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SENIOR . SIXTH FORM

WE ARE MORE THAN A SCHOOL

are Bede’s... 2

Head’s Welcome

Our Story

Meet some of our pupils

Academic Overview

Our Results

Co-Curricular Overview

How to apply and next steps

Community

Individual Pathways

Year Group Overview

Sport

... we are more than a School

WELCOME TO BEDE’S

Every child is unique, each carrying hidden talents that wait, like treasure, to be discovered. At Bede’s, we nurture a community of curiosity one that empowers every individual to uncover and develop their passions, embrace new horizons, build lasting friendships and realise their potential. We believe deeply in the power of ‘Do What You Love’: by placing choice, exploration and innovation at the heart of school life, we create the conditions in which every Bedian can pursue what truly excites them, channelling that enthusiasm into genuine academic and personal growth.

... value the journey as much as the destination We are firm believers that children who experience learning with joy carry that joy forward into everything they do. When pupils feel supported, seen and inspired, they don’t just meet expectations they exceed them. This is the philosophy that unites every teacher and pupil here at Bede’s: that through mutual encouragement, hard work and a shared sense of belonging, all things become possible. This culture of compassion and high aspiration enables Bede’s to shape inquisitive, confident minds. Combined with the exceptional quality of teaching and the breadth of opportunity our remarkable campus provides, it creates the conditions for memories that last a lifetime. The more time I spend here, the more I appreciate what a truly special place this is. I hope that your exploration of our school marks the beginning of a new journey - one filled with joy, knowledge and the kind of exhilarating challenges that bring out the very best in every child.

O U R S T O RY

... make today matter most At Bede’s, joy isn’t a fleeting reward - it is woven into the fabric of every lesson, friendship and day. Excellence follows naturally from a life welllived and learning well-loved, where childhood is valued and each moment builds toward a future far richer than the sum of its parts. Here, education means flourishing - exploring boldly, taking pride in every step forward - with creativity and joy seen as essential to brilliance, nurtured by exceptional teaching that inspires curiosity and fosters confidence.

In today’s competitive world, parents want their children to achieve highly while also growing in happiness and resilience. Bede’s provides an environment where academic ambition and emotional wellbeing thrive together, guided by expert teachers who shape learning around each pupil’s strengths and passions. By balancing aspiration with care, we empower pupils not only to aim for the highest standards but also to enjoy every spirited step along the way.

Choosing Bede’s means embracing an education where outstanding results and personal growth belong together and values every day. Here, learning is purposeful, present and fulfilling, rooted in the belief that true achievement flourishes when pupils feel inspired, supported and confident to dream boldly and engage fully in the moment.

WHERE AMBITION MEETS BELONGING At Bede’s, life is lived to the full. Mornings are worth rushing for. Set within the breathtaking Sussex countryside, our school is a vibrant, compassionate community where day pupils and boarders learn, grow, and thrive alongside one another. Whether arriving each morning or making our houses a home away from home, every pupil benefits from a rich, balanced rhythm of life tailored to modern families - supported by an extensive network of connected bus routes across the South East, as well as day boarding and late-stay options where pupils can enjoy supper and complete supervised homework with tutors before catching the late bus home, truly keeping family time as family time. Here, in a culture built on kindness and encouragement, children discover the freedom to be themselves, the confidence to pursue their passions, and a true sense of belonging that lasts a lifetime.

ACADEMIC OVERVIEW

... turn Ambition into Reality At Bede’s, we believe that academic excellence is fuelled by a genuine love for learning. We move beyond rigid, onesize-fits-all systems to ensure that every pupil’s journey is defined by joy, curiosity, and a deep sense of belonging.

Personalised Pathways

A Culture of Enrichment

Our Results

We don’t expect pupils to conform to us; we mould our school around them. By building our timetable around individual pupil choices rather than fixed blocks, we offer a bespoke curriculum where no two timetables are exactly the same.

Our Academic Academies offer over 100 weekly sessions, ranging from Oxbridge preparation to niche masterclasses. These aren’t just “bolt-on” activities; they are vibrant spaces where pupils and teachers collaborate as partners. These informal, high-energy sessions encourage pupils to stretch themselves beyond the curriculum, building the confidence to tackle the challenges of a rapidly changing world.

At Bede’s, we recognise that public examinations are a significant milestone. Results matter to us because they matter to our pupils; they are the keys that unlock future ambitions. However, we believe that true academic success is about more than just a final grade - it is about the intentional, joyful journey that leads there.

