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Schools in East Sussex

A council (local authority) in the South East

  • Council
  • 392 schools and nurseries
  • 66,397 pupils
  • 11 towns and villages

In short: Most primary schools here are rated Good or better, about the same as across England. Results at 11 are close to England, and results at 16 were below England in 2026. Missing school is a bigger problem than across England.

Three children with backpacks crossing a street
A red-brick school building under a blue sky
11 towns

East Sussex at a glance

Behind England on results at 16

How East Sussex's schools compare with England, area by area.

DfE and Ofsted data, 2014 to 2026How we work this out
  • Schools and nurseries392144 primary · 23 secondary · 175 nurseries
  • Primaries Good or better94%England 96%
  • Met the standard at 1161%England 62%
  • Grade 5 in English and maths44%Attainment 8 43.7, England 46.2
  • Free school meals, primary24%A sign of family income
  • Missed a lot of school20%England 18%
Top-rated

The highest-rated schools in East Sussex

Primary and secondary schools are ranked by Eduscope score, which weighs up results, inspections, attendance and more. Nurseries, special and independent schools aren't ranked. A high score isn't everything: always visit.

All East Sussex primary schools

Top Primary Schools in East Sussex

144 mainstream schools in East Sussex, best first

Ark Little Ridge Primary Academy

St Leonards-on-Sea, TN37 7LR · Academy · Primary · Ages 4 to 11

  • Ofsted:Outstanding

Results well above the England average.

95 first choices, 60 offers made

Met the standard at 1173%

England 62%

Days missed
4.2%
Pupils
435
Pupils per teacher
23.0
View school Ark Little Ridge Primary Academy

Ark Blacklands Primary Academy

Hastings, TN34 2HU · Academy · Primary · Ages 4 to 11

  • Ofsted:Outstanding

Results well above the England average.

88 first choices, 90 offers made

Met the standard at 1192%

England 62%

Days missed
5.1%
Pupils
623
Pupils per teacher
23.3
View school Ark Blacklands Primary Academy
See all 181 primary schools

Top Secondary Schools in East Sussex

23 mainstream schools in East Sussex, best first

The Cavendish School

Eastbourne, BN21 1UE · Academy · All-through · Ages 2 to 16

  • Ofsted:Outstanding in every area

Results well above the England average.

182 first choices, 118 offers made

Met the standard at 1182%

England 62%

Days missed
6.4%
Pupils
1,399
Pupils per teacher
19.5
View school The Cavendish School

St Richard's Catholic College

Bexhill-on-Sea, TN40 1SE · Academy · Secondary · Ages 11 to 16

  • Ofsted:Good

Results well above the England average.

262 first choices, 196 offers made

Attainment 8 at 1655.5

England 46.2

Days missed
5.7%
Pupils
1,029
Pupils per teacher
15.2
View school St Richard's Catholic College

Beacon Academy

Crowborough, TN6 2AS · Academy · Secondary · Ages 11 to 18

  • Ofsted:Outstanding

Results above the England average.

238 first choices, 255 offers made

Attainment 8 at 1649.4

England 46.2

Days missed
9.1%
Pupils
1,642
Pupils per teacher
17.6
View school Beacon Academy
See all 64 secondary schools

Nurseries in East Sussex

175 in East Sussex, highest Ofsted grade first

See all 175 nurseries

Sixth Forms in East Sussex

19 in East Sussex, by the school's Eduscope score

Beacon Academy

Crowborough, TN6 2AS · Academy · Secondary · Ages 11 to 18

  • Ofsted:Outstanding

Results above the England average.

238 first choices, 255 offers made

Attainment 8 at 1649.4

England 46.2

Days missed
9.1%
Pupils
1,642
Pupils per teacher
17.6
View school Beacon Academy

Seaford Head School

Seaford, BN25 4LX · Academy · Secondary · Ages 11 to 18

  • Ofsted:Outstanding

Results close to the England average.

245 first choices, 231 offers made

Attainment 8 at 1648.5

England 46.2

Days missed
8.6%
Pupils
1,461
Pupils per teacher
16.8
View school Seaford Head School

Uckfield College

Uckfield, TN22 3DJ · State · Secondary · Ages 11 to 18

  • Ofsted:Outstanding

Results close to the England average.

