Seaford College is an international school in Petworth, United Kingdom. Founded in 1925. It serves 962 students for students aged 5–18.
Explore This School
Location & getting here
Setting
Semi-rural
Nearest station
Amberley8.7 km away
Nearest town
Petworth7 km
Charming historic market town in West Sussex; peaceful rural setting away from major commuter routes; picturesque countryside ideal for a boarding school community.
Nearest airports
Framed for international families — drive times are from the school, not the city centre.
| Airport | Distance | Drive from school | International note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gatwick | 41 km | ~63 min | LGW — good for SE Asia, Middle East via BA/EK/QR |
| Heathrow | 62 km | ~91 min | LHR — gateway for Bangkok, Singapore, Hong Kong, Dubai |
| London City | 81 km | ~115 min | — |
NanaSays Scorecard
Est. 1925
Year Founded
962
Students Enrolled
Boarding Available
SEN Support
Key Details
Support Services
SEN SupportYes
Accreditations
BSA
Languages of Instruction
English
Scholarships Available
Types Available
✓Academic Scholarship — available at 11+, 13+, and 16+ entry, up to 10% fee remission
✓Art Scholarship — available at 11+, 13+, and 16+ entry, up to 10% fee remission
✓Design & Technology Scholarship — available at 13+ and 16+ entry, up to 10% fee remission
✓Music Scholarship — available at 11+, 13+, and 16+ entry, 50% reduction on music lessons plus up to 10% fee remission
✓Dance Scholarship — available at 11+, 13+, and 16+ entry, 50% reduction on dance classes plus up to 10% fee remission
✓Drama Scholarship — available at 11+, 13+, and 16+ entry, 50% reduction on LAMDA classes plus up to 10% fee remission
✓Sport Scholarship — available at 11+, 13+, and 16+ entry, up to 10% fee remission; specialist opportunities in equestrian, golf, and sailing at 13+/16+
Bursaries (means-tested): Means-tested bursaries available at 13+ and 16+ entry for families demonstrating financial need; awards at discretion of governors; school actively seeks to support outstanding candidates from the maintained sector, particularly in sport
💡 Scholarship amounts and bursary likelihood analysis are in the Full Deep Report.
Merit-based Scholarships
ISI Inspection Report
The school requested a material change to extend its age range to include Reception (age 4) and increase capacity from 950 to 1021 pupils. The inspection found the school is likely to meet relevant Independent School Standards if the material change is implemented, with robust safeguarding, effective leadership, and comprehensive planning for the expansion. The material change is recommended for approval.
ISI Standards
Met
Key Strengths
broad curriculum supported by effective schemes of work
specialist teaching in subjects including languages and physical education
Lessons are well planned and engaging and pupils make good progress
effective assessment framework which focuses on progress and benchmarks against national norms
robust safeguarding culture with effective staff training
effective personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) education programme
proactive approach in promoting good mental health amongst pupils
comprehensive planning for the material change with appropriate risk mitigation
effective oversight of safeguarding by designated leaders and governors
Key facts
Founded
1925
Ages
5–18 (Co-ed)
Pupils on roll
962
Fees
$ 11,394–$ 54,369 / year
Inspectorate
ISI
Fees & the true cost of attendance
Published fees · inclusive of VAT
| Phase | Per term | Per year |
|---|---|---|
| Senior School Full Boarding (Years 9-13) | £18,123 | £54,369 |
| Senior School Weekly Boarding (Years 9-13) | £15,866 | £47,598 |
| Senior School Day (Years 9-13) | £11,692 | £35,076 |
| Junior Weekly Boarding (Years 7-8) | £12,446 | £37,338 |
| Junior Day (Years 7-8) | £9,359 | £28,077 |
| Year 6 Weekly Boarding | £11,762 | £35,286 |
| Year 6 Day | £8,607 | £25,821 |
| Year 5 Day | £6,463 | £19,389 |
| Year 4 Day | £6,019 | £18,057 |
| Year 3 Day | £5,631 | £16,893 |
| Year 2 Day | £4,800 | £14,400 |
| Year 1 Day | £4,537 | £13,611 |
| Reception Day | £3,798 | £11,394 |
Compulsory extras (on top of tuition)
| Item | Frequency | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| House Fund - Heden Hall and Court | Per year | £180 |
| House Fund - Mansion & Walled Garden East and West | Per year | £144 |
| House Fund - Prep Boarding | Per year | £90 |
| House Fund - The Prep School | Per year | £54 |
| House Fund - Senior Day Students | Per year | £27 |
| House Fund - Old Seafordian Fee (Senior only) | Per year | £15 |
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.