The Power of “Value Added” While raw grades are important, we measure our success as educators by the specific impact we have on every child. This is known as Value Added - a measure of how much a pupil improves during their time with us. Bede’s consistently ranks in the top schools nationally for Value Added. This means that, regardless of their starting point, a child at Bede’s is empowered to achieve significantly above their predicted potential.

Exceptional Outcomes

Support at Every Step

Our pupils consistently achieve at the highest levels. With 82% of A Level entries graded at A*-B and 92% of our leavers heading to their first-choice universities, a Bede’s education is a proven pathway to success. Whether through traditional GCSEs and A Levels or specialised BTECs, our pupils emerge with the qualifications they need to thrive in a competitive world.

This excellence isn’t accidental. From the junior years, we provide the “building blocks” of success from essay structuring to resilient revision techniques. By the time the exam season arrives, our pupils feel prepared, supported, and confident. We aren’t just teaching them to pass tests; we are teaching them how to succeed.

BEYOND THE CLASSROOM:

A Festival of Opportunity

... learn beyond the Classroom At Bede’s, we believe that education is about more than just what happens in the classroom. Our co-curricular programme is the “beating heart” of the school. At Bede’s, we know that being an artist, an athlete, or even a zookeeper makes you a better academic. By finding joy beyond the classroom, our pupils don’t just achieve; they flourish.

The Pursuit of Brilliance Learning at Bede’s extends far beyond the four walls of a classroom. Our renowned co-curricular programme isn’t just an add-on; it’s woven into the very fabric of Bede’s. Every Monday, Tuesday and Thursday afternoon, our pupils dive into activities - giving them the chance to explore, create and move creating a rich environment where every child can unearth their unique passions and potential. Whether caring for exotic species in our famous on-site zoo, engaging in creative arts, or competing on the sports field, our balanced timetable harmonises academic ambition with emotional well-being. We firmly believe that happy children thrive; by encouraging pupils to explore, take risks, and discover what truly inspires them, we nurture resilient, well-rounded individuals who genuinely love to learn.

A Stage for Every Talent From the prestigious Legat Dance Academy, which prepares aspiring professionals for global stages, to our inclusive Jazz Bands and the annual Cabaret showcase, there is a spotlight for everyone. Our pupils don’t just perform; they manage lighting, sound, and costume design, learning that every role is vital to the success of the whole.

From Entry Level to Elite In Sport, we instill a lifelong love for fitness through our “Professional and Participation” pathways. While our elite academies in cricket, football, and tennis produce professional athletes, we are equally proud of the pupil who tries a sport for the first time.

BELONGING At Bede’s, we believe that for a young person to truly flourish academically, they must first feel a deep, unwavering sense of belonging. Our House system isn’t just an administrative structure; it is the heartbeat of our community - a “home away from home” where every pupil is known, valued, and celebrated for exactly who they are.

Where Every Pupil is Known Whether a day pupil or a boarder, every pupil belongs to one of our ten vibrant Houses. These are smaller, close-knit communities within the wider school, led by dedicated Housemasters and Housemistresses and a team of tutors who act as mentors, advocates, and champions. From the legendary “House Music” competition to inter-house bake-offs and sports, the camaraderie built here creates friendships that bridge year groups and last a lifetime. In a House at Bede’s, you aren’t just a face in the crowd; you are a vital part of a family.

Support That Moves with You

...belong

Our pastoral care is proactive, built on the simple truth that a happy child is a successful one. With exceptionally small tutor groups, your child’s personal tutor is a constant, supportive presence - someone who truly knows them and balances a watchful eye on their academic progress and a genuine care for their emotional wellbeing. Ultimately, we don’t just want our pupils to attend Bede’s; we want them to own it. By fostering an environment of kindness and mutual respect, we ensure that every pupil leaves us with the greatest gift of all: the knowledge that they truly belong.

P E R S O N A L I S E D E D U C AT I O N

At Bede’s, we believe that education should fit the child, not the other way around. While many schools ask pupils to slot into predetermined “blocks” or rigid structures, we take a different path. We start with a blank canvas for every individual, building our timetable entirely around pupil choices. This means your child has the genuine freedom to pursue any combination of subjects they desire - whether that is a traditional suite of A Levels, a specialised BTEC pathway, or a unique blend of both.