298 first choices, 267 offers made

Attainment 8 at 1647.7

England 46.2

Days missed
10.6%
Pupils
1,671
Pupils per teacher
16.0
View school Uckfield College
See all 19 sixth forms

Special Schools in East Sussex

28 in East Sussex. Eduscope doesn't rank these.

Chailey Heritage School

Lewes, BN8 4EF · Special · All-through · Ages 3 to 19

  • Ofsted:Outstanding

Specialist provision. Results aren't published in the same way.

Results

Not published for this kind of school.

Days missed
19.0%
Pupils
68
Pupils per teacher
–
View school Chailey Heritage School

Glyne Gap School

Bexhill-on-Sea, TN40 2PU · Academy · All-through · Ages 2 to 19

  • Ofsted:Outstanding

Specialist provision. Results aren't published in the same way.

Results

Not published for this kind of school.

Days missed
12.0%
Pupils
140
Pupils per teacher
8.2
View school Glyne Gap School

Hazel Court School

Eastbourne, BN23 8EJ · Academy · Secondary · Ages 11 to 19

  • Ofsted:Outstanding

Specialist provision. Results aren't published in the same way.

Results

Not published for this kind of school.

Days missed
10.9%
Pupils
135
Pupils per teacher
7.8
View school Hazel Court School
See all 28 special schools

Private Schools in East Sussex

28 in East Sussex. Eduscope doesn't rank these.

Claremont School

St Leonards-on-Sea, TN37 7PW · Independent · All-through · Ages 1 to 19

  • Ofsted:Outstanding

Independent school. Results aren't published in the same way.

Results

Not published for this kind of school.

Days missed
–
Pupils
418
Pupils per teacher
–
View school Claremont School

Mountfield Heath School

East Sussex, TN32 5FA · Independent · Primary · Ages 5 to 11

  • Ofsted:Outstanding

Specialist provision. Results aren't published in the same way.

Results

Not published for this kind of school.

Days missed
–
Pupils
46
Pupils per teacher
–
View school Mountfield Heath School

Step by Step School Limited

Sharpthorne, RH19 4HP · Independent · All-through · Ages 4 to 19

  • Ofsted:Outstanding

Specialist provision. Results aren't published in the same way.

Results

Not published for this kind of school.

Days missed
–
Pupils
36
Pupils per teacher
–
View school Step by Step School Limited
See all 28 private schools
The map

Every school in East Sussex, on one map

Each dot is a school or nursery, coloured by its latest Ofsted grade. Point at a dot to see its name, or use the list.

