Boarding

Bede's Boarding School in East Sussex

If you are considering Boarding Schools in Sussex, consider Bede's. Boarding can begin at Bede’s as early as Year 5 and boarders at Bede’s Prep School remain at the boarding house, Meads End, which is located across from the main school on Eastbourne seafront, through until Year 8.

Life at Meads End provides the perfect introduction to boarding for younger children and families can opt to full, weekly or flexi board. 

With only around 25 children at Meads End it has the feel of a very large family with staff and pupils who all work hard, play hard and above all look after each other.

During the week we have early-evening activities as well as movie nights. Those who stay over the weekend enjoy regular trips to the cinema, Sky High Trampoline Park or just get out and about to enjoy the local countryside. 

The transition through to boarding at Bede’s Senior School is supported through a programme of visits and sleepovers with the aim of ensuring that children feel comfortable with the boarding houses at the Senior School long before they actually move up there. By Year 8 most boarders are ready to move on to the new challenges of senior school boarding, but others may need a more gentle transition and the Houseparents at Bede’s Prep will work closely with Bede’s Head of Boarding to advise on how pupils can best be supported through the settling in process.

Boarders at Bede’s live in one of five stunning boarding houses, which are purpose-built and provide some of the most impressive boarding facilities in the country.

The designs ensure that there are large, open plan common areas with room for study and relaxation.  Pupils can be full boarders, staying over the weekend to take advantage of the comprehensive programme of trips and activities or opt to weekly board, allowing them to make the most of their weeks at Bede’s whilst also enjoying quality time with their families at the weekend.  We also have an option to day board which involves participating in evening late stay for prep or evening activities before heading home on the late bus. 

But boarding at Bede’s Senior School is about more than just fancy rooms; our staff are committed and passionate about providing a rich and supportive boarding experience to every pupil. 

Each house is led by a Housemaster or Housemistress who is supported by his teach of tutors and matrons as well as the prefect team and together they help each young person develop qualities such as patience, compassion, self-discipline and independence, acquiring a sense of place within their house, their school and, ultimately, the world.