Is Bede's prep school at Eastbourne great?

[Leelove28]

Hi, I am looking for co-ed boarding prep schools that have a great football programme for my son. As a parent, I want him to have all the options of a great academic experience and football opportunities. Someone mentioned Bede's prep school as being a wonderful school to fulfill this.
We live outside England hence why the choice of boarding.
Does anyone have experience with Bede's football programme?

You may find this thread helpful.

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/secondary/3621728-Finding-an-top-sports-boarding-school-especially-football

Are you looking for a prep school (ages 8-13) or a private boarding secondary school ( 13 -18) ?

Thank you Dividenrule

Hi@Dividenrule I am looking for a prep school with a senior school attached but with a good football academy programme. I looked through the thread you shared with me but there was no mention of Bede's. I want to know if it is considered a great school.

I think it depends how you define great. It is quite an unusual school as it’s very child focussed and tries to allow every pupil whatever their interests and strengths to flourish rather than expecting them to fit the mould. Sport is excellent. It’s not a traditional school so wouldn’t suit you / your child if that’s important to you

What do you mean by “a great school”? It is not a “major public school” ( Eton Winchester Harrow etc ) nor is it a leading co-ed boarding school ( Marlborough, Oundle, King’s Canterbury etc) so if you are looking for a big name brand Bede’s is not it. It may however be the perfect school for your particular child. You need to visit.

Personally If I was looking for top class football and boarding and a brand I would go for Charterhouse.

Is it not best just to look how different schools do at IAPS? Bede's didn't make it out of the pool stage in 2018 and it looks like Millfield (prehaps unsurprisingly) were top.

iaps.uk/documents/events/event_1220/IAPS-U13-National-Football-Finals-Results-.pdf

Actually, I might have got that back to front and Westbrook Hay were top.

Repton is consistently at the top for football and is coed. Foremake Hall is their prep and is an absolutely lovely school, also coed.

Thanks everyone. Sorry for the late response. Just got back from visiting Foremarke hall and Repton. We were very impressed with the school's academic and sports focus.