...know learning is not just lessons We don’t group subjects by “type,” because we know that a scientist might also be a passionate linguist, and an artist might have a head for business. By removing these traditional barriers, we empower our pupils to play to their strengths and explore their interests without compromise. Even in the Sixth Form, we encourage this exploration; if a pupil wants to start with four subjects to truly find their feet, we make it happen.

This bespoke approach is about more than just a schedule; it’s about confidence. By tailoring assessment styles and learning pathways to suit individual needs, we ensure that every pupil can demonstrate their knowledge in a way that feels natural to them. Supported by our experienced team - who balance university expectations with a child’s personal ambitions - we create a journey that is as unique as the person taking it. At Bede’s, no two programmes are the same, because no two children are the same.

T H E J O U R N E Y AT B E D E ’ S

... enjoy the journey Whether your child joins us as a curious 11-year-old or an ambitious Sixth Former, they will find a community that celebrates their individuality and the person they are becoming.

The Junior Years (Years 7–8)

The Foundation Year (Year 9)

We are thrilled to welcome our youngest pupils into our new “school within a school.” It’s the perfect transition: a dedicated, purposebuilt centre that offers a sense of security and belonging, combined with full access to the incredible facilities of our senior campus. It truly is the best of both worlds.

Year 9 is all about exploration. While we focus on core excellence in English, Maths, Science, and Languages, our “World” and “21st Century” carousels introduce everything from Politics and Philosophy to First Aid and Cookery. Whether your child is drawn to the intensity of our elite creative arts or the rigour of the humanities, they’ll find the space to build on existing passions while discovering entirely new ones.

The GCSE Years (Year 10-11) As pupils move into the Fifth Form, they begin to narrow their focus. While the “step up” to GCSEs is significant, our tutors ensure the experience remains joyful and balanced. We take great pride in seeing our pupils consistently perform beyond their own expectations, emerging not just with excellent results, but as well-rounded young people ready for the senior years.

The Sixth Form (Year 12-13) Life in the Sixth Form marks an exciting shift into young adulthood. It is often the time our alumni look back on most fondly; a period defined by a unique sense of camaraderie formed through house socials, leavers’ balls and the unique shared memories made in the field of sport or on stage. But we also recognise that this is also a time when our pupils are looking beyond Bede’s and it is our privilege to help them do so, providing the tailored guidance that will help them navigate their futures. In short, our mission is to ensure the final chapters of the school journey are as joyful and rewarding as the very first.

At Bede’s, sport is an exhilarating journey of discovery woven seamlessly alongside academic life. Nestled in the Sussex countryside, our state-of-the-art facilities and world-class coaching empower pupils to flourish at every level - from elite academies in cricket, football, hockey and tennis to wholehearted participation. We celebrate national triumph and first-time triumphs with equal pride. Whether pursuing a professional dual career or uncovering a newfound passion, every Bedian finds a sport that brings them joy, builds resilience, and opens extraordinary pathways.

SPORT

Ellie,

Nuclear Physicist

T H E L A B O R AT O RY O F T H O U G H T

... learn beyond the Classroom I joined Bede’s in Year 7 after being blown away by their Sports and Performing Arts departments on an Open Morning. I am now an Upper Sixth Day pupil, currently studying Maths, Further Maths, Physics, Chemistry and an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ). Having originally started Bede’s as a Drama scholar, as I continued my journey through Bede’s, my teachers opened my eyes to a side of academics that I had not seen before. I became very interested in STEM subjects and as a result, I studied harder and with my teachers encouragement, I decided to change my path and strive for a career in STEM - in particular, aerospace engineering.

Bede’s provides many opportunities beyond the curriculum. No matter what your interests are, the teachers are there to support you and help you to discover your talents. All of the activities you can get involved with are accessible for anyone at any level. You can gain a taste for a wide range of pursuits - I have participated in many activities, from hockey to debating. Beyond Bede’s, I hope to one day be a part of a programme which might involve aerospace engineering from a structural, material science aspect. Or I would like to be an F1 Engineer! Whatever happens, I would love to come back to Bede’s and inspire young pupils, particularly girls, to pursue STEM subjects.

I am very proud of all of my achievements whilst being at Bede’s, in particular winning the International UK Space Design Competition and achieving 11 ‘9’s at GCSE. However, my proudest achievement has to be becoming Head of my House.