See them as a list
Show
Alfriston School, Outstanding in every areaBrede Primary School, Expected standard or betterChiddingly Primary School, GoodAshdown Primary School, GoodHamsey Community Primary School, GoodHankham Primary School, GoodLaughton Community Primary School, GoodWallands Community Primary and Nursery School, GoodMaynards Green Community Primary School, GoodWestern Road Community Primary School, Good in every areaPark Mead Primary School, GoodPlumpton Primary School, GoodPunnetts Town Community Primary School and Nursery, Good in every areaRotherfield Primary School, GoodSeaford Primary School, Expected standard in every areaWestfield School, GoodWillingdon Primary School, GoodSt Michael's Primary School, Needs attention in 1 areaWivelsfield Primary School and Nursery, Expected standard or betterDenton Community Primary School and Nursery, GoodCradle Hill Community Primary School, GoodPolegate Primary School, OutstandingManor Primary School, GoodHarbour Primary and Nursery School, GoodSandown Primary School and Nursery, GoodMotcombe Infants' School, GoodPashley Down Infant School, GoodWest Rise Primary School and Nursery, GoodRocks Park Primary School, GoodBourne Primary School, Requires improvementMeridian Community Primary School and Nursery, GoodParkside Community Primary School, Expected standard or betterStone Cross School, GoodBarcombe Church of England Primary School, Good or betterBattle and Langton Church of England Primary School, GoodBeckley Church of England Primary School, GoodAll Saints Church of England Primary School, Bexhill, GoodBurwash CofE School, OutstandingBuxted CofE Primary School, GoodCatsfield Church of England Primary School, Good or betterChailey St Peter's Church of England Primary School, Good or betterCross-in-Hand Church of England Primary School, GoodCrowhurst CofE Primary School, Needs attention in 2 areasDallington Church of England Primary School, GoodDanehill Church of England Primary School, GoodEast Hoathly CofE Primary School, GoodEtchingham Church of England Primary School, GoodFletching Church of England Primary School, GoodForest Row Church of England Primary School and Nursery, GoodHerstmonceux Church of England Primary School, GoodFrant Church of England Primary School, Expected standard or betterHigh Hurstwood Church of England Primary School, GoodSouth Malling CofE Primary and Nursery School, Good in every areaSouthover CofE Primary School, GoodBonners CofE School & Nursery, GoodMayfield Church of England Primary School, Good or betterNetherfield CofE Primary School, Expected standard in every areaNutley Church of England Primary School, Needs attention in 2 areasPeasmarsh Church of England Primary School, GoodPevensey and Westham CofE Primary School, Good or betterSalehurst Church of England Primary School, GoodSt Michael's Church of England Primary School, Requires improvement in 2 areasStonegate Church of England Primary School, GoodTicehurst and Flimwell Church of England Primary School, GoodFirle Church of England Primary School, Requires improvement in 3 areasFive Ashes CofE Primary School, Requires improvement in 1 areaIcklesham Church of England Primary School and Nursery, GoodIford and Kingston Church of England Primary School, GoodBodiam Church of England Primary School, Good or betterWadhurst CofE Primary School and Nursery, GoodStaplecross Methodist Primary School, Good in every areaBlackboys Church of England Primary School, GoodSt John's Church of England Primary School, Good in every areaFramfield Church of England Primary School, Requires improvement in 3 areasGuestling Bradshaw Church of England Primary School, Expected standard or betterSt Mark's Church of England Primary School, Good in every areaSt Mary the Virgin Church of England Primary School, GoodAll Saints' and St Richard's Church of England Primary School, Expected standard or betterLittle Horsted Church of England Primary School, GoodMark Cross Church of England Aided Primary School, GoodGroombridge St Thomas' Church of England Primary School, GoodSt Thomas' Church of England Aided Primary School, GoodSt Marys Catholic Primary School, Expected standard or betterSt Peter and St Paul CofE Primary School, Outstanding in every areaSt Mary Magdalene Catholic Primary School, Good or betterSt Philip's Catholic Primary School, Good or betterSacred Heart Catholic Primary School, GoodClaverham Community College, GoodHeathfield Community College, GoodUckfield College, OutstandingWillingdon Community School, GoodChailey School, Expected standard or betterPriory School, GoodBattle Abbey School, InspectedCumnor House School, InspectedMichael Hall School, GoodMayfield School, InspectedMarlborough House Vinehall School, InspectedSkippers Hill Manor Preparatory School, InspectedLewes Old Grammar School, InspectedFrewen College, InspectedSacred Heart School, InspectedClaremont School, OutstandingNorthease Manor School, InspectedDarvell School, GoodEastbourne College, InspectedSt Andrew's Prep, InspectedBede's Prep School, InspectedBuckswood School, InspectedBede's Senior School, InspectedGreenfields School, InspectedCompass Community School