Scholarships & financial assistance
Merit-based scholarships (7 types)
Academic Scholarship — available at 11+, 13+, and 16+ entry, up to fee remission10% fee remission
Art Scholarship — available at 11+, 13+, and 16+ entry, up to fee remission10% fee remission
Design & Technology Scholarship — available at 13+ and 16+ entry, up to fee remission10% fee remission
Music Scholarship — available at 11+, 13+, and 16+ entry, reduction on music lessons plus up to 10% fee remission50% fee remission
Dance Scholarship — available at 11+, 13+, and 16+ entry, reduction on dance classes plus up to 10% fee remission50% fee remission
Drama Scholarship — available at 11+, 13+, and 16+ entry, reduction on LAMDA classes plus up to 10% fee remission50% fee remission
Sport Scholarship — available at 11+, 13+, and 16+ entry, up to fee remission; specialist opportunities in equestrian, golf, and sailing at 13+/16+10% fee remission
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.
Means-tested bursaries — the school looks at your family income and can offer a much larger discount than any scholarship. Means-tested bursaries available at 13+ and 16+ entry for families demonstrating financial need; awards at discretion of governors; school actively seeks to support outstanding candidates from the maintained sector, particularly in sport Ask the Bursar directly — these are rarely advertised prominently.
About
Seaford College is a co-educational, non-selective boarding school that welcomes students of all abilities and backgrounds. The school aims to educate the whole person, nurturing individuality and enabling each student to achieve their potential both academically and personally.
School data verified by NanaSays. Last updated: April 2026.
What Makes This School Different
Peer Mentor Programme
Year 12 and 13 students mentor younger pupils; 40+ mentors work daily across prep school, common rooms, and library, with 1:1 mentoring for students in difficulty
Challenge Grade System
ambitious but realistic individual targets based on cognitive ability tests and attainment data, colour-coded dashboard showing whether pupils are on track, exceeding, or need intervention
Data Interview Programme
one-hour meetings between each pupil, parent, and Deputy Head to review baseline ability, current achievement, and barriers to learning, designed to build self-esteem and unlock potential
Learning Pathways
students grouped by subject ability within classes, allowing teachers to tailor pace and approach individually
Ad Alta Sports Scholars
three-tier mentoring programme (Young Athlete, Developing Athlete, Performance Athlete) with seminar series from world-class athletes and coaches
Scholars Programmes
enrichment tracks across Academic (philosophy, extended essay), Creative Arts (pottery, gallery visits, mixed media), Performing Arts (ensemble work, National Youth Theatre auditions), and Sports
Clubs & Activities
Girls STEM Club (working toward CREST awards)Remote Control Car Club (with dedicated Seaford track and new timing devices)Board Game Club (Risk, Traitors, Codenames, Genius Square)Jewellery Club (silversmithing in bespoke Jewellery Studio)Prep School Science ClubBushcraft Club (forest school activities)Sailing (on Prinsted Channel with heavy weather training)Equestrian (show jumping, evenings, cross-country training with Tina Cook)Combined Cadet Force — Army, Royal Navy, RAF sectionsDuke of Edinburgh Award (Bronze, Silver, Gold)+9 more
Expeditions include: Duke of Edinburgh Expedition Training Day (Year 9, 57 participants, 12k walk), Forest of Dean Expedition (Silver DofE, June), Goodwood Home Farm (Year 7 Geography, organic farming and animal encounters), Pallant House Art Gallery, Chichester (Year 7/8 Scholars, ceramic workshop), Champs Hill, Coldwaltham (Year 7 Scholars, Summer Term) and 12 more.