VISION ON THE PITCH

... let talent dictate their path At Bede’s, football is a cornerstone of our community. Built on passion, discipline, and a belief in every player’s potential, our year-round programme offers an immersive experience across 14 competitive teams for all abilities. Whether a pupil is discovering the game or preparing for elite academies, we create an environment where technical excellence and character development go hand in hand. Guided by UEFA-qualified coaches and former professional stars like Dan Harding and Kellie Larkin, our teams consistently compete in top national competitions, including the HUDL League and ESFA National Cups. Pupils train in professional-grade environments equipped with Catapult GPS wearables, Veo AI video analysis, bespoke strength and conditioning, and sports psychology. Crucially, our dedicated tutors ensure elite athletic performance never comes at the expense of academic ambition.

As part of our exclusive and exciting new partnership with Premier League club Brighton & Hove Albion FC, pupils benefit from shared staff insights, top-tier coaching methodologies, and direct professional pathways. The true measure of this pathway lies in its proven record of success. From alumnus Solly March establishing himself as a Premier League First Team regular, to rising talents Issy Ranger and Liam Doyle earning professional contracts, our pupils consistently transition into elite environments. With standout players like Fraser Widdop progressing as a Brighton Club Scholar and representing England internationally, we continuously prove our power as a launching pad for highlevel athletic careers - giving every young footballer a clear, supported route to the top.

Solly,

300 caps for Brighton & Hove Albion

Issy U16

Charlotte

Fraser U18

U14 Brighton & Hove Albion Academy 25

Alina, Artist 26

P E R S O N A L C R E AT I V I T Y

... allow individuals to flourish I joined Bede’s at the Prep School when I was 8 years old, so I have been here for pretty much my whole school life. Art has always been my thing, ever since I was a little kid, and right from the Prep School I took every chance I could to draw and paint. I even used to come in for optional art sessions on Saturday mornings, and did my first fine art portrait when I was in Year 6. Most schools would never encourage you to do something like that, and even though I was scared at the time it was the start of me learning to take the initiative and understand that I could do it, by myself. Of course, my GCSEs were stressful, but even in subjects where I struggled like Science and Maths I somehow managed to get A grades. I was obviously really happy with my results, but I was also surprised. I worked hard and had great support from my teachers, but just didn’t see my four A*s and four As coming!

I’m now in the Sixth Form and I’m studying two separate A Levels in Fine Art and Graphics plus Photography and Media Studies. I have my own space in the Art Studios and I spend as much time there as I can, which means, once you add it up, that I spend about 25 timetabled hours a week studying Art, which is exactly what I want. Looking ahead, I would love to go to Central St Martins but in a way I would like to just start work and get some professional experience. The main thing is that by the time I leave I will have been at Bede’s for 10 years, and that’s 10 years of training that has meant that I can now choose to do whatever I want to. That is obviously a very good feeling.

CHOREOGRAPHING A BRIGHT FUTURE

... turn ambition into reality

I joined Bede’s in the First Year from Uckfield Community College mainly so I could combine my dance and academic studies better. Before I started at Bede’s, I was dancing pretty much every evening after school which could be stressful as everything was always such a rush.

I started dancing at the age of three and it has always been my real passion. Before I came to Bede’s, modern dance was the genre I loved most, but recently my focus has changed a bit and I now enjoy contemporary and jazz the most. I love all the workshops we get involved with at Bede’s; Cats was one my favourites but I also loved the Samba and African dance themed ones as they were totally different from any dance I had done before. Juggling studying and the Legat programme can be intense at times; during the Sixth Form I was dancing for 20-25 hours per week and studying hard for my A levels, but my personal tutor and Legat teachers have helped me create a schedule which balances all my commitments. Although my tutor doesn’t know much about dance, she made it her business to find out about it so she could support me! It’s always pretty special to look out and spot her in the audience at the Legat shows.

The things I will remember most about my time at Bede’s will definitely be the shows. The first time I took part in Cabaret it blew me away - I had no idea the scale of it and how professional all the staging and costumes would be. I just loved the energy of it all - it was so exciting! The annual Legat Showcases have also been a huge highlight. I had just one costume change in my first one, but in my last one I had ten different changes during the show. The wonderful thing about Legat and Bede’s is that it has allowed me to keep my options open for the future; I have been considering whether to go to university to study psychology or on to a performing arts college. It’s been a tough call but I have finally decided to take the dance route and I can’t wait to see where this path takes me.

Freya, Dancer

Tam, Veterinary Surgeon

K I N G D O M O F I N Q U I RY

... allow individuals to flourish I joined Bede’s at the beginning of Year 12 for sixth form, and it was one of the best decisions I have ever made! Having been someone that has moved frequently throughout growing up, I can say with confidence that Bede’s was the best place to achieve my goals.