Pinetree Park, GoodChailey Heritage School, OutstandingHarlands Community Primary & Nursery School, GoodThe Mount Camphill Community Ltd, GoodSt Mary's School and 6th Form College, GoodHeadstart, GoodStep by Step School Limited, OutstandingThe Eastbourne Academy, Inadequate in 3 areasAnnan School, InspectedMulberry Academy St Leonards, Inadequate in 4 areasMulberry Academy Hastings, Needs attention in 1 areaBeacon Academy, OutstandingHeron Park Primary Academy, GoodOakwood Primary Academy, GoodGlenleigh Park Primary Academy, GoodKing Offa Primary Academy, GoodSeaford Head School, OutstandingRatton School, Expected standard in every areaThe Cavendish School, Outstanding in every areaBexhill High Academy, Good in every areaGlyne Gap School, OutstandingAnderida Learning Centre, GoodOre Village Primary Academy, GoodGildredge House, Good in every areaArk Alexandra Academy, Strong standard in every areaMulberry West St Leonards Primary, Expected standard or betterDudley Infant Academy, GoodHigh Cliff Academy, Expected standard in every areaPebsham Primary Academy, Good in every areaMulberry Baird Primary, Requires improvementSeahaven Academy, Expected standard in every areaArk Little Ridge Primary Academy, OutstandingArk Blacklands Primary Academy, OutstandingChurchwood Primary School, GoodRobsack Wood Primary School, GoodSaxon Mount School, Outstanding in every areaTorfield School, OutstandingAll Saints CofE Junior Academy, GoodMulberry Silverdale Primary, GoodSt Leonards Church of England Primary Academy, Needs attention in 1 areaCuckmere House School, Good in every areaNew Horizons School (Part of the Sabden Multi Academy Trust), Good in every areaSt Mary's School, GoodSir Henry Fermor Church of England Primary School, GoodThe Lindfield School, OutstandingThe South Downs School, OutstandingSt Paul's Church of England Academy, GoodSt Catherine's College, GoodHawkes Farm Academy, Good in every areaBreakwater Academy, GoodArk Castledown Primary Academy, Strong standard or betterJarvis Brook Primary School, GoodKing's Academy Ringmer, GoodChrist Church CofE Primary and Nursery Academy, GoodParkland Infant School, Expected standard or betterParkland Junior School, GoodPeacehaven Community School, GoodShinewater Primary School, Expected standard or betterOcklynge Junior School, Good or betterWhite House Academy, GoodHazel Court School, OutstandingMountfield Heath School, OutstandingLangney Primary Academy, GoodAnnecy Catholic Primary School, GoodRye College, GoodRye Community Primary School, GoodSt John's Meads Church of England Primary School, Requires improvementEast Sussex Skills Academy, Safeguarding not metSedlescombe Church of England Primary School, GoodThe Ropemakers' Academy, GoodThe Turing School, Needs attention in 5 areasISP School, GoodRoselands Infants' School, GoodStafford Junior School, GoodHurst Green Church of England Primary School and Nursery, GoodNorthiam Church of England Primary School and Nursery, GoodDitchling St Margaret's Church of England Primary School, GoodTelscombe Cliffs Academy, Good or betterUplands Academy, GoodPeacehaven Heights Academy, Good in every areaSummerdown School, Outstanding in every areaChyngton School, Expected standard or betterThe Haven Church of England Methodist Primary School, Expected standard in every areaNinfield Church of England Primary School, InadequateThe Flagship School, Expected standard in every areaLittle Common School, OutstandingTollgate Community Junior School, GoodSt Andrew's Church of England Infants School, GoodHollington Primary School, InadequateNewick Church of England Primary School, Good or betterBricklehurst Manor School, GoodChantry Community Primary School, GoodLittle Gate CollegeSt Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Primary School, GoodRingmer Primary and Nursery School, GoodRobertsbridge Community College, InadequateSt Thomas A Becket Catholic Primary School, GoodSt Richard's Catholic College, GoodAcre Wood Academy, Inadequate in 6 areasGrovelands Community Primary School, GoodHellingly Community Primary School, GoodEast Sussex Academy, InadequateHailsham Academy, InadequateThornton Grove Academy, GoodBusy Bees Day Nursery at Lewes, Expected standard or betterBarn Owls Pre-School, Expected standard or betterWhitehill Childcare Services Ltd, Expected standard or betterThe Blue Door Nursery, GoodCrowhurst Preschool, GoodThe Woodyard Nursery, OutstandingAmberley Nursery, GoodBusy Bees Day Nursery at Eastbourne, GoodCountry Buttercups Nursery, GoodSaffrons Park Nursery, GoodFellowship of St Nicholas, Expected standard or betterFirst Steps Nursery, GoodAttwood Farm Nursery, GoodHartfield Playschool, GoodLadybirds Preschool Playgroup, GoodEast Sussex Montessori School, GoodTots and Time Out Nursery, GoodPippa's Group, GoodTiddlers Nursery, GoodThe Meadows Nursery School, GoodCountryways Nursery, GoodFerry Road Nursery, GoodLittle Tinkers, Safeguarding not metBunny Run Childcare Centre & Schools Out Limited, GoodChalk Hill Pre-school and Toddler Group, OutstandingCherry Blossom Nursery, GoodThe Meadows Nursery School, GoodClaverham Day Nursery, GoodMeadows Mere Nursery School, GoodBunny