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Connect with other parents whose children are starting secondary school on this forum.

Connect with other parents whose children are starting secondary school on this forum.

Secondary education

Eastbourne College or Bede’s Senior School?

21 replies

Puikingsara · 17/03/2018 11:20

Which school will be better? Any parent who can share your views?

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yikesanotherbooboo · 18/03/2018 17:13

We looked at both these schools and DS has friends at both.
Firstly, they are both strong pastorally and DS's friends have been happy at both.
Both have new heads.
Eastbourne is a more traditional school , with a large campus and playing fields in town, all the usual sports/ theatre/ new classrooms being built. It has relaxed a little over full boarding in the last few years but is still largely a full boarding school.
Bede's is in the countryside with a higher proportion of Day pupils being bussed in it appears to be very successful for more individual types of children or at least it attracts them.
You would have to see which you feel suits your child best as they are quite different.
Are you looking for a girl or boy?
Which other schools are you looking at?
Day or boarding?
Particular interests.?eg rugby at Eastbourne or soccer at Bede's
Would you be thinking of them staying for sixth form?

Caddyshack · 18/03/2018 17:33

My son is a weekly boarder and Bede's (Year 9) and loves it. We didn't look at Eastbourne so I'm not that familiar with it, but I think yikes' description rings true from everything I've heard. I think that both are very good schools but different, so you'd need to see both.

Bede's has been very good at bringing out the best in my son. Before he started I was concerned because he is not a traditionally sporty kid and I worried that it might be an issue. Not al all. The kids at the school have a huge range of interests and talents, and somehow the school offers something great for everyone. I feel really lucky to have found it.

Puikingsara · 18/03/2018 18:04

Thank you, Yikes.
I got offer from both schools for Year 9 in 2019 but still not yet decided which one will be suit my son.

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yikesanotherbooboo · 18/03/2018 18:09

Does your son have a view?

yikesanotherbooboo · 18/03/2018 18:14

What sort of boy is he? Is he going to board? What drew you to these schools in particular?

Puikingsara · 19/03/2018 10:37

He seems loves Bede’s more.

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Puikingsara · 19/03/2018 10:40

We lived in Eastbourne. He does study at Bede’s Prep School now. He’s a weekly boarder. My son is a quiet boy but he loves soccer.

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yikesanotherbooboo · 19/03/2018 12:23

Does you head have a view or are they influenced by the connection with Bede's.
Has your son got any sen requirement; usually well catered for at Bede's?
Eastbourne is more of a rugby school .

Caddyshack · 19/03/2018 13:20

If your son is already at Bede's prep, that might be a smooth transition if you're already happy with the school ethos? There is a strong football program at Bede's Senior School...

Puikingsara · 19/03/2018 13:32

Caddyshack,
Is your son weekly boarding at Bede’s Senior? Shall he go home on every Friday or Saturday?

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Puikingsara · 19/03/2018 13:40

Yikes,
My son does not require any SEN support. Bede’s is a very caring school actually. However, I liked EC except it’s full boarding.

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Caddyshack · 19/03/2018 14:04

Yes, he generally comes home on Fridays (by train) and I usually drive him back on Monday mornings...

Puikingsara · 19/03/2018 14:42

Caddyshack,
Thanks a lot!

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robbieudo · 05/04/2018 08:34

Hi everyone, is Eastbourne only full boarding, i thought weekly is also possible?

robbieudo · 05/04/2018 08:35

Hi everyone, is Eastbourne only full boarding, i thought weekly is also possible?

Puikingsara · 05/04/2018 09:17

Eastbourne College provide flexible boarding only but not weekly boarding. Sometimes, the students can go back home every 2 weeks only.

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robbieudo · 05/04/2018 10:40

thanks for clarifying

Hkgerm · 23/05/2018 04:58

Hi Puikingsara,
have you decided which one you go for?
I need to make the same decision for 2019....

CatkinToadflax · 23/05/2018 10:18

I have friends whose boys are both currently at the same school and are good mates and have similar strengths academically, sportingly etc. One is soon going to Bede's and the other to Eastbourne, both as day pupils. Both sets of parents and boys are really happy with their choices.

I'm being no help at all in terms of your dilemma, but wanted to say that both schools are very well regarded!

Hkgerm · 23/05/2018 10:55

thanks Catkin, it will come down to personal choice i guess

manchegoontoast · 23/05/2018 13:28

The new facilities at Eastbourne have opened and they look really amazing... maybe worth going to have a look it might help with your decision?

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