What is Bede's like?

Bede’s Senior School dominates the tiny Sussex village of Upper Dicker, with its 100 acres of grounds merging seamlessly into the surrounding countryside. Around 350 of its 800 students board, with the day pupil contingent bussing in from Tunbridge Wells, Brighton, Eastbourne and Hastings.

In British private school terms, Bede’s is a fairly new, modern school, a fact which comes across in the school’s personality. The ethos is progressive and inclusive, reflecting the diverse range of nationalities and backgrounds of its students.

Is Bede's a good school?

Bede’s is fairly unselective on the academic front, and aims to offer a broad and varied curriculum. Despite this, its GCSE and A-level track record boasts significantly superior results to the national average.

Sports facilities are outstanding, with academies for football, cricket, hockey and tennis producing several national champions. Likewise, the Art department produces some outstanding work, and the school is possibly the only one in the country with its own mini-zoo.

Is it hard to get into Bede's?

As mentioned previously, Bede’s is not particularly selective on a an applicant’s current academic attainment, and it offers excellent learning support for mild learning difficulties or English language acquisition.

Bede’s does take great care to vet each applicant’s academic and personal interests, aiming to ensure it enrols students with aspiration and enthusiasm.

What is the boarding like at Bede's senior school?

This is where Bede’s really benefits from its modernity. Unlike some schools, Bede’s has not needed to convert grade 1 listed turrets or spires, and can instead offer its boarders some of the best, purpose-built boarding accommodation in the country.

Massive open shared spaces are at the centre of each house, providing places where students can converge for a game of pool or table tennis, or just a snack and a chat. Each house has a big screen/cinema area for movie nights or televised sporting events.

Rooms are well appointed, and usually either singles or doubles with a dedicated bathroom shared by a small number of students.