What makes Bede’s Zoo so special is not only the animals, but the people in the animal management department. The Zoo sparked my interest in exotic animals, and even gave me confidence to handle a tarantula, which sums up what the Zoo can do to an individual!

Something that influenced my decision was the teaching of Animal Management, which I correctly thought would give me hands on experience with a variety of species. In sixth form, I studied Chemistry, Biology, and BTEC Animal Management. I aspire to become a vet, so this combination was perfect for my needs.

The time I spent in the Zoo at Bede’s helped me prepare for my Veterinary Medicine University interviews, giving me confidence to talk about a variety of species and knowing about the foundations to animal care, behaviour and management. I can confidently say that every single one of my teachers helped me in some way throughout my University application process, varying from improving my interview skills to amplifying my confidence, and I am forever grateful for all the support I got along the way.

The Zoo gave me the perfect opportunity to handle animals I would have never touched before going to Uni, such as Royal Pythons and Leopard Geckos!

WHY BEDE’S?

We….unearth the extraordinary in every child Choosing a school is about finding a place where your child will not only excel, but truly belong. At Bede’s, what sets us apart is our unshakeable belief that exceptional academic outcomes and genuine personal happiness go hand in hand. We do not believe in a one-size-fits-all education. Instead, we craft a bespoke journey around the individual - discovering what makes your child tick, nurturing their innate talents, and inspiring them to reach heights they never thought possible. From our world-class facilities and expansive cocurricular world to teachers who routinely go above and beyond, we surround every pupil with the encouragement, stretch, and pastoral care they need to flourish. When young people leave Bede’s, they do so not just with outstanding qualifications, but as confident, compassionate, and resilient individuals ready to make their mark on the world.

The Parent Perspective “Bede’s focuses on the happiness of the individual child by offering a broad variety of options and activities. They believe that finding out what your child enjoys and what makes them shine will, in turn, lead to them thriving. The teaching staff go the extra mile - from evening astronomy sessions to weekend maths study groups with pizza. The education, skills, and self-confidence instilled in our children have been invaluable.” — A Bede’s Parent

Julian Cash,

mpion 2025

Wimbledon Doubles Cha

Roberta,

Vet, Veterinary Emergency Group

Holly Saw,

Lead Female Dancer,

Matthew Bourne

At Bede’s, we believe the journey is as important as the destination. However, when that destination arrives, we are consistently proud of the vibrant, ambitious paths our leavers choose. We don’t produce a single “type” of graduate; instead, we cultivate the confidence for every pupil to find where they truly belong.

WHERE CURIOSITY LEADS

A World of Opportunity Each year, our pupils progress to world-class institutions, from the UK’s prestigious Russell Group to renowned universities in the US and Europe. Whether entering the high-stakes worlds of Medicine and Law or exploring evolving fields like AI and Cybersecurity, our alumni leave with a keen awareness of where the modern jobs market is heading.

The “Dual Career” & Innovation

Creative Excellencee

A hallmark of the Bede’s experience is the “dual career.” Many pupils head to sporting hubs like Loughborough or Bath, balancing rigorous degrees with professionalgrade coaching. Others pursue prestigious degree apprenticeships in sectors like Engineering or Finance, gaining a competitive, debt-free head start in their careers.

The arts remain a cornerstone of our spirit. Every year, pupils secure places at global centres of creativity - from Architecture at Central Saint Martins to Musical Theatre at AMDA in New York or Italia Conti in London.

Our Sixth Formers leave us as more than just alumni; they leave as curious, capable, and joyful individuals ready to make their mark on the world.

... are Future Ready 35

EXPERIENCE THE DIFFERENCE

... look forward to seeing you 36

There is a unique joy to life at Bede’s that a printed page can’t quite capture. Our visitors often speak of a ‘feeling’ - a sense of warmth and community that makes our pupils feel instantly at home. We’d love for you to feel it for yourself and warmly invite you to visit us, whether during an Open Morning or on a normal school day. To book your visit, please head to our website or contact our Admissions team directly; we are looking forward to welcoming you soon.

Arrange your personal visit. Experience the difference. admissions@bedes.org | 01323 356609 | bedes.org

are Bede’s...

We are WHERE EVERY CHILD FINDS JOY IN THEIR PURSUIT OF BRILLIANCE.

Arrange your personal visit. Experience the difference.

01323 356609 bedes.org