Brighton College is a GCSE / A-Level school in Brighton, United Kingdom. Founded in 1845. It serves 1,287 students for students aged 11–19.
Explore This School
Location & getting here
Vibrant coastal city with diverse cultural scene, direct rail access to London, and international atmosphere. Popular with expat families seeking seaside energy and transport connectivity.
Nearest airports
Framed for international families — drive times are from the school, not the city centre.
| Airport | Distance | Drive from school | International note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gatwick | 37 km | ~58 min | LGW — good for SE Asia, Middle East via BA/EK/QR |
| Heathrow | 76 km | ~109 min | LHR — gateway for Bangkok, Singapore, Hong Kong, Dubai |
| London City | 77 km | ~110 min | — |
NanaSays Scorecard
Key Details
Scholarships Available
Means-tested bursaries are available. Contact the school admissions office for details.
Academic Performance
ISI Inspection Report
All Independent School Standards are met across all areas inspected. Leaders have created an environment where pupils flourish academically and participate fully in enriching opportunities. The school demonstrates significant strengths in its diverse curriculum, effective teaching, culture of kindness, and welcoming boarding provision.
Key facts
Fees & the true cost of attendance
Published fees · inclusive of VAT
| Phase | Per term | Per year |
|---|---|---|
| Prep School Day (Year 1-6) | £4,750 | £14,250 |
| Lower School Day (Year 7) | £8,000 | £24,000 |
| Lower School Day (Year 8) | £8,700 | £26,100 |
| Senior School Day (Year 9-11) | £10,470 | £31,410 |
| Senior School Day (Year 12-13) | £10,970 | £32,910 |
| Senior School Weekly Boarding (Year 9-11) | £15,290 | £45,870 |
| Senior School Weekly Boarding (Year 12-13) | £15,760 | £47,280 |
| Senior School Full Boarding (Year 9-11) | £18,130 | £54,390 |
| Senior School Full Boarding (Year 12-13) | £19,140 | £57,420 |
| Overseas Day (Year 7-8) | £8,000 | £24,000 |
| Overseas Day (Year 9-13) | £10,470 | £31,410 |
| Overseas Full Boarding (Year 9-11) | £22,430 | £67,290 |
| Overseas Full Boarding (Year 12-13) | £23,640 | £70,920 |
Compulsory extras (on top of tuition)
| Item | Frequency | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Entrance Fee (first term only) | One-time | £120 |
| Personal Accident Insurance | Per term | — |
| Brighton College Society (Senior School) | Per year | £42 |
Budget beyond the sticker price. Assume the real annual spend is 5–15% higher than the headline fee. Hidden costs typically include: registration fee, acceptance deposit (usually one term's fees, refundable at the end of schooling), uniform + sports kit, trips and expeditions, individual music tuition, exam entry fees, travel to/from home.
Ask the Bursar for a sample "all-in" first-year invoice before committing.
Merit-based scholarships (10 types)
ℹ️ This school has not published the exact % fee remission for each award. Ask the admissions team directly — typical independent school scholarships range from 5% to 50% of fees.
About
Brighton College is one of England's leading co-educational boarding schools, comprising a Senior School (ages 13-18) and Lower School (ages 11-13). Recognized as the UK School of the Decade by The Sunday Times, the college is known for exceptional A-Level and GCSE results, with 97% of A-Level grades at A*-B and 94.49% of GCSE grades at 9/8/7. The school combines academic excellence with progressive values, located in Brighton—one of the UK's most vibrant and inclusive cities.
School data verified by NanaSays. Last updated: April 2026.
What Makes This School Different
Academic Results
Admissions
| Entry point | Assessment | Assessment date | Registration deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11+ (Year 7) | Academic Assessment Day (Maths, English, Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning) in early December; Interview and Activities Day in January | Early December and January | By October recommended |
| 13+ (Year 9) | ISEB Common Pre-Tests (Year 6); Orientation Day in February (activities, interviews, English and Maths assessments) | ISEB tests in Year 6; Orientation Day in February | As soon as possible; 1 October 2025 for 2027/2028 entry |
| 16+ (Year 12) | Interview and assessments in English and Mathematics | Assessments in Autumn of Year 11 | Early September before year of entry |
| Overseas (all entry points) | Individual interview (in person or via Microsoft Teams); assessments in English and Mathematics at approved invigilation centre | Flexible | Early September before year of entry |
How to apply
- Visit the College at an Open Morning or arrange individual term-time visit
- Complete online registration form
- Attend Taster Days (for 11+ entry: May, September, November)
- Sit entrance assessments (ISEB pre-tests for 13+; Academic Assessment Day for 11+)
- Attend Interview and Activities Day or Orientation Day
- Receive offer letter and scholarship notification
- Confirm acceptance and pay Confirmation Deposit
- Attend summer term visit and meet Housemaster/Housemistress
What you'll need to submit
- Online registration form
- Portfolio of work (for art scholarship candidates)
- Chess CV and school/club report (for chess scholarship candidates)
- Prepared monologue (for drama scholarship candidates)
- Performance of two pieces on two instruments (for music scholarship candidates)
Open events
- Open Mornings held on Saturdays throughout the year (typically one or two per term)
- Saturday 9 May 2026 — Prep School Open Morning
- Saturday 26 September 2026 — College Open Morning
- Saturday 10 October 2026 — College Open Morning
- Taster Days (May, September, November for Lower School applicants)
- Individual visits available throughout term time during weekdays
Scholarships: Academic, Art, Chess, Choral, Dance, Drama, Music, Sport, and Millennium scholarships at 11+ and 13+. Sixth Form scholarships also available. Bursaries for day pupils Years 7-13.
Admissions contact: Anthony Merritt (Head of Admissions – Senior School): 01273 704284, [email protected]; Alison Westbrook (Head of Admissions – Prep School): 01273 704343, [email protected]
Registration recommended at least one year prior to entry for Year 7. Main entry point is Year 9 (13+). Boarding available from Year 9 onwards at Brighton College; Year 4 onwards at Handcross Park Prep School (sister school). Visas Coordinator available for Child Student study visa sponsorship for overseas pupils.
Why Families Choose
Academic excellence (UK School of the Decade), boarding facilities (407 places), modern facilities (£55m School of Science and Sport), progressive diversity and inclusion agenda, excellent location with proximity to London (50 minutes) and Gatwick Airport (30 minutes)
University Destinations
Student Life
Facilities & Programmes
Student Demographics
School Background
Independent
United Kingdom School of the Decade (The Sunday Times)England's Independent School of the Year 2019Most Forward-Thinking School in Britain (The Week magazine, 2017-2018)Independent School of the Year 2013-14 (Independent Schools Awards)