History of Bede's Prep

Bede's Prep was founded in 1895 with a roll of four boys.

In 1902 it moved from its then-site in Blackwater Road to its current, grander premises where it is nestled on a cliff top above Beachy Head, affording stunning views of the sea and sharing a border with South Downs National Park.

Over its century of existence the school has produced a number of notable alumni, including Eddie Izzard and Nicky Henson, but across those 100 years much has changed.

During the War the school was evacuated and the building was used for the training of over 2,000 code-breakers, in 1968 the school accepted its first girl pupil, and in 1971 the school evolved into a charity, St Bede's Trust Sussex.

Out of the success of Bede's Prep School, Bede's Senior School was then founded in 1979.

More recently, there have a number of further developments, including the construction of a Sports Hall and swimming pool, a pirate ship Holywell playground, a refurbishment of Downs House and Nursery, a new astro and dining room and classrooms.