Run Childcare Ltd, GoodMuddy Boots ' Sunshine Room', OutstandingPeasmarsh Flying Start Pre-School, GoodStepping Stones Playgroup, GoodThe Athelstan Nursery, GoodCharters Ancaster Nursery, OutstandingLittle Skaters Nursery & Pre-School, GoodLittle Rockets Childcare - Eastbourne, GoodThe Haven Nursery School, GoodLittle Explorers Nursery, GoodButterfly Nursery at Greenwich House, GoodToddlers Inn Nursery, GoodBattle Abbey Nursery Baby Room, GoodThe Meadows Nursery School, GoodBluebell Wood Children's Nursery, GoodSchool House Nursery Uckfield, GoodSheepsetting Pre-School, GoodThe Warren Nursery & Pre-School, OutstandingPoohs Nursery School Ltd., OutstandingStepping Stones, Lewes Community Nursery Ltd, GoodBear's House, St Leonards, GoodLower Willingdon Pre-School Nursery, OutstandingSt Andrew's Prep Nursery, GoodNetherfield Pre-School, OutstandingClaremont Nursery, OutstandingWild Monkeys Nursery, Expected standard in every areaDenton Island Nursery, GoodArtemis St Leonards, GoodLittle Acorns Day Nursery, GoodBright Beginnings, GoodCottage Pre-School, GoodBluebell Hill Children's Nursery, GoodRipe Nursery School, Strong standard in every areaClive Vale Nursery School, GoodMuddy Boots 'Snowdrop Cottage', OutstandingStaplecross Pre-School Playgroup, GoodPennies Mark Cross, GoodArtemis Hastings, GoodWild Monkeys Childcare Ltd, OutstandingPebbles Day Care, GoodTom Thumb Nursery, GoodThe Farmyard Nursery Limited Company, OutstandingBede's Nursery, OutstandingCopperfields Day Nursery, GoodAshdown Day Nursery, GoodCamelot Kids, GoodThe Old School House Montessori Nursery, OutstandingIn2play St Leonards Pre-School, GoodStone Cross Pre-School Playgroup, GoodJigsaw Day Nursery, OutstandingHopscotch Nursery, OutstandingLittle Rockets Childcare - Langney, GoodLeaps and Bounds Day Nursery, GoodBodiam Pre-School, GoodYoung Haymakers Nursery & Montessori School, OutstandingJigsaw YMCA Ltd, GoodIn2play Outdoor Pre-School, OutstandingCharlie Bear's Nursery, OutstandingSt Thomas-a-Becket Nursery, OutstandingWild Monkeys Nursery, GoodArtemis Hollington, GoodSedlescombe Pre-School Ltd., Requires improvementSouthover Nursery School, GoodRobertsbridge Children's Services, OutstandingHerstmonceux Preschool, GoodWadhurst CE Primary School Nursery, GoodMaggie's Day Nursery Eastbourne, GoodStep by step children's nursery Ltd, GoodBusy Bees at Crowborough, GoodJumping Beans Nursery CIO, OutstandingBluebell Barn Children's Nursery, GoodBarcombe Playgroup, GoodFramfield Pre-School, GoodMeadows Nursery School, OutstandingSilverdale Nursery, GoodManor Twiglets Nursery, GoodJigsaw Day Nursery, OutstandingKiddie Capers Childcare LtdParsonage Farm Day Nursery Limited, OutstandingPriory Foundation Learning Centre (Owlets), GoodHopscotch Nursery, GoodButterflies Nursery and Preschool Ltd, GoodChildren's Respite Trust Centre, GoodEach Peach Forest School, OutstandingWren House Nursery School, Expected standard or betterJenny Wren Nursery School, Expected standard or betterCarousel Nursery School, OutstandingHui, Mrs Kimberley Maureen, GoodBear's House Nursery, Expected standard or betterEarly Years Nursery, GoodDragonflies Community Nursery, OutstandingMaria Montessori Nursery School, GoodClive Vale Nursery School, Expected standard or betterCaterpillar Pre-School of Battle Baptist Church, GoodRotherfield Village Pre School, Requires improvementStep by Step Children's Nursery Ltd, GoodOz Tots, Expected standard in every areaBright Beginnings Daycare LimitedLittle Fireflies Nursery at High HurstwoodMaggie's Day Nursery Bexhill, Needs attention in 6 areasLittle Castle Nursery, Strong standard in every areaWestfield PlaygroupBede's Nursery, GoodFireflies Childcare LimitedMohair Centre ChildcareLittle PAWS Nursery School, Expected standard or betterPebbles DaycareCherry Blossom Preschool, Expected standard or betterWise Owls, part of Ripe Nursery SchoolSummerfields NurseryPuddle Ducks Nursery Salehurst, Expected standard or betterMaggie's Day Nursery PolegateHellingly PreschoolThe Nest in Laughton, part of Ripe Nursery School, Strong standard in every areaBexhill Independent Special SchoolAshdown Garden SchoolUnion Corner Pre-School, GoodNutley Preschool Playgroup, GoodEmmanuel Pre School, GoodRoadend Farm Nursery, GoodMayfield Preschool, OutstandingWestfield Playgroup, GoodStone Cross Independent Pre-School, OutstandingGroombridge Pre-School, GoodNewick Pre-school, OutstandingMicklefield Nursery School, GoodSilverhill Playgroup, GoodHoneybees Pre-School, OutstandingBeckley Preschool, GoodPark Road Under Fives, GoodBattle Pre-School Playgroup, GoodRainbow Nursery, GoodHoram Community Pre-School, GoodSt Mary's Nursery School, GoodBroad Oak Pre-school, OutstandingExplorers Seaford Nursery, OutstandingCatsfield Pre-School, GoodFairlight Playgroup, GoodSt. John's Preschool, GoodThe Co-Operative Childcare Sussex, Expected standard or betterManor Twiglets NurseryPoppetts Pre-SchoolRobsack Wood NurseryPuddle Ducks Nursery Hurst GreenThe Kids CollectiveBusy Bees at HailshamKiddie Capers, Hailsham
  • Outstanding51
  • Good210
  • Requires improvement5
  • Inadequate5
  • Not graded yet120
Your council

How school places work in East Sussex

Apply through the council where you live, even for a school in another council's area. Independent schools take applications directly.

About East Sussex

East Sussex is a county council area in the South East with 144 mainstream primary schools and 23 mainstream secondary schools. Towns with the most schools include Eastbourne, Hastings and Bexhill-on-Sea. 86.3% got their first-choice secondary school, against 83.6% across England.

Good to know in East Sussex

  • East Sussex has an online directory, ESCIS, for finding nurseries, childminders, playgroups and holiday clubs. Source
  • Wraparound childcare for primary-aged children runs before and after school, from 8am to 6pm. Source
  • Free holiday clubs (HAF) are available for children aged 5 to 16 on benefit-related free school meals or with special educational needs. Source
  • Family hubs offer advice and services for families with children aged 0 to 19, or up to 25 for those with SEND. Source

From East Sussex council's website, checked 7 November 2026. Check the council's pages before you apply.

Key dates each year

31 October
Secondary school applications close
15 January
Primary school applications close
1 March
Secondary school offers
16 April
Primary school offers

If a date falls on a weekend or bank holiday, offers go out the next working day.

91.1%got their first-choice primary school in East Sussex in 2026. England: 92.4%. Ranked 106 of 151 councils. 97.7% got one of their top three.1.9% were offered a primary school in another council. England: 3.6%.

86.3%got their first-choice secondary school in East Sussex in 2026. England: 83.6%. Ranked 67 of 151 councils. 95.9% got one of their top three.3.5% were offered a secondary school in another council. England: 8.0%.

Source: DfE applications and offers, 2026. A low rate shows high demand, not poor schools.

2 of 42 primary appeals heard in East Sussex succeeded in 2025. 35 of 169 secondary appeals heard in East Sussex succeeded in 2025.

Nearby councils

By age

What's on offer for each age

Pick a stage to see every East Sussex school for that age, with filters for type, faith and Ofsted grade.

More ways to narrow it down

Here's how East Sussex's schools break down by type, faith and more.

Towns

Schools in each part of East Sussex

The blue bar is the average Eduscope score of the primary schools in each town. The black line is the East Sussex average, 45.

Browse East Sussex by postcode

Some areas, like parts of a bigger town, are easiest to find by postcode.

East Sussex vs England

How good are East Sussex's schools?

Inspections, exam results and attendance, next to the figure for England where we have it.

Numbers that sum up East Sussex

East SussexEngland

  • Primaries rated Good or Outstanding

    Latest Ofsted grade, 99 primaries with one.

    94%

    England 96%

    Close to England

  • Secondaries rated Good or Outstanding

    13 of the 15 with a grade.

    87%

    England 93%

    Below England

  • Met the expected standard at 11

    Reading, writing and maths.

    61%

    England 62%

    Close to England

  • Grade 5 or above in English and maths

    At GCSE.

    44%

  • Pupils who miss a lot of school

    Missed 1 in 10 days or more. Lower is better.

    20%

    England 18%

    Worse than England

  • Primary pupils on free school meals

    A sign of family income, not of school quality.

    24%

Ofsted grades

Latest graded inspection for the 134 schools that have one.

94%

Good or Outstanding

Each square is 1% of schools.

  • Outstanding17
  • Good109
  • Requires improvement3
  • Inadequate5

How it has changed

East Sussex in blue. There were no tests in 2020 and 2021 because of Covid.

Met the expected standard at 11
Covid gap50%60%70%20182019202320242025
61% in 2025. England now 62% (dashed line).
Grade 5 or above in English and maths
30%45%60%201820192020202120222023202420252026
44% in 2026.
Pupils who miss a lot of school
Covid gap0%15%30%20142015201620172018201920212022202320242025
20% in 2025. England now 18% (dashed line).

The figures in full

The latest published year for each measure. Sources and years are on our data sources page.

MeasureEast SussexEngland
Good or Outstanding (Ofsted)94%95%
Met the expected standard at 11 (KS2)61%62%
Attainment 843.746.2
Persistent absence20%18%
Pupils per teacher17.6:117.9:1
Spending per pupil£7,694£8,120
In education or work after 1690%91%
Went on to higher education43%56%
Pupils with special educational needs21%21%
Pupils with English as an additional language8%22%
Pupils on free school meals25%27%

DfE local authority code 845, ONS code E10000011.

Living here

What it's like for families

East Sussex has 392 schools and nurseries across 11 towns and villages, the biggest being Eastbourne, Hastings, Bexhill-on-Sea and Crowborough.

There are 2% more pupils than in 2018.

24% of primary pupils here get free school meals. Schools get extra money for each of them.

Pupil numbers

Pupils in East Sussex's state schools each January.

Up 2% since 2018. More children can mean popular schools fill up faster.

Free school meals

Out of every 10 primary pupils, how many get free school meals. It's a sign of family income, not of school quality.

East Sussex24%

Keep up with schools in East Sussex

Follow any school and we'll email you when it gets a new Ofsted report or new results are out. Nothing else.

Find a school to follow
Questions

Questions parents ask about East Sussex

How many schools are in East Sussex?

East Sussex has 392 schools, including 181 primary schools, 64 secondary schools, 175 nurseries, 28 independent schools, 28 special schools. Some count in more than one group. You can browse each category using the filters on Eduscope.

What are the best schools in East Sussex?

The highest-ranked schools in East Sussex on Eduscope are Ark Little Ridge Primary Academy, Ark Blacklands Primary Academy, St Peter and St Paul CofE Primary School. We rank each state school against schools of the same phase across England on its Ofsted inspection, results and attendance. Independent, special and nursery schools aren't ranked.

What percentage of schools in East Sussex are rated Good or Outstanding?

94% of inspected schools in East Sussex hold a Good or Outstanding Ofsted rating, which is below the England average of 94.8%. This includes 17 schools rated Outstanding and 109 rated Good.

How do primary schools in East Sussex perform at Key Stage 2?

Across primary schools in East Sussex, 61% of pupils meet the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths at Key Stage 2. This is based on the latest published results from the Department for Education.

What is the average pupil-teacher ratio in East Sussex?

The average pupil-teacher ratio across schools in East Sussex is 17.6:1. While not a direct measure of class size, this indicates the level of teaching resource available per pupil. Across England it is 17.9:1.

What is the persistent absence rate in East Sussex schools?

The persistent absence rate across schools in East Sussex is 20.4%. A pupil is classed as persistently absent if they miss 10% or more of school sessions. Across England it is 18.1%.

How many pupils attend schools in East Sussex?

There are 66,397 pupils enrolled across schools in East Sussex, with 36,094 in primary and 30,303 in secondary. 24.9% of pupils are eligible for free school meals.

How many private schools are in East Sussex?

There are 28 independent schools in East Sussex. Fees vary by school and age group, with day school fees typically ranging from £10,000 to £20,000 per year. You can compare all private schools in East Sussex on Eduscope, including ISI inspection ratings where available.

How do I choose the right school in East Sussex?

Start by considering your child's age, your location, and whether you prefer a state or independent school. Use Eduscope to compare 392 schools in East Sussex by Ofsted ratings, exam results, and distance. Filter by school type, gender, religious character, and admissions policy to narrow your options.

Sources: DfE school performance tables, DfE school census and workforce, DfE pupil absence, Ofsted. Photos are stand-ins.

Search

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