Any experience with Eastbourne college?

[Seth41]

Seriously considering for my year 7 boy to go there in year 9.

He’s a very strong sportsman
He’s strong academically, especially in maths.
He’s desperate to board (lives with just me and his two older sisters!)

But it’s a big leap. Financially, I could do it but there would be sacrifices (but not at the the expense of the children ie I wouldn’t upgrade the car, nor would I go on a (wonderfully!) indulgent long weekend with friends... that kind of thing. I’m happy to forego without question.

I don’t know anyone that goes there.

Thoughts / experience... would be enormously appreciated.

Many thanks

Hi Seth41, can only comment on our DD experience as a boarder now in Lower Sixth. It has been a happy experience for us all as pastoral care is excellent (certainly for the girls) and the college is very friendly and relaxed.....they only push when needed, peer group motivation appears to be strong as it it is not 'cool' to be lazy. Being in town it makes the school more 'normal' and has a campus feel about it. The boarders can go into town which you couldn't do at more remote institutions.
Sport facilities are v good, some central but the astros are very spread out. When you go to watch you always have the feeling they are enjoying themselves which can't be said for some schools. My impression is that for boys the big sports are cricket and hockey, I don't know about rugby. The results fluctuate from year to year ie my DD's year is very sporty but the year below not....luck of the draw. There are generous sports scholarships to be had if you son is good.
I can't comment on maths as my DD is certainly not a mathematician!....not the schools fault, however she got a very good GCSE so the maths dept must be pretty ok.
I would add that the online learning during lockdown has been superlative including sports classes, tutor groups, house catch ups etc. No real gripes to report.....except parking which is very tricky!
We looked at other schools and were on the verge of committing to another now in favour establishment (bit pushy) when we looked around Eastbourne. The first school looked really impressive but it didn't have the friendly but motivational charm which pevades at EC....at least in our experience.

Hope that helps

It helps enormously
Thank you