Academic Results
Oxbridge 2024-25
3
University Destinations 2024-25
University of Oxford3DurhamExeterNottinghamSouthamptonLeeds
Admissions
| Entry point | Assessment | Assessment date | Registration deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prep School Reception to Year 8 (ages 4–13) | Discovery Sessions (Reception); Taster Days (Years 1–6); Experience Days (Year 7); CAT4 Ability Tests (Years 6–7) | Taster/Experience Days and CAT4 tests administered in term before entry | At least 18 months prior to intended entry; specific example: Year 7 entry September 2026 required registration by 1 October 2025 |
| Senior School Year 9 (age 13–14) | ISEB Common Pre-Tests (Verbal Reasoning, Non-Verbal Reasoning, Maths, English) taken in Year 6 at current school; school references and reports | Pre-tests taken in Year 6; offers made mid-January | At least 3 years prior to intended entry |
| Senior School Years 10–11 (ages 14–15) | Contact admissions; entry may be possible on case-by-case basis | Contact admissions | Contact admissions |
| Sixth Form Year 12 (age 16–17) | Academic Transfer Meeting with Director of Sixth Form (informal interview); minimum 45 GCSE points (grade 6 in English and Maths required for A Level); predicted GCSE grades and references | Academic Transfer Meeting timing not specified; conditional offers mid-January; final confirmation August after GCSE results | At least 1.5 years prior to intended entry |
How to apply
- Attend Open Morning or arrange personal visit to school
- Complete registration form and submit £120 registration fee
- Request school reports (Prep), academic and personal references (all entry points), predicted grades (Sixth Form)
- Attend Taster Day, Experience Day, or Discovery Session (Prep/Senior); sit ISEB pre-tests in Year 6 (Year 9 entry); attend Academic Transfer Meeting (Sixth Form)
- Receive offer based on references, reports, assessments, and fit with school environment
- Secure place with £2,000 deposit (Year 9 and Sixth Form); deposit amount not specified for Prep
What you'll need to submit
- Registration form
- £120 registration fee
- School reports and any specialist reports (Prep School entries)
- Academic and personal references from current school (all entry points)
- ISEB Common Pre-Tests results (Year 9 entry; taken in Year 6 at current school)
- CAT4 Ability Test results (Prep Years 6–7 entry)
- Confidential references with predicted GCSE grades (Sixth Form Year 12)
Open events
- Open Mornings: 9 May 2026, 26 September 2026, 21 November 2026, 6 March 2027, 8 May 2027 (9–11am Saturdays)
- Sixth Form Open Evening: 8 October 2026 (6:15–8:15pm)
- Personal tours available by arrangement year-round
- Taster Days and Experience Days for prospective Prep and Senior School students during school day
Scholarships: Scholarships and Bursaries available at all entry points; specific award types and values not detailed in admissions pages. For Sixth Form, scholarship assessments occur after place acceptance.
Comprehensive admissions info found across multiple dedicated pages. School accepts mid-year entries where spaces available. Two key deposits: £120 registration fee (all entry points), £2,000 to secure place (Year 9 and Sixth Form confirmed; Prep deposit amount not specified). ISEB pre-tests for Year 9 entry taken at current school in Year 6, not at Seaford.
Why Families Choose
- Inclusive, non-selective approach
- Accommodates both academically gifted students and those with learning challenges
- Oxbridge successes
- Whole-person education
University Destinations
Oxford
Cambridge
Student Demographics
School Type
co-ed
Age Range
5 – 18
Student Body
Boarding capacity180
School Background
Governance & Ownership
Independent
Sports Programme
306
teams across 16 sports
Signature Sports
HockeyCricketNetballRugby UnionTennis
Teams by Sport
Hockey
63
teams
Cricket
51
teams
Netball
45
teams
Rugby Union
35
teams
Tennis
18
teams
Cross Country
27
teams
Rugby Sevens
8
teams
Golf
4
teams
Swimming
2
teams
Hockey Sevens
43
teams
Rugby Tens
1
teams
Hockey Sixes
1
teams
Padel
3
teams
Tag Rugby
2
teams
Football
2
teams
Aerobics
1
teams
Also Offered
Athletics
Recent Highlights
NationalHockey - U13 girls won ISHC Plate Championship2023
NationalRugby - U15 won Plate at John Fisher 7s2026
NationalNetball - U16A reached last 16 in Sisters n Sport Cup2026
NationalGolf - 1st Team reached British Schools National Finals and won regional title2026
Facilities
Seven rugby pitchesFive outdoor netball courtsTwo indoor netball courtsSix tennis courtsAthletics trackFive cricket pitchesHockey astroturf pitch20-metre swimming poolSports and Performing Arts Centre (gymnasium, conditioning suite, spin room, climbing wall, dance studio)
Director of Sport: Christian Head
Frequently Asked Questions
Contact the admissions office at Seaford College directly for current fee information.