ’Brighton College wants to be the cool kid among public schools, but it hangs on to its traditional values,’ a mum explained. Something of a pioneer on the LGB front: since 2017, the school has entered a float every year in Mobile phone policy A clear...

House system

KingCairnsTemple

Wellbeing

Brighton College promotes pupil wellbeing through its coastal location encouraging outdoor learning and physical activity, alongside a focus on mental health and holistic education. The school supports pupils with safe travel options and a culture of kindness.

Inspection

Isi 2 Dec 2025

3 inspection reports on file.

  • Isi1 Nov 2024Excellent
  • Isi · Routine Inspection15 Oct 2024
Read full ISI report →

Term dates 2025-26

spring5 Jan 202618 Mar 2026Half-term 12 Feb 2026–23 Feb 2026
Hilary 20265 Jan 202618 Mar 2026Half-term 12 Feb 2026–22 Feb 2026
summer13 Apr 202626 Jun 2026Half-term 22 May 2026–1 Jun 2026
Trinity 202613 Apr 202626 Jun 2026Half-term 22 May 2026–31 May 2026
autumn3 Sept 20269 Dec 2026Half-term 20 Oct 2026–2 Nov 2026
Michaelmas 20263 Sept 20269 Dec 2026Half-term 20 Oct 2026–1 Nov 2026
spring6 Jan 202719 Mar 2027Half-term 11 Feb 2027–22 Feb 2027
Hilary 20276 Jan 202719 Mar 2027Half-term 11 Feb 2027–21 Feb 2027
Trinity 202712 Apr 20272 Jul 2027Half-term 28 May 2027–6 Jun 2027
summer12 Apr 20272 Jul 2027Half-term 28 May 2027–7 Jun 2027

INSET: 28 Aug 2026 · 1 Sept 2026 · 21 Oct 2026 · 22 Oct 2026

Feeder schools

Schools like Brighton College

Ranked by semantic similarity across curriculum, ethos, intake and admissions style. Most parents shortlist 4–6 schools before applying.

73%

Brighton College Prep Kensington

Westminster · Prep · Ages 2–13
£12,942 – £38,817
72%

Eastbourne College

Eastbourne · Senior · Ages 13–18
£31,560 – £36,680
62%

Broadhurst School

Camden · Nursery · Ages 2–4
Fees TBC
61%

Ardingly College

Mid Sussex · All Through · Ages 2–18
£20,055 – £31,545
61%

Nottingham High School

Nottingham · All Through · Ages 3–18
£18,447 – £23,154
60%

Sevenoaks School

Sevenoaks · Senior · Ages 11–18
£35,925 – £38,202

Questions parents ask

Common questions about Brighton College, answered from this school’s structured profile data. Always confirm specifics with admissions before applying.

What kind of child is Brighton College best for?+

Independent co-ed all-through school in Brighton and Hove for ages 3–18, day or boarding. Selective entry, top-tier London fees.

How does admissions work?+

Admissions are selective — expect an entrance assessment at the relevant entry point. Plan tutoring or familiarisation early. See the admissions timeline above for confirmed dates.

Are fees published?+

Yes — see the Fees table further down the page. Add extras (uniform, trips, lunches, music tuition, registration fees) on top of the base figure before budgeting.

Does the school support SEND?+

SEND provision isn't documented in our profile. If your child has identified needs, contact admissions early to discuss capacity.

Are there open days?+

10 upcoming open days or tours — see the admissions timeline. Booking is usually required.

How do I contact admissions?+

email at admissions@brightoncollegeprepkensington.co.uk or phone on +44 1273 704500. Reference your child's age and intended entry year in the first message.

What similar schools should I compare?+

We've ranked 6 schools by semantic similarity to Brighton College — see the "Schools like Brighton College" grid below. Most parents shortlist 4–6 schools before applying.

Enrichment last updated 26 May 2026. Sources include the school’s official site, Wikipedia, Good Schools Guide, Tatler, and Sunday Times Parent